How to Keep Warm and Still Look Sharp

by Peter White
Photo by Mia Felicita

Autumn is coming to an end which means the season of mince pies, formal occasions and dropping temperatures will soon be upon us. When it gets really cold outside it can be tempting to wrap up in whatever is cosiest with little or no regard to how it makes you look. 

This is where we come in. Consider this a sartorial public service announcement: it is possible to keep warm and still look sharp!

Not sure how?

Invest in a classic overcoat

Overcoats are the premium menswear answer to the winter style conundrum. They slip on perfectly over a suit, keep you toasty and look smart. For extra warmth make sure you choose a coat made from natural fibres such as wool. Want more advice? We’ve shared some overcoat pointers here. 

Try a three piece suit

Do you ever wear a waistcoat to the office? If not, here’s a tip: they act as an extra layer! A classic tailored waistcoat will go beautifully with your suit and can be a great way to add personality to your outfit. Consider them a very dapper way to keep the heat in!

Choose the right knitwear

Done right, there’s no reason why you can’t wear knitwear under your bespoke tailoring. For best results, we recommend plain knits in luxurious natural fibres. Those of you who really feel the chill may wish to opt for cashmere: it’s eight times warmer than sheep’s wool. Lightweight sweaters work best under a suit jacket: bulky jumpers will make you look bulky. And please… no Christmas jumpers!

Wear quality accessories 

Don’t forget to accessorise sensibly! Well chosen scarves, hats and gloves will make a big difference. If you struggle to choose, we’re happy to share a few pointers. Gloves should always be leather, hats should be traditional and scarves should be simple wool.

Boot up

When it gets really cold you can add some additional warmth by switching from shoes to boots. Those few extra inches will help keep you warm from the bottom up. They can also be a lot sturdier in frost or snow. Get this look right by choosing smart leather boots that sit well under your suit trousers.

What do you think? We hope we’ve given you the confidence that you can continue to look sharp despite the changing season. Winter is coming, be prepared!

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Considering Bespoke?

Every commission begins with a conversation. Here are answers to some of the questions we're often asked.

Business suits start from £999 for single or double breasted, and from £1,299 for a three-piece with waistcoat. Wedding suits start from £999, averaging around £1,500 depending on cloth and detailing.

The standard turnaround is 10 weeks from first fitting to collection. An express service is available in 5 weeks for an additional fee.

Yes. Alongside the York and London showrooms, Mullen & Mullen serves Sheffield and Manchester by arrangement, with fittings available at a client's home or office.

An independent, family-run business with over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on exceptional value: quality that speaks for itself without the inflated price tag. Fittings are in person and unhurried, built around a conversation about how a garment should look, fit, and feel, from a standout velvet jacket to a quietly sharp business suit.

The York showroom is at Unit 3, Middlethorpe Business Park, Sim Balk Ln, YO23 2BD, open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:30.

The London showroom is at 35 Sackville Street, Mayfair, W1S 3EG, open by appointment only.

Yes. Fittings can take place at a client's home or office instead of a showroom, at no extra call-out fee.

Bespoke shirts start from £180, made from English and European mill cloths with a choice of over 60 collar and cuff styles.

A bespoke suit is cut to a client's own measurements rather than a standard size, through a multiple-fitting process designed to get the fit right before it's finished. Cloth, lining, buttons, and detailing are all chosen individually rather than fixed in advance.

This individual approach also means better quality and longevity. A bespoke suit is made to fit and move with you, making it a garment built to last for years, not seasons.

Yes, alongside our bespoke suits, we also make bespoke shirts, overcoats, velvet dinner jackets, and shooting attire. Whatever the garment, the same approach applies: an unhurried, in-person fitting process built around getting the look, fit, and feel exactly right.