The Tenets of Winter Styling

The Tenets of Winter Styling

Winter dressing isn’t just about staying warm; it’s about mastering the art of looking sharp, even when the mercury’s dropping. With a few well-chosen pieces and some smart layering, you can easily achieve both function and style. It's not rocket science, but there are a few simple tenets that you'd be wise to follow in order to level up your winter looks.

Layer Up


Layering is the foundation of winter styling, but there’s a strategy to it. Start with lightweight, breathable fabrics next to the skin such as organic cotton, or merino wool when it's really cold. Next, add a mid-layer with some texture and warmth - this is where the likes of brushed cotton or flannel shirts really come into their own, as well as a knitwear layer such as a preppy crew neck or a cardigan. Finally, top it all off with a heavier coat or jacket for an added layer of sophistication. Varying lengths in your layers adds depth and dimension to your look, so that about how the hem of your shirt might peep through the bottom of your knitwear, or try popping the collar of the shirt to create a slightly longer silhouette.


Texture, Texture, Texture


Winter is prime time to play with textures - and the more tactile, the better. Look to mix up wool, flannel, corduroy, tweed, velvet - you name it - for a blend of looks that keep you both stylish and cosy. This amalgam of textures prevents you looks from feeling flat, and it's especially important if you like wearing monochrome looks, be it all-black or all beige, or more generally just a soft muted colour palette. Fabrics such as corduroy and velvet have a very pronounced texture so are really strong contenders, but even subtle differences in wool weaves can be effective. A herringbone wool jacket, can, for example, be a really bold way to sign off a winter outfit without having to lean on bold colours or patterns.


Play with Silhouettes


Winter clothes offer more room to experiment with silhouettes, thanks to the added bulk of layers. Try going relaxed with a slightly oversized top layer paired with tapered trousers to keep things at the smarter end of smart-casual. A bit of volume on top with a more streamlined bottom balances proportions. You can also cuff your trousers with a roll-up or two to show off a bit of chunky winter boot -rugged Solovair boots are an ideal companion here. The opposite can also be effective: a fitted torso juxtaposed with wide-leg trousers. We've been styling our Graves vests with a simple white tee and our wide-leg trousers for a slightly 70s-inspired look that feels really contemporary.


 
 
 
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Make Colour Work for You


Yes, winter may seem synonymous with neutrals, but a pop of colour can brighten those short, grey days. Think earthy tones like forest green or burnt orange; they add depth without overwhelming your look. If you don't like big blocks of colour then introduce the brighter tones through patterns such as plaid. Darker colours such as navy or charcoal are versatile anchors for any outfit, grounding the overall look and pairing effortlessly with almost any accent colour. Light neutral tones such as beige, cream, and tan can look really sophisticated and give a nice element of contrast to your outfits.


 
 
 

Accessorise with Purpose


Winter accessories don’t just keep the frostbite at bay; they add those small touches that complete a look. A well-chosen scarf or beanie can bring colour and texture in one go. Keep your accessories in a similar colour family as your outfit, but don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns - a subtle check scarf can go a long way.

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