The frost has officially arrived – this morning, even the crisp packets on the pavement had a licking of ice.
Time, then, to stock up on one or two of this year’s winter must-haves. From the It-balaclava from Gobi, which has just launched in London, to the Icelandic puffers fashion editors’ are loving, here is your checklist of the pieces to stockpile now:
Gobi Cashmere’s balaclava bonnets
If you caught a glimpse of the Autumn Winter 2022 collections, you will know it was more probable to catch a collection with balaclavas than without. As such, they have flooded the high street and top end labels alike. Gobi is the 1981-founded Mongolian brand to know, and launched in the UK this November. The fashion editors are all wearing them, and for 100 per cent Mongolian cashmere, they are well priced.
Bonnet, £69, gobicashmere.com
Geometric Bode mittens
They are borderline twee, but styled with a simple outfit they make a charming staple. For those who haven’t come into contact with Bode, it is the nostalgic, New York label launched by Emily Bode in 2016. She is known for collecting vintage and antique fabrics and crafting delicate one-of-a-kind pieces. These green mittens — 70 per cent off at Matches — are emblematic of the cosy aesthetic.
Geometric wool mittens, £63, matchesfashion.com
A 66°North coat
This is the unrivalled puffer jacket of the season among London’s most on-trend. 66°North know a thing or two about warmth. The company was founded in 1926, kitting out the Icelandic fisherman and coastguards. They are eco-first, including their most recent capsule made using Seaqual fabric which is all recycled polyester made using plastics recovered from the ocean floor. At the end of November they opened their new flagship store at 100 Regent Street, and were championed by Shygirl at The Fashion Awards on Monday.
Dyngja recycled down jacket, £425, 66north.com
Ribbed knit neck warmer from Weekday
There is no harm keeping one of these handy roll neck bibs in your bag at all times – easy slipped on for a brisk walk, and whipped off to avoid a hot flush on the Northern line. Weekday do a nice basic style for a bargain, or look to labels like APC for lovely cashmere versions, and Ganni for a statement red style with a bold logo.
Thick ribbed knit neck warmer, £9, weekday.com
Reiss shearling coat
It’s an investment, yes. But I have tried it on in store and can confirm this is a fabulous item of clothing. The plush Caitlin Jacket is 100 per cent shearling, short cropped and complete with the perfect sized fluffy collar to burrow into while facing sharp winds. You will wear it every winter for years to come.
Short shearling jacket, £998, reiss.com
Ruslan Baginskiy aviator hat
A shearling aviator hat is a must-have for artic conditions, and Ukrainian milliner Ruslan Baginskiy is the man to get one from. Since the outbreak of war in February, Baginskiy has been a force in campaigning again the invasion. He also made a symbolic blue and yellow hat for the late Queen Elizabeth II, which was acknowledged from David Hogan-Hern, Deputy Private Secretary to the King, who said the late monarch was “most touched.”
Vushanka hat, £216, mytheresa.com
Madeleine Thompson cashmere jumper
Introducing the high status sweater. Madeleine Thompson is the London and Hong Kong based knitwear designer who set up her cashmere label in 2007, and has since recruited Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Lucy Boynton as fans. They come butter soft, and with charismatic touches – bows frills and zebra prints included – but this Imogen jumper hits the right note between preppy and cosy.
Imogen striped wool and cashmere-blend sweater, £330, net-a-porter.com
A fluffy mohair Dries Van Noten Scarf
A scarf is an obvious essential, but look for subtle twists to add flair to a winter’s look. This fluffy scarf is made of merino cashmere blend and alpaca mohair, and comes from Belgian designer Dries Van Noten who has long been established as a go-to for sophisticated design since his rise to fame in the late Eighties.
Furry tie scarf, £180, driesvannoten.com
A snug pair of cashmere socks
If you want to avoid puffer snow boots (which is fair enough, they are a bit much for the office) make your classic stompers warmer with a snug pair of cashmere socks. You can get these at all price ranges. The White Company’s are a classic at £36, or John Lewis do two pairs for £15. These are perfect for bed, too.
