The outfit to opt with for a successful cuffing season .

Judging by the responses to our recent Style Question callouts, you lot seem to be very lucky in love indeed. Maybe there’s something in the air. Or maybe it’s just because the nights are drawing in and we’re all getting ready to hibernate for winter. Regardless, we’ve noticed an uptick in the number of queries regarding date dressing. The last time we tackled this topic, we weighed up whether or not it was sage to wear a hoodie to meet your paramour for the first time (see here for the verdict). This week we’ll be delving deep into something a little more seasonally pertinent: how to style out the cold on your tryst.

**What to wear on a date when it’s arctic cold?

@magnus_a_thor via Instagram **

Well, Mr Thor (incidentally, may we commend you on your excellent, and rather fitting, name), the answer to your question, as with so many sartorial conundrums this time of year, starts and ends with layers. While it’s unclear whether your intended meeting will take place at the actual North Pole, we’ll assume the rendezvous will involve being outside and then, presumably, inside, and thus needs to accommodate dips and peaks of temperature. So, in order to thoroughly address your enquiry, we’ve broken it down to three core elements.

Even if you only wear it at the beginning and the end of the encounter, the coat is the most important component to consider. Like his shoes and internet browsing history, a man’s coat says a lot about him. For romantic encounters, we’d err on the side of caution and go for something smarter. There’s also the whims of the weather to think of: if grey skies are looming overhead, we wouldn’t recommend venturing out in your best shearling, for example. In the event of rain, Herno Laminar’s waterproof raincoat will fare you well – it’s constructed from Gore-Tex and padded with heat-retaining down. Nothing but clear skies on the horizon? Opt for a classic camel number – this one from our latest Mr P. drop is plenty warm, seeing as it’s made from a mix of virgin wool and camel hair, but is buggy lined so there’s plenty of room underneath for layers. Which lead us to…

A sweater is practically a given when combating cold weather, so we’ll keep it short and sweet. As for the specifics, pick a pullover that’s not too bulky nor too fine. A happy mid-gauge in temperature-insulating and regulating merino wool is ideal. Again, lean towards something smarter – a classic crew neck or rollneck – but don’t be afraid of brighter colours. Blue or red, in particular, look excellent with the camel coat above and are likely to make an impression – a good one, we promise.

As for what to wear underneath, conventional wisdom would suggest selecting something heavyweight, such as flannel. But once you start to get toasty inside, you run the risk of overheating. The goal of layering is practicality, not perspiration. Go for a crisp Oxford or a light chambray – something with slight structure that can be smartened up or down depending on where you’re heading. Incotex makes an excellent version of the latter that’s cut for a slim-fit that won’t bunch – a factor to bear in mind when you’re layering under knitwear. Alternatively, a Breton is a fail-safe option for practically every eventuality (and it’ll bless you with the sartorial je ne sais quoi of a Frenchman). Armor Lux – a brand that’s been in the business since 1938 – knits them slightly thicker than most, so, as well as feeling more authentic (and warm), they keep their shape better.

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