As autumn gets set to merge into winter, many of us have already got our wardrobe updates for the season sorted – but if not, then there’s no time like the present. With socialising back on the cards this winter after last year’s lockdowns, we’re seeing a renewed emphasis on sharp dressing, but after so many months out of practice, it can be difficult to know where to start.
“As we transition from fall to winter, it’s about blending timeless pieces with current trends,” says Men’s Flair magazine editor Ryan Thompson.
“From the classic leather bomber jacket to the denim jean, there are some garments that will never go out of style – but with a host of new trends hitting the catwalks earlier this year, it pays to keep abreast of what’s hot, and what’s not.”
The most effective way to consistently nail seasonal style? According to Thompson: “Invest in some luxurious staple pieces that are designed to last, and mix them up with some edgier key pieces from the current time to ensure you’re never out of vogue.”
From the timeless to the modern, these are the garments every well-dressed male should have in his wardrobe this winter.
The leather jacket
Let’s face it; no winter wardrobe could ever be complete without a leather jacket in it, and classic styles like the bomber and the biker will likely never go out of fashion.
Although we’ve seen some colourful incarnations on the catwalks in recent years, this year it’s all about those traditional blacks and browns, which is great for fans of timeless pieces. If you don’t already have a luxury, designer leather jacket, then don’t hesitate to invest, as not only do they go with just about everything, but will last you for many years to come.
The posh welly
Designer Wellington boots were big news for A/W 2020 – a trend that was fuelled, in part, by ongoing lockdowns and an increase in time spent walking outdoors. The sartorial male knows that even outdoor clothing should adhere to a certain style standard, and in 2021, last year’s favourites are getting an upgrade.
At Jil Sander and Dior, we’ve seen them looking sleeker and more sophisticated than ever, with lace-up detailing giving them the former a distinctively modern twist and military-slim shafts adding an alluring edge to the latter.
To nail the designer welly trend, team with slim-fitting trousers or jeans – tucked in, of course – and go to town on layering on your upper half, finishing with one of this season’s staple woollen overcoats or trenches.
The trench coat
There are certain trends that make their way back on the catwalk season after season, and trench coats are one of them. For autumn/winter 2021, we’re seeing a move away from the modern twists and bold embellishments we’ve seen on them in recent years, removing all the unnecessary extras and focusing instead on an over-sized, voluminous silhouette and an intriguing range of prints.
Of course, a trench simply wouldn’t be a trench without the standard buckle and belt, and at Louis Vuitton and Fendi, you’ll find some fine examples of the latest update on this classic.
The jewellery
Jewellery never goes out of fashion, and from watches to necklaces to cufflinks and more, making sure you have the right additions to your outfit will certainly make it pop.
It’s always wise to have a designer watch or two to hand to add that sleek look and feel to any outfit, especially for special occasions, while a selection of other men’s jewellery such as rings, necklaces and bracelets are always good to have on hand to pair with your casual or smart outfit of choice. This year we’re seeing an uptick in bracelets and necklaces so be sure to style up and add a selection to your collection.
The knitted polo
Classic poplin shirts, it seems, are on their way out this season – at least, for the time being. We don’t expect them to stay away for too long, but for now, it’s all eyes on the knitted polo, with point collars, plackets and buttons giving them a modern update.
Prada’s bright shades make their polos the perfect choice for brightening up a dull and dreary day, not to mention the classically neutral autumn wardrobe – but if you’re not feeling bold enough to pull of the thicker knits and material choices then Fendi and Hermès will willingly come to the rescue with softer and lighter shapes and fabrics instead. Another great option is a knitted Boss polo shirt, which are crafted from high-quality 100 per cent cotton material.
The beanie hat
Once seen as an essential winter warmer that on occasion, you’d set style aside for – but only when really necessary – the beanie is experiencing something of a renaissance, and this year, it’s a wardrobe essential. No longer reserved for icey days outdoors along with unsightly puffers – which have had a moment all of their own of late – the new beanie comes in rich, knitted cashmere and lambswool and is a fashion statement in its own right.
Team with everything from off-duty jeans and leather to sharp suits for a stylish and up-to-the-minute edge – and hide bad hair days with no one being any the wiser.
