THE JOURNAL
Luxe, insulating fabrics, clever layering, a good, well-made pair of boots… there are some cold-weather clothing rules that almost sound like clichés. As with all clichés, however, they have stood the test of time for a reason. While winter dressing seems easy in principle, putting all these disparate elements together is the tricky bit. Lean too hard into technical outerwear and it can look like you’ve stepped straight off the mountain after a five-day trek. Focus solely on traditional pieces and you run the risk of channelling your father. Stick only to dull, dark tones and your mood will be greyer than a November day. Why can’t we have prime-quality manufacturing and timeless yet contemporary styling with a refreshing colour palette all in one?
Well, the answer is that we can. And we know just where to look. Italian luxury leader Brunello Cucinelli has been producing finely crafted knitwear since 1978, and a few MR PORTER exclusives have just hit the shelves. So, stop fussing about what to wear and let the experts dress you.
01. The shearling leather aviator jacket
First things first – a jacket. If you’re anything like us, the onset of “proper” winter may have crept up on you. Rather than fishing out the old puffer from the back of the wardrobe, we suggest investing in something a little sharper. A classic shearling aviator jacket is both chic and practical. This MR PORTER exclusive is crafted from 100 per cent premium sheepskin, and with its rich polished hide outer and deep pile interior, we think it is the aviator ne plus ultra. It will bring instant suave to any outfit, all season-long.
02. The cashmere rollneck sweater
Cashmere is where it all began for Brunello Cucinelli. It is also perhaps the ultimate winter fabric. Luxuriously soft, brilliantly warm and impressively durable. Look after your cashmere items and they become heirlooms for future generations. To protect yourself from cold winds, try this wide-ribbed chunky rollneck – another MR PORTER exclusive – in classic white, bringing a little brightness to your cold-weather collection.
03. The cotton-twill trousers
White trousers – in winter? We say yes. Choosing a pair of well-made trousers in a lighter colour instantly takes a gloomy-weather outfit up a level. This straight-leg cotton-twill pair in an off-white “marble” shade are exclusive to MR PORTER and offer the perfect smart-casual alternative to jeans. Understated and versatile, you can keep these in your rotation right into spring to pair with lighter jackets and tees, too. For winter, pair with a contrasting belt (see below).
04. The suede boots
Boots are non-debatable. However, it can be tricky to find a pair that are as much at home on the peaks as they are on city streets and – dare we say it – even paired with casual tailoring for dressed-down business meetings. Brunello Cucinelli has taken the traditional Alpine hiking boot and pared it back to its essential form. Made in Italy from premium suede with a rubber lug sole, this pair fits the bill perfectly.
05. The convertible D-frame sunglasses
As with any other time of year, accessories make the outfit. Often overlooked, a well-chosen piece of jewellery, pocket square or pair of sunglasses can be the difference between an unremarkable outfit and true style. When sunshine is perhaps a little less frequent, convertible shades are the solution. Providing two styles in one, these tortoiseshell acetate frames come with clip-on UV protection for crisp and bright days when the sun is low or après-ski protection.
06. The braided suede belt
Don’t let the details let you down. When going for mono or duotone outfits, picking out the tones from your key pieces and echoing them in your accessories brings the look together. To break up a matching sweater and trousers, go for a contrasting belt. This woven example is made in Italy from soft suede and provides texture and balance alongside a pair of suede boots.