Whether you love it or hate it, Winter is well and truly taking hold and this means it’s time to get your wardrobe ready for those frosty mornings, drizzly days and everything else that the season brings!
Though it’s tempting to hide underneath your duvet and wait out the cold weather like a small mammal in hibernation, unfortunately this isn’t really feasible in real life, so you may as well embrace the chilly months and play them out in style.
As the seasons transition, there are a few things that every man needs in their wardrobe to ensure they’re equipped for the weather shift and simultaneously look pretty fab, so we’ve put together a checklist of all the winter wardrobe essentials every man should own.
Heavy duty outwear
Over the next few months there are going to be days when the weather feels absolutely bitter, so it’s important that you have a decent heavy duty coat to throw on and keep yourself snug. A puffer jacket or parka should do the trick for those off duty occasions, providing plenty of insulation to keep the heat in, while a hooded design will protect you from the elements. For smarter occasions it is well worth investing in a more tailored woolen design such as a peacoat, that will complement a formal outfit and add a little luxury to your look.
When investing in a coat it’s essential that you consider its versatility and opt for one that can be worn with a large part of your wardrobe. Something in a neutral tone that is inkeeping with the general tone of your wardrobe is always a good bet. For example, if you generally go for a refined look from day to day, a loose fitting parka may not work for you, while the same goes for a tailored design with a tracksuit heavy wardrobe.
SHOP: Michael Kors Puffa Coat / J. Lindeberg Wolger Coat / Canada Goose Langford Parka / Joseph Caversham Coat / Stone Island Parka
A lightweight jacket
Our British winters can be a bit unpredictable and while one day it may be snowing, the next will be a lot milder to the point you almost want to dig out your summer garms. For this reason every man should own a lightweight jacket. A leather, wax cotton or bomber jacket is ideal for layering up on those less biting days and will carry you smoothly from season to season.
SHOP: Lyle & Scott Harrington Jacket / Boss Nokam Leather Jacket / PS Heart Bomber Jacket / Belstaff Trail Master Jacket / Barbour International Quilted Jacket
Quality knitwear
Knitwear is a staple part of ever man’s winter wardrobe and is a must have for keeping yourself kitted out over the colder months. To play it safe, invest in a few pieces of varying weight, as whereas thick knits are perfect for keeping you snug on the chilliest of days, lighter pieces work best when you’re layering. Knitwear can be incredibly versatile and those simple staple pieces can work just as well for casual occasions as the do more formal ones.
A chunky cable knit design looks fantastic paired with jeans for a laid back off duty look, while a roll neck design can create a slightly more sophisticated look ideal for evening or work wear. Whereas neutral tones such as black, grey and cream are best for versatility, having a few items in a bright colour or bold design are great for brightening up a dull winter colour scheme.
SHOP: Polo Ralph Lauren V Neck Jumper / Joseph Roll Neck Jumper / John Smedley Crew Neck Jumper / Edwin Cable Knit Jumper
Weatherproof footwear
Unfortunately we’re not blessed with the best of weather over here in the UK and October through to March tends to be a bit on the damp side. To stop yourself from getting soggy feet, make sure you have some sturdy weatherproof shoes to tide you through the season. Boots are always a good bet, as they’re built to offer efficient traction and keep your feet comfy and warm.
A chunky leather chukka boot is perfect for day to day wear, paired with jeans or a pair of chinos. Brands such as Timberland and UGG do some great styles that are both practical and stylish.
For a smarter look, Chelsea or Derby boots will perfectly complement a work or evening look, while being weather appropriate.
SHOP: Paul Smith Jarmantan Derby Boots / UGG Freamon Boot / Timberland 6 Inch Premium Boots / Grenson Nolan Chelsea Boot
Versatile scarves
No winter look is complete with an accompanying scarf and second to a thick winter coat, it’s the best defence against the elements. They’re fantastic for wrapping up warm in and have real potential to add some real character to your look. A plain design in a neutral hue is great for throwing on over the top of almost anything, while a check or textured design will create more of a statement.
There are a number of different ways to wear your scarf depending on the vibe you want to give off. The classic knot is ideal for work and other smart occasions and can be achieved by simply folding the scarf in half length-wise, wrapping it around your neck and pulling the loose ends through the loop. For day to day wear a wrap around look may be more suitable, created by wrapping the entire length around your neck, ensuring the loose ends are tucked in to secure it. A further option is the simple draped look, which shows off more of the scarf and is suited to the more fashion conscious male.
SHOP: Barbour Tartan Scarf / Boss Cashmere Tassel Scarf / Paul Smith Striped Tassel Scarf / Armani Jeans Ribbed Scarf / Polo Ralph Lauren Check Scarf
Snug beanies
Your accessorising doesn’t have to finish with a scarf, as a beanie may be just what you need to keep that heat in. Many people shy away from beanies through fear of it looking a bit like a tea cosy on their head, but with so many to choose from you’re bound to find one to suit. The more understated the design, the easier to pull off, so opt for something in black, grey or beige if you don’t want to make too much of a statement.
SHOP: Barbour Cassop Beanie / Polo Ralph Lauren Beanie / Stone Island Beanie / Armani Jeans Ribbed Beanie / C.P. Company Goggle Beanie
Gloves
Your hands are often exposed to the cold a lot more than the rest of your body so it’s important that you look after them over the winter months! Having numb hands is never pleasant, so a pair of gloves will feel like a gift from above on those bitter winter days. Though a knitted pair will do the trick and are better suited for active wear, a quality pair of leather gloves will be much more durable and have the potential to add a really smart finish to your look. You can even get gloves that are compatible with your touch screen devices these days, so you no longer have to worry about whipping them off every time a text comes through!
SHOP: Polo Ralph Lauren Touch Screen Gloves / Polo Ralph Lauren Wool Gloves / Boss by Hugo Boss Kilox Leather Gloves