THE JOURNAL

Want some paltry proof that every cloud does indeed have a silver lining? Then take comfort in the fact that, thanks to a certain virus that won’t quit, the rugby scrums at the January sales are a thing of the past. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t all still love the thrill of bagging a bargain. Luckily, shopping the MR PORTER Sale is a somewhat more civilised experience, merely requiring some nifty clicking on your part. To streamline that experience even further, we’ve lined up 10 hero pieces that you’ll definitely want to nab before anyone else has the chance to. Fingers at the ready, gentlemen.
01.
The chill-beating jacket

While you may or may not have had the joy of a white Christmas, we can certainly feel a chill in the air. But with this practical jacket from NOMA t.d., you’ll be able to face any arctic blasts that blow into town without ill effect. Cut from a hardy ripstop and plumped with cold busting natural down, it’s a worthy investment to see you through many a frosty week to come.
02.
The good omen shirt

After the Pandora’s box of delights that has been the past two years, we could all do with some goodwill in 2022. Story Mfg. clearly got the memo with this tie-dye CND-motif shirt, which exudes all the artisanal flair the brand is famed for. It’s made from airy organic linen, which, with any luck, will help usher spring along that little bit quicker. Peace out.
03.
The libertine bomber jacket

We’d guess that Mr Hugh Hefner would probably have preferred this AMIRI bomber in smoking-jacket form. However, its tongue-in-check cool and masterful technical construction would surely have impressed the Playboy mogul. Its sheer mesh shell – overlaid on a lustrous satin – incorporates the iconic bunny logo, making it the ideal pick-me-up to a gloomy January.
04.
The mood-elevating sweater

Numerous scientific studies have shown that colour directly influences our mood. So, for what is officially the dreariest month of the year, it pays dividends to pep up your palette. Pull on this tactile Leith sweater from Séfr and you’ll brighten things up for yourself – and those around you – no end.
05.
The modern tie-dye hoodie

The 1990s are having a triumphant return to the sartorial spotlight at the moment. The proliferation of tie-dye is just some of the hard evidence of the revival. This slouchy Givenchy hoodie has all that retrospective appeal in spades, but its exaggerated silhouette makes it feel more au courant than old hat.
06.
The street-ready sweats

While we’re all raring to get out in the real world in 2022, the comfort of our WFH uniform is something we’ll happily hang on to. In the case of these VETEMENTS sweatpants, you have the best of both words – unashamed comfort with a helping of all-important street-worthiness. They’re just the thing to wear with your box-fresh sneakers that you (hopefully) found under the tree.
07.
The luxe corduroys

Thanks to the efforts of brands such as Ermenegildo Zegna, corduroy has shaken off its fusty, professorial image. This pair of trousers offers a considerable upgrade on its precursors with its cashmere-rich fabric, making it a far cosier and refined alternative to your denim when the mercury’s heading south.
08.
The urban hikers

At a time of year when Mother Nature can potentially wreak havoc with your most prized sneakers, it pays to invest in something with a little more heft underfoot. With their grippy soles and classic mountaineering profile, these Bobby boots by Grenson are just what you need to stay upright on frost-riddled pavements.
09.
The all-round sneakers

Is there such a thing as too many sneakers? Looking at this pair from Common Projects, we’d have to say a resounding “no”. Striking that elusive sweet spot between retrospection and modernity, the monochrome colour scheme will make them the most multi-faceted addition to your ever-growing hoard.
10.
The go-anywhere boots

You can always rely on Diemme to concoct a futuristic vision of a footwear failsafe. And these Balbi boots are a prime case in point. A hybrid of classic suede Chelsea and Wellington-like work boots, they’re a singular design that can handle any unfavourable conditions that you encounter in the course of your wanderings, from slush and snow to errant downpours.