The only winter wardrobe guide you’ll ever need

IF YOU’RE GOING TO DO WINTER, you may as well do it properly. That means fewer throwaway layers and more pieces that actually work hard – stuff you can throw on without overthinking. Lately, it’s been all about corduroy pants, rugby jumpers, knits, loafers, and a good hat (the kind you reach for when it’s freezing, or when your hair’s doing its own thing). Add a sharp belt, a solid coat, and you’re pretty much set.

This guide isn’t about reinventing your entire wardrobe. It’s about refining it. From the jumper you’ll live in to the kind of cardigan that goes with everything, consider this your winter cheat sheet – simple and considered.

Below, shop some of our favourite pieces.

The corduroy pant

Corduroy pants are winter’s quiet achiever – warm, textural, and surprisingly versatile in both fitted and baggier silhouettes. Ralph’s always a solid bet if you want something classic.

The shirt

A good winter shirt earns its keep. Layer it under a cardigan or a jumper, then throw a jacket over the top and call it a day.

The jumper

A good jumper is the kind of thing you’ll reach for on repeat – especially once the temperature drops properly. Go for cashmere if you want something that feels a bit more elevated, or a quarter zip if you’re leaning into that off-duty, slightly sporty vibe.

The rugby jumper

The rugby jumper’s having a bit of a moment, but you’ve got to be a little picky. It looks best layered under a coat or worn loose with wide-leg trousers.

The cardigan

Cardigans are back. Whether you go for a chunky knit or something finer, there are great options at every price point. Wear it buttoned up on its own or layered over a shirt when you can’t commit to a full jumper.

The coat

A proper winter coat does all the talking – go classic, oversized, or a little structured, just make sure it actually keeps you warm.

The shoes

When it comes to shoes, you don’t need much – just a solid rotation. A pair of Tod’s loafers, some nice suede boots for colder days, and a good-looking sneaker that makes a bit of a statement. Simple. Covered. Sorted.

The accessories

The finishing touches matter. A good belt can pull a whole look together (literally), and a hat – especially corduroy – goes a long way.

What should I wear during winter?

The key is finding pieces that feel considered but still easy. A pair of corduroy trousers is a good place to start – something with structure that’s still comfortable. Layer a winter shirt underneath a knit or cardigan (depending on the day), then add a proper coat that actually keeps you warm. On your feet, rotate between loafers, suede boots, and a statement sneaker. Throw in a good hat, a belt that ties it all together, and you’re done. Nothing over-styled, just smart, dependable pieces you’ll wear on repeat.

What are the best winter wardrobe essentials?

Start with a few strong foundations and build from there. A great coat, obviously – one that’s warm, well-made, and goes with everything. Then there’s knitwear: a good jumper (cashmere if you’re feeling fancy), a rugby shirt for off-duty days, and a cardigan you can throw over anything. Pants-wise, corduroy’s making a quiet comeback, and a relaxed tailored trouser never hurts. A pair of R.M. Williams boots is all you need, the best winter pieces are the ones you’ll wear again and again.

---

Related:

P. Johnson’s May 2025 collection is a masterclass in how to dress this winter

The affordable pieces we’re shopping from the new Uniqlo x JW Anderson collab

Love thy layers: how to style Uniqlo’s new cashmere collection