Dress Code: What To Wear To Liven Up Your Winter Wardrobe

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Dress Code: What To Wear To Liven Up Your Winter Wardrobe

Words by Ms Lili Göksenin | Photography by Mr Arthur J Comely | Styling by Ms Sophie Robyn Watson

23 January 2024

Ever peer into your closet and think: I don’t want to wear any of this? We know the feeling. The answer is not necessarily to run out and buy a new wardrobe, but there’s no harm in selecting a few pieces that will electrify and excite you for a new season. Especially when that new season is still just as frigid and dreary as January and February tend to be (at least in our part of the world). In that spirit, we’ve styled some outfits that will keep you warm and keep you stylish in the coming months – and which you will be excited to pull on in the morning.

01. The weekend trip

If “hunkering down” isn’t for you, and drives out of the city are more your speed, might we recommend investing in an elegant shearling jacket? It’s a piece that we return to season after season because it’s warm and it’s cool at the same time. (See what we did there?) This one, from Loro Piana, is a stunning example of the form, complete with roomy patch pockets and a sleek silhouette.

Sure, white trousers might seem a risky choice if you’re heading out to the countryside, but cream corduroy De Petrillos will help you standout when your peers are dressed in head to toe black. We’ve added several layers beneath the shearling for extra comfort starting with a wool rollneck from William Lockie, followed by a checked shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren and a denim jacket also by Loro Piana. Layering is, put simply, very stylish with the added benefit of versatility. Don’t forget to pack a few extras in your bag – perhaps this denim and suede tote from RRL.

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02. Dinner with friends

Suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Can’t bring yourself to leave the house after a long working day? Rousing yourself for dinner with friends might be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. Toss on some paint-splattered jeans from LA brand Gallery Dept. They sport a flared silhouette to liven up your life. And no need to feel overwhelmed with the prospect of getting “dressed up”. A logo-printed sweatshirt from SAINT Mxxxxxx underneath an Enfant Riches Déprimés leather jacket is all you need to look your most effortless best.

Luxe accessories won’t go amiss here, either. Gucci leather goods are always in style and are therefore a perfect mid-winter investment. Meanwhile, a horseshoe gold and emerald ring from Jacquie Aiche is sure to bring you lucky while a pendant necklace from 42 SUNS will get tongues wagging. If you’re feeling a bit low this season, a bit of exercise should get the blood flowing. Shove some sneakers and sweats into a Gallery Dept. duffle just in case you can squeeze in a pre-meal gym sesh.

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03. Go for a walk

A brisk walk in the winter sun is exactly what you need. Just make sure you dress the part. The best way to do this is to follow the lead of the pros: start with a base layer from Arc’teryx – it’s made from the brand’s lightweight, breathable proprietary fabric, Phasic LT. Next up is its waterproof, insulated shell, topped with a Moncler Genius quilted down jacket.

We’ve continued our performance theme here with trousers from ACRONYM and socks from Snow Peak, but threw in some luxe bits as well. We love the wool balaclava from Sacai – which comes with matching gloves – for its slightly unusual appeal amid the sea of beanies at this time of year. Diemme’s suede hiking boots wouldn’t look amiss under jeans, making them quite the sartorial workhorse. As is the case with this visvim backpack, which can also come with you to work when you’re not hiking in the woodlands.

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04. The in-person business meeting

No need to get into why we love working from home (sweatpants, sweatpants and sweatpants). However, sometimes it’s necessary meet people in person and therefore to tug on some trousers that fasten with a button instead of a drawstring. Jeans can be acceptable in certain circumstances, just make sure they’re clean, ironed and not of the distressed variety. Selvedge denim fits the bill and The Row just happens to make some perfect straight-legged jeans. Keep everything simple for ease – a white T-shirt from our in-house brand Mr P. and grey cashmere crewneck from The Elder Statesman are no-brainers.

Perfect overcoats make an “I know what I’m doing” statement and we love the chocolatey hue on this UMIT BENAN B+ cashmere option. Once again, luxe accessories finish the form. The Row’s leather duffle will fit your laptop and all other work-related minutiae while a classic Cartier Santos watch will turn heads.

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05. Brrr… date night

It may no longer be cuffing season, but if you’re able to find yourself a mate at this time of year, make the most of cosy dinners and date nights by giving your outfits a bit more attention than perhaps you normally would. Use layering to your advantage on evenings out with lean lines that avoid bulk. Clean tailoring from Stòffa and Drake’s should serve as your foundations. Meanwhile, cashmere crewnecks and cardigans (from The Elder Statesman and Our Legacy, respectively) lend warmth without too much puff. A checked shirt jacket from LOEWE has a woodsman-like appeal that won’t go unnoticed. Please don’t bring a silly, scruffy canvas tote. Opt instead for an architectural leather iteration from LOEWE or a sleek messenger bag from the same brand. A simple watch from Hermès Timepieces will impress your date without shouting too loudly.

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