There’s a natural temptation to favour form over function when dressing for temperatures in the single (or worse, minus) digits, where phone screen time decreases due to frosty fingers and lunchtime salads are replaced for anything that comes heated.
Naturally, many will start gravitating to their Uniqlo Heattech, which by all means isn't a bad choice, but that needn’t be your only sartorial option. We’ve consulted industry insiders – buyers, celebrity stylists and our very own style team – on what pieces you should be investing in this season to balance fashion with functionality.
Square-Toe Boot
Felicity Kay, Celebrity Stylist
“Trainers and lug sole boots have dominated [the catwalk] for a few seasons, I’m loving a more refined shoe worn casually. A square-toe feels more contemporary over a round toe boot.”
More Options:
Russell & Bromley Burlington Chelsea Boot
Our Legacy Camion Boot
Jimmy Choo Elias Leather Ankle Boot
Winter Trainer
Joseph Furness, Assistant Editor
“You put your trust in Moncler when it comes to winter coats, so why not your winter stompers? This particular pair, designed in collaboration with footwear deity Salehe Bembury, sees a novel topography-inspired upper bolstered by a formidable Vibram sole that’s prepared to tackle any terrain – the rainy streets of your neighbourhood included.”
More Options:
Nike ACG Torre Mid Canvas and Suede Hiking Boots
Diemme + Throwing Fits Roccia Basso Suede and Rubber-Trimmed Canvas Hiking Boots
Saloman XT-6 Expanse Leather Trainer
Wide-Leg Jeans
Olie Arnold, Style Director at Mr Porter
“Wide-leg jeans, and trousers in general, are a must have this season. Not only is it a refreshing shape after the dominance of the skinny over the past decade, but when worn right, the silhouette offers an elegant, and perhaps slightly retro feel. This black pair from Saint Laurent is my top pick this winter; not too baggy, it provides the ideal slouch and will look great teamed with everything from brogues to boots.”
More Options:
Agolde Otto wide-leg mid-rise organic-denim jeans
Arket Ocean Loose Straight Jeans
Séfr Rider Flared Jeans
Classic Knit
Thom Scherdel, Buying Manager for Mens RTW at Browns
“This visvim sweater could sit in your wardrobe for years, standing the test of time as life moves through different phases and fashion makes its way through different trend cycles. Being 100% wool and made in artisanal Japanese mills, it’s a worthy investment and a sensible break from logos and seasonal hype pieces.”
More Options:
Jil Sander Brushed Mohair-Blend Sweater
Loro Piana Ribbed Cotton, Yak and Virgin Wool-Blend Rollneck Sweater
Zegna Crew-Neck Wool-Cashmere Jumper
Wool Trousers
Tom Stubbs, Fashion Journalist and Menswear Stylist
“Connolly’s “Sash” style trousers constitute a style compulsion for me, never mind a ‘must-have’. Wide, straight and elongating these strides are like no others I’ve clapped eyes on or indeed worn. (Connolly’s) Designer Marc Audibet is a quiet genius and his cutting prowess delivers a cool, long-legged-tailored look but with a nonchalant attitude that garners adoration and comment. They are especially drapey and comfortable, realised in Connolly’s own special stretch-wool, while actually enhancing your stance via unique fastening side-gathering strap arrangement working on an elevated waistband that clips Sash’s cool silhouette.”
More Options:
Ted Baker Lopus wide-fit marl-textured stretch wool-blend trousers
Saman Amel Slim-Leg Wool-Twill Suit Trousers
Drake's Games Slim-Fit Pleated Herringbone Wool-Tweed Trousers
Printed Cardigan
Martin Metcalf, Fashion Stylist
“I'm choosing S.S. Daley's knit as my winter essential. Some might say it looks like my Grandma made it, and they'd probably be right, as its inspired by a 1970s knitted landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, however the cropped fit and the buttoned-up neckline ensures it's firmly planted in 2024.”
More Options:
Marni Striped Mohair-Blend Cardigan
The Elder Statesman Shawl-Collar Striped Cashmere Cardigan
Loafers
Johnny Davis, Style Director
“In January I dig out my loafers. Not the flimsy, ground-skimming kind of loafers Milanese men wear without socks/with espressos on pavement cafés in summer, the sort of loafers you can bend in half with one hand, with a stingy bit of leather between their feet and the floor. Something sturdier – penny loafers with thick leather uppers and fat rubber soles. Worn with a pair of chunky woolly socks, they block out the cold and pretty much go with everything. Bonus: you don’t need to faff around with laces, or even bend down to put them on. Ideal if you’re wrapped up in a big coat and gloves. Or, if you’re like me, lazy.”
More Options:
G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Heritage Larkin Glossed-Leather Tasselled Loafers
Grenson Epsom Leather Penny Loafers
Celine Homme Triomphe Embellished Leather Loafers
Overshirt
Bosse Myhr, Director of Menswear, Womenswear and Kidswear at Selfridges
“One of my favourite overshirts this season is this black overshirt from the UK brand of the moment, Cole Buxton. It’s the perfect intermediate item for the in between season. The shape is boxy and a signature for Cole Buxton and, needless to say, black goes with everything.”
More Options:
AllSaints Triton relaxed-fit checked recycled-polyester overshirt
RRL Striped Wool Overshirt
Universal Works Houndstooth Cotton-Corduroy Overshirt
Trench Coat
Alexander Francis, Buyer at Matches
“When it comes to outerwear, timelessness and versatility are key. A Burberry trench coat is always classic and this style is reversible, so depending on your mood or setting, you can switch between the two options and still be protected from the elements.”
More Options:
Mango Classic water-repellent trench coat
The Frankie Shop Emil Twill Trench Coat
