The combination of overshirt and rollneck is a classic, and one that somehow manages to lend a kind of respectable and academic vibe to whatever it is you’re wearing. This old-school and sophisticated layering solution is also an easy way to add an extra level of warmth.

The most important consideration is how the two items work together, so no clashing colours or distracting patterns. You want to keep things simple and refined. A rich brown overshirt, such as this corduroy field jacket from Rubinacci, works best with an understated rollneck underneath, so where better to look than a cream cashmere sweater by Brunello Cucinelli?

Wearing a rollneck under your shirt is a more relaxed approach to dressing up during the colder months – and the rest of your outfit should follow the same pattern. A pair of pleated trousers from modern tailoring label Stòffa work well down below, finished with some George Cleverley loafers. The whole thing manages to be comfortable, classy and, most importantly, warm. Exactly what you want at this time of year.

Pairing a polo shirt with a plain T-shirt manages to strike a balance between relaxation and formality. It’s obviously not as smart as a shirt, but it is also more sophisticated than just a plain old T-shirt and sweater.

If you’re going for this approach, then the black polo shirt from Copenhagen label mfpen is the perfect place to start. Not only does it come in recycled wool, but it’s slightly looser, chunkier construction keeps things comfortable. For the T-shirt beneath it, you want something plain that contrasts with the polo without clashing. In other words, no bright colours. A grey one from John Smedley in a luxurious sea island cotton, for example, is a sensible choice.

Obviously a T-shirt and a polo shirt – even if it is a knitted wool one – aren’t going to keep the cold completely at bay, so your coat is still an important layer to add. Warmer still is a long wool coat from Mr P., which also continues the comfortable, relaxed smartness of the outfit. Finish the whole thing off with a pair of chunky loafers courtesy of Nicholas Daley and G.H. Bass & Co.

Both the half-zip sweater and the gilet are important layering options in anyone’s winter armoury. The two pieces are versatile and comfortable, guaranteeing the required warmth without ever being too chunky or unwieldy. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the perfect example of this comes courtesy of Loro Piana. The Italian label’s hooded gilet combines that functionality with some luxury touches, including a shearling lining that introduces yet another layer of toastiness.

Keep the comfort levels up by combining the gilet with a soft and luxurious half zip courtesy of TOM FORD. This one is made from an exceptionally soft wool blend, finished with suede trims to really set it apart. The warm brown colour also works well with the utilitarian green of the gilet. Keep things simple for the rest of the outfit, maybe some cream jeans and a pair of R.M.Williams Chelsea boots that manage to combine form and function perfectly.