We all know how important fresh air is. It refreshes the body, resets the mind and can give you a new lease of life during a busy work day. But in the midst of a pandemic, when you’re being actively encouraged to stay at home and the weather outside isn’t exactly inviting, it can be all too easy to stay snug inside.
Which is a shame because, aside from the aforementioned health benefits, getting outside for a bracing winter walk also gives you the opportunity to experiment with some of the season’s finest accessories. We’re talking a cosy woolly hat, a super soft scarf and, should the sun deign to grace us with its presence, a great pair of sunglasses - a look guaranteed to flatter almost every man. So pull on your Scotch-guarded sneakers and head into the great outdoors with our edit of the accessories your winter wardrobe needs.
Invest in a smart backpack
Will we be working from home for the long haul? Honestly, no-one really knows, which means spending the big bucks on a finely crafted briefcase might not be the most sensible investment right now. What you need, instead, is an elegant, versatile backpack that is smart enough to take to the office but won’t look out of place if you only get to use it at the weekend for the foreseeable future.
With its minimalist black leather design, Aspinal of London’s handcrafted backpack features a soft cotton lining and is the perfect choice for those not willing to compromise on quality. Zegna’s grained calfskin Zenith backpack, meanwhile, combines style and utility with more pockets than your average safari jacket, while the signature backpack from British brand Bennett Winch is a sophisticated offering in a rich chocolate hue and full grain Tuscan leather.
Wrap up in a versatile scarf
There’s nothing like winding a protective cashmere or woollen knit around your neck to make you feel you can take on whatever the elements have to throw at you - and a good scarf looks great tucked into both overcoats and country garb alike.
Take Peregrine’s 100% Merino wool Porter style, for example. Uncomplicated, functional and in a deeply chic navy ribbed design, it will go with every piece of outerwear in your wardrobe. For something a little more intricate, both Oliver Spencer and Ralph Lauren have utilised classic checks in their respective takes on the timeless fringed scarf.
Pull on a woolly hat
The world tends to be divided into two types of people: those who will wear a hat at any given opportunity and those who won’t go near the things. Whichever side you consider yourself to be on, there is one style for which most will make an exception: the beanie. Its ribbed design ensures it sits snugly on the forehead and covers the ears, making it universally flattering and supremely warm.
The key here is to keep things simple. Choose one dark or neutral colour and stay away from big logos or garish patterns. These offerings from Peregrine, Uniform Standard and Hackett are a case in point.
Lace up some leather sneakers
We don’t need to tell you that the suede and canvas sneakers you’ve been wearing all summer aren’t the best option come winter. No, what this season calls for is something altogether sturdier and, well, weatherproof. The best option here is undoubtedly leather and, luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If white is still your go-to, Uniform Standard’s minimalist Series 1 comes in a subtle ecru hue that will stay looking fresh far longer than a pristine white while Scarosso’s Ryan trainers are finished with suede detailing for a more statement style. Oliver Cabell, meanwhile, has reworked its signature Low 1 design in a deep navy perfect for weathering sudden downpours.
Pick up a pair of winter sunglasses
The sun does occasionally shine during the winter months - and, when it does, it’s low and dazzling so you’ll need a great pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. But don’t go digging out those colourful frames you wore during the summer; winter calls for something a little more subtle.
Oscar Deen’s all-black D-framed Carril sunglasses are a lesson in restraint (and all the more chic for it) while Monc’s Løkka style adds interest via shape without going overboard on colour. Finally, if you really can’t resists a little texture to your frames, Cubitts’s Iceni shades come in an eye-catching dark tortoiseshell with versatile rounded square lenses.
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