No one was downcast than I when I found myself (on September 9, no less) readying the first of the annual ‘big chill’ fashion features. Dear lord, it’s a long way to go until June comes again.
Nevertheless, the Met Office (never one to mind causing offence) today issued their first grim weather warning of the season: “London and UK set for Arctic blast,” read their statement. “Looking further ahead,” it continues, merrily, “We’re likely to see fresher, cooler temperatures sweeping across the UK, becoming notably cool in the north by mid-week.”
In other words: high time to buckle up, team. Here are a handful of first layer defence mechanisms you can use to survive the chill this year (and look cool while doing so).
Iceland-approved outerwear
66° North has been “keeping Iceland warm since 1926” — and believe me, when you land at Reykjavik airport, every local is fully kitted out. That is more than enough convincing for me. Their puffer jackets are a go to, but while December is still a little way off, might I suggest looking at their fashion-forward (and reversible) Dyngja bomber jackets. A runway-ready look that would serve you just as well on the slopes.
Dyngja, reversible down-filled jacket, £375, 66north.com
The feel-good fleece
Artist of the moment Yinka Ilori — you may have seen his takeover of Piccadilly Circus last month, but you have definitely spotted his M&S collab shopping bags — has added yet another, more snug, string to his bow; an irresistibly jolly collection of fleeces and raincoats in collaboration with North Face. Top of our shopping list is a fabulous pink, blue and green geometric fleece with neon orange trim (which is also reversible). Straight in our Ilori shoppers.
Unisex TNF X Yinka Ilori Printed Reversible Fleece Jacket, £225, thenorthface.co.uk
The stealth wealth waterproof cap
You might not win a prize for most sexy in them, but I came across Sealskinz’s waterproof caps with (and here’s the newsline) easily foldable peaks so you can slot them in a coat pocket earlier this year, I have been eager to try them out. Okay, that was a lie. But still I thought the design was quite clever. Go for navy or black, and the effect is logo-free, Succession style – all very Logan Roy. Efficient. And a snip at £30.
Waterproof Foldable Peak Cap, £30, sealskinz.com
Butter soft socks
While I do not suggest overhauling your winter wardrobe each year, a new pair of cashmere socks is akin to a warm mocha for the soul. Endless fantastic options on this front. M&S’s Autograph have a cushy £30 pair; you can’t go wrong with The White Company, whose socks are £36 (here) while maker of East London’s favourite towels and sheets, Tekla, make a pair for £65 (here). Choose your fighter, etc.
Pure Cashmere Socks, £30, marksandspencer.com
Gorpy hiking boots
Gorpcore is going absolutely nowhere this winter, and last year Arc'teryx did an exceedingly good job at batting away competition to become the coolest in the business. Go to them, then, for a smart pair of charcoal-black hiking boots to take you from Victoria Park to the Lake District. Other Spurstowe Arms-approved brands include Berghaus, Salamon and HOKA — all of whom sell boots made for stomping through any sort of arctic blast.
Acrux Tr Gtx Boot Men’s, £220, arcteryx.com; Women’s, £220, arcteryx.com
