Words by Tony Wilkes
It’s easy to see why many people prefer winter dressing. There’s the comfort factor, of course, but also the fact that in one single outfit, you’ve simply got more to play with. Will today be a cardigan or a chunky rollneck, worn with a trench coat or thick shearling jacket? Adding more variables into the mix can lead to complications, though. How does one successfully wear all those layers? How can we look sharp while keeping warm? Here are four effective styling tips for any occasion this winter.
No, the suit is not over – nor, for that matter, are ties. But what does the winter suit look like? With the office no longer central to our lives, the best new tailoring is decidedly softer, with comforting textures and laid-back cuts. Zegna was one of the first to propose this new kind of dressing: the mixing and matching of tailored pieces with skilfully elevated casualwear. A wool-rich blazer worn with a rollneck or knitted polo, or tailored flannel trousers matching a puffer or chore jacket. Other brands that nail this look are Canali – don’t miss its 90th anniversary capsule – and Dunhill. The latter sources its fabrics from heritage mills in England.
Dressing for the cold requires layers: lots of them. Combining colours that are similar in tone ensures cohesion. As a general rule, keep your thick outer layers unbuttoned. Other practical combos? A cardigan under a blazer. A rollneck under an overshirt. And, especially easy, a silk scarf seen through an open shirt collar. Drake’s, a new brand arrival, offers some of our favourites this season – a house signature, each of its scarves are hand-crafted in London.
Did you know that cashmere is seven to eight times warmer, stronger and softer than merino wool? Derived from the fine coats of mountain goats – the best (and rarest) comes from inner Mongolia – cashmere is used by the brands associated with the finest knitwear. Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, available in-store, and our very own Harrods signature collection. This is transformed by traditional artisans in Hawick Mill, Scotland – the same used by Johnstons of Elgin, dating back to 1797.
Harrods
No round-up of the best winter coats would be complete without a winterweight bomber jacket. Once strictly utilitarian, this classic piece has been reinvented with the best designers and fabrics available, while still retaining its functionality and ruggedly masculine charm. And it works with just about anything. A sweatshirt and jeans. A shirt and tailored trousers. Even in the office instead of a blazer. Standouts include those by Enfants Riches Déprimés, a new brand at Harrods, alongside Prada, Lemaire and Isaia – the latter’s Harrods green version is exclusive to us.
