Winter is creeping up on us, and you’ll need to start thinking about building a winter wardrobe that is both functional and stylish. Senior contributor Ryan Vrede helps you build from the skin up.
BASE LAYERS MATTER
You can’t understate the importance of staying warm, but do so by adding as little bulk to your look as possible. Vests solve this problem. I’m not talking about the loose, perforated ones your grandad used to rock. Go skintight with a fabric that is breathable and has some stretch. Buy a three-pack and rotate them through the week.
HEAVYWEIGHT COTTON TEES ROCK
Cotton tees weighted between 180 gsm and 220 gsm must be a winter staple. They are warm enough to wear under an overshirt (more on this next) and can be rocked on their own if things warm up. Grab a couple in colours that work best with your existing wardrobe
OVERSHIRTS SOLVE PROBLEMS
South African winters are unpredictable. Mornings can be super chilly before the afternoons warm up, and the evenings drop back to icy cold. Overshirts help navigate this unpredictability. They are usually made from heavier fabrics than standard shirts, and cut boxier to accommodate the tees underneath. Wear them unbuttoned, or button them all the way to the top for a refined look. If you’re looking for an edgier layer, go for a denim jacket.
JACKED UP
In my opinion, spending money on a variety of jackets and coats is unnecessary, given that you’re likely to only wear them when you’re outside. Most of us remove our top layer when we’re indoors, so buying smart is key. I’d go for one wool or wool blend trench with quite a tailored silhouette and in a colour that works best with the pieces in your closet. This can be dressed up or down, giving it the versatility you should look for in an expensive piece. Then splurge on a high-quality puffer jacket, which could pair with everything from sweatpants to jackets, and can even be worn over a suit.
PANTS REQUIRED
Three types will see you through a chilly winter: Heavyweight cotton joggers with a washed finish, a wool or wool blend chino style, and a heavyweight pair of denims. These pieces will pair with everything we’ve added to the top half of your body.
KICK IT
Your lifestyle will guide your selection here, but sneakers in a refined silhouette are a smart buy. Go for a low and high top pair, in simple colours that go well with most things in your wardrobe. Air Force 1s and Jordan 1 highs or mids are great choices in this context. Suede lace-ups are also an essential part of any winter rotation, so pick up a pair in a colour that works with what you’ve got in your wardrobe.
Words by Ryan Vrede
Photography: Courtesy Images
