By 
DON’T LET THE thought of winter fashion freak you out, rather think of it this way: it’s a time to play around with performance-driven, high-quality, and exceptionally stylish layers. As long as you have a good solid foundation of basics, everything else will fall into place. See, investing in pieces that you’ll reach for again and again is the key, and the Editors here at Esquire know a thing or two about doing exactly that.
So don’t worry, if you’re still having trouble feeling inspired, we’ve whittled down your necessities to five absolute essentials – that will become your cold-weather staples – and a bunch of options that you can shop for each. Because as soon as winter hits, the world really is your sartorial oyster – provided your fingers don’t fall off before you have the chance hit that “post” button. So, from parkas to chunky knitwear to the luxest topcoats around (and pretty much every possible layer in between), here’s where to begin your search.
Wool Coats
A wool overcoat is as staple as a winter staple can get. Whether you need something to throw over your suit at work, or you just want something a little fancier than a puffer, a great winter coat is warm, sleek and unquestionably stylish.
Your choice can be simplified down to a camel coat and peacoat. The former has a length that generally hits around the knee, and comes in a brownish, tan-ish hue, while the latter is cropped at the upper thigh and usually comes in black, grey, or blue colourways.
Burberry Wool Blend Pea Coat
A Burberry peacoat is one of the best things you can invest in for the cold. It’s chic as hell, with a tailored silhouette and double-breasted buffalo horn buttons, and it’s warm and soft, thanks to its Italian-crafted wool blend.
MJ Bale Horatio Peacoat Acqua
Brace yourself to see a lot of peacoats as you scroll the web. None, however, have what MJ Bale has: affordability that doesn’t sacrifice craftsmanship or style.
MR P. Checked Brushed Wool-Blend Overcoat
This single-breasted overcoat is tailored from a brushed wool-blend with classic checks. Wear it casually with denim, or take it in a sharper direction with relaxed tailoring.
Country Road Recycled Wool Blend Herringbone Crombie
A classic crombie perfect for the cooler months. This fully-lined style is made using 55% recycled wool and features a herringbone weave with a softly brushed finish.
Puffer Jackets
A puffer jacket is essential in winter, perfect for more casual situations where you need a sleek, warm layer to chuck on. The better options are incredibly insulating and durable, and are generally made with goose down, or something similar, to really have your back when the cold wind blows.
The North Face Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Perhaps one of the most iconic puffers on the market, TNF’s retro-inspired Nuptse is damn cool, whether you’re wearing it with dress pants to the office or throwing it atop baggy jeans for a ‘fit pic.
Lululemon Navigation Down Jacket
It’s puffer season and Lululemon has mastered the art of making a hooded puffer that feels weightless, is packable, but still manages to keep you warm and dry.
Moncler Panelled Cotton and Quilted Shell Down Zip-Up Cardigan
Moncler’s cardigan is designed with the same functionality as the brand’s signature outerwear. Knitted from soft cotton, it’s panelled with quilted, down-filled shell for warmth and detailed with appliquéd and embossed logos.
Winter Pants
Whether you’re looking for a suit pant or something more casual, the same qualities usually apply: look for something made of a quality fabric (corduroy, moleskin, wool, and cashmere are preferred), and that pairs well with all the other winter essentials you’re reading about here.
Uniqlo HEATTECH Easy Pants
You probably don’t want to wear ski pants out and about just to keep your legs warm, so turn to Uniqlo’s lined pants instead. With HEATTECH fabric, these keep the heat in and the cold out.
H&M Regular Fit Corduroy Pants
Featuring pleats at the top of the front for added width, these corduroy pants are cool, warm, and surprisingly good quality for the price point.
Thom Browne Cotton-Twill Pants
Made in Japan, these cotton-twill pants can be dressed up with a shirt, or down with a knit. Versatile, warm, and sleek.
Chunky Knits
While knitwear comes in all shapes and sizes, a good chunky knit is a good option when it comes to staples: they pair with everything from jeans to suit pants – and you can even chuck a collared shirt on underneath. Cable knit sweaters are a good go-to, but turtlenecks and cardigans aren’t off the cards, too.
Brioni Slim-Fit Cable-Knit Cotton Sweater
This knit is cable-knitted from soft cotton specially selected for its handle and longevity. Layer yours over a crisp Oxford shirt.
COS Stone-washed Knitted Jumper
This COS knit is made from 100% cotton that’s stone washed for a lived-in appearance from the first wear, and double-knitted so it’s weighty and warm.
Incu Carbon Crewneck Knit
This Carbon Crewneck Knit is adorned an all-over cable knit pattern, ribbed trims and a crewneck. Simple, yet effective.
Winter Accessories
Yes, we know this is a little broad but there are only two that you need to focus on this winter: a beanie, and a scarf. Beanies are usually made of knitted fibres, including wool, cashmere, and sturdy cotton blends, and we’d suggest sticking to a simple black or grey option to work with the rest of your wardrobe. Scarves on the other hand can add a stylish oomph to a fit, just make sure you’re picking one made of an insulating fabric so it actually gets the intended job done.
Barbour Galingale Tartan Scarf
If a tartan scarf is your vibe (which, given how classy it is, should be), Barbour has a soft, suede-effect option with tasselled hems.
Acne Studios Vandy Fringed Two-Tone Jacquard Scarf
This scarf is blended with wool, alpaca and mohair for softness and warmth. It’s jacquard-woven and finished with classic fringed ends.
Todd Snyder Câbleami Boa Toque
If you’re going to wear a hat in winter, please let it be a stylish one. And one that won’t blow off your head. Take this Japanese-made fleece beanie, for example: cool, casual, and cozy.
Uniqlo Cotton Ribbed Beanie
Don’t get caught with messy, wind-tousled hair and a chilly head this winter. Just grab a basic beanie, stick it on your dome (or in your coat pocket), and carry on.
Related:
Daniel Craig’s party tux is a good argument for a seventies Bond reboot
Robert Pattinson is making a strong case for big suits and untucked shirts
