Winter Style Guide: In Defence of Warmth and Good Order
Winter asks more of a man – more thought, more craft, more attention to the quiet dialogue between warmth and bearing. In England, where cold arrives with a damp insistence, dressing well becomes an expression of steadiness. A refusal to let grey skies blunt one’s composure. A nod to generations of gentlemen who faced frost with a scarf tied just so and a coat chosen with intention. True English layering is dignified rather than cumbersome. Warmth comes not from bulk, but from textiles with lineage – fabrics that have earned their place.
Winter Fabrics: A Brief History of Warmth
For centuries, Englishmen have relied on a handful of trusted materials to see them through the coldest weeks.
Wool is the backbone of winter wardrobes, its natural crimp trapping heat from hillside to city street.
Cashmere, prized since the 18th century, brings softness and warmth without show, the perfect choice for scarves and knits.
Corduroy, shaped in the mills of the North, offers durability and character, its wales holding warmth through biting weather.
Quilted fabrics, once purely functional for hunting and long days outdoors, now slip neatly beneath coats, adding insulation without disrupting a clean silhouette.
Winter dressing is never about weight; it is the thoughtful layering of purpose and tradition.
Knit and Quilt: A Perfect Match
A shirt and tie create a steady foundation, warmed by an Oxford knit blazer and a neatly layered quilted gilet. A padded corduroy scarf and corduroy trousers add texture and depth – warmth without heaviness. A composed answer to cold pavements and early starts.
Classic for a Reason: Trench Coat Styling
Fine-gauge knitwear sits beneath a quilted caban, topped with the timeless trench coat – a piece rooted in 19th-century English ingenuity. Built for rain, wind and movement, it offers protection without disturbing one’s stride. A look for the man crossing town with purpose.
The Scholar’s Winter
Layer a chunky knit over shirt and tie, then soften the structure with an Oxford knit blazer. A cashmere scarf brings quiet refinement, while corduroy trousers ground the ensemble with warmth and character. A gentle, assured approach to winter days.
Winter Accessories: Small Signs of Preparedness
A stout umbrella, well-made gloves and a considered scarf remain winter’s essentials. Thick socks in rich shades – or a discreetly playful pattern – lend a subtle flourish beneath the season’s restraint. These finishing touches reassure as much as they protect.
Turnbull’s Winter Philosophy
To dress for winter is to balance resilience with restraint. With fine layers, honest materials and a touch of personality, warmth need never compromise one’s poise. This is winter dressing the English way: prepared, measured, and quietly assured.
