Our style expert answers your most pressing sartorial questions.

In his book, Modern Romance, about dating in the digital age, the comedian and MR PORTER Style Council member Mr Aziz Ansari writes about “the paradox of choice” brought about by sites like Tinder. We tend to think that the more options we have available, the better. But in reality, it can make it harder to make a selection – and when we do, we’re less satisfied because maybe there is something better out there.

And so it can be with online shopping. When you are presented with so many possibilities, how on earth do you narrow them down to home in on the item that is right for you? That’s where our search functionality comes in. But of course, it also helps to have someone to point you in the right direction. Which is what we have tried to do in answering the three questions below.

Keep sending your queries in, either via our Instagram feed @mrporterlive or directly to dan.rookwood@mrporter.com with “You Asked” in the subject header – it makes it easier to search, you see.

How can a guy like myself who isn’t incredibly tall (170cm) wear an overcoat without looking like I’ve put on a body bag? Or should I just stick to wearing other forms of winter jackets?

From Mr Joshua Teo, via email

You might be grateful to know, Mr Teo, that the current trend in coats is to wear them oversized, slouchy, loose and flowing. (Consider for example, this Fear of God one which looks like a dressing gown, this from Marc Jacobs or this from Sacai.). However, if you are small in stature, it might feel as if you’re dressed in your dad’s hand-me-downs. Sleeve length in particular can be problematic. But don’t fret, there are many overcoat options open to you.

To focus the search, my advice would be to gravitate towards brands that cater for the smaller man – generally speaking, consider Japanese and Italian brands rather than American or Scandinavian. In addition, there are certain brands like Saint Laurent and Burberry, which are known for a slimmer fit. Look for coats that are a little shorter in length which will help to keep you looking well proportioned. And I would probably stick to single- rather than double-breasted styles.

With all the above in mind, some suggestions: a herringbone coat from Eidos, this Harris tweed number from Beams Plus, a rather formal velvet-trimmed overcoat from Saint Laurent or this cashmere coat from Burberry with the brand’s iconic check under the collar. You’re welcome.

**I practice CrossFit religiously and I often travel for business. Could you please suggest a stylish travel gym bag? I often take Business Class trains or our corporate jet. **

From @iamkristoffer, via Instagram

The main issue, of course, is what to do with the clothes after you have finished training. There are gym bags that have special compartments for this very purpose but in my experience a) those bags usually don’t look very cool; and b) once you’ve used said compartments a couple of times, they get a little funky.

My advice would be to first pick up some inexpensive watertight zip-lock bags (IKEA or Muji should sort you out) into which you can place your worn, sweaty, malodorous kit so that it does not soil anything else in the bag, or even the bag itself.

Consider also that you will be getting changed in a locker room that may have water on the floor or the benches. So for reasons of practicality and durability, best to steer clear of suede and light-coloured leather.

My go-to utility bag for the last 10 years or so has been Mulberry’s black pebble-grain leather Clipper holdall. I’ve used it as a gym bag meets weekend bag and there’s something about the treated pebble grain that is very forgiving. It really doesn’t show wear and tear which means it will retain its elevated good looks for many a travel trip.

More practical still is a nylon bag which you could have specially cleaned as and when necessary. This one from Prada looks more like a sports bag but will still do the job when away with work.

Canvas and leather is even more hard-wearing than nylon. This Polo Ralph Lauren duffel bag is so inexpensive, I had to double-check the price. But I’m thinking it probably looks a little utilitarian for your needs. In which case, consider this canvas holdall from Dunhill or this version from Paul Smith.

However, when it comes to looking the business, you really can’t beat the tell-tale intrecciato leather detailing which is Bottega Veneta’s very elegant signature. This bag also has wheels but as a CrossFit fanatic you won’t be needing those, amiright?

What hats for winter are up-to-date and are useful for really cold weather?

From @egor_katastroffsky, via Instagram

Forgive me for stalking you briefly on social media, Mr Kishkunov, but I see that you live in Russia. So when you say “really cold weather”, you really mean it.

The good news is that trapper hats are “so hot right now”, following on from the strong appetite for all things shearling in recent years. And whereas they could look faintly ridiculous in many parts of the world where the winters are mild, they should be just the ticket in Russia.

Of the ones we have on offer, I rather like the versatility of this version from Oliver Spencer, which would work for both town and country. However, if you need something more robust to shut out the elements, I would suggest this one from outdoor apparel specialists Canada Goose, which has pleasing Biggles vibes. Or else this shearling trapper hat from Best Made Company, a recent addition to MR PORTER, which also had built-in ear muffs.

Do they look cool? Well, I’m more of a beanie man myself to be honest, but when it’s properly Baltic outside, practicality wins out over aesthetics.

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