Choosing your outerwear is like choosing your best friend; you want something that won’t let you down in tough situations (see British weather), that fits your style and personality, and you want something that will last through the years. With this checklist in mind, it might seem like finding the right coat, jacket or jumper will be a challenge. However, if you know what to look for, it’s easy to find the right thing to suit you.
Check out GQ’s winter style survival guide for tips on dressing for winter, or if you’re looking for more affordable fashion, then read on to find out about our top outerwear essentials – all of which you can find on the high street. Here we’ve put together a guide to the top outerwear essentials that every man needs in his wardrobe. With these key pieces you’ll stay cosy, comfortable and stylish no matter what the weather has to throw at you.
The Tweed Overcoat:
If you’ve watched Sherlock (and if you haven’t, what have you been doing for the past couple of years?) then you’ll know just how great Benedict Cumberbatch looks striding around London in his signature tweed overcoat. The truth is, just about anyone looks good wearing this classic style of coat. The great thing about tweed is that it’s a thick, durable fabric, so it’ll keep you warm and last throughout the years. Wear over a suit for smart occasions, or with a pair Converse, dark jeans and a jumper, for a modern, casual look.
The Cable-Knit Jumper:
The kind of oversized, snuggly cable-knit jumper that your gran used to make for you will be your best friend this winter. Don’t worry about asking her to dust off the knitting needles; plenty of high-street shops now sell cosy, handmade-looking knitted jumpers in a huge range of colours and styles. Wear with a coat if the weather is especially cold, or if it’s mild, just layer over a thick polo shirt.
The Biker Jacket:
Add some instant cool to your wardrobe with a leather biker jacket. Leather was all over the high street and the catwalks this year, and it’s finally coming into its own as the cold weather sets in. Layer up your leather jacket with a sheepskin-lined hoody, a scarf and some trainers for a cool-but-cosy winter look.
The Cardigan:
If it’s too warm for a coat, then a cardigan makes a great outerwear choice. Go for a thick cardigan over a shirt or T-shirt if you want to be safe, or a lighter cardigan if the weather is mild. The great thing about cardigans is that they are also generally thinner than most jumpers, so you can easily fit a jacket over the top if you need to.
The Parka Jacket:
The classic fur-trim, mod-style parka is back, and it really is the most comfortable item to see through winter in. Go for a traditional look with a dark green parka with plenty of pockets. You can layer up depending on the temperature using jumpers, a scarf, a hat – anything goes with the parka.
