It’s no news that a coat is one of winter’s ultimate essentials – we call it “coat season” for a reason, after all. But once we go into the whats, the whys and the hows, that’s when the doubts arise. After much deliberation, a smarter option is the safest investment – it can easily be dressed up or down, elevating your daily errands but still looking the part in formal settings. You can’t go wrong with classic black styles from Burberry and Dries Van Noten, but AMI PARIS’ pared-back, light-grey design is just as refined.

A little less formal – but no less versatile – is the bomber jacket. Practical and easy to layer, it slots into our capsule of wardrobe essentials with no explanation needed. But its wide range across the smart and casual spectrums makes picking the right one a tough task. This season, there’s a dizzying number of designer options in every colour and fabric. Wales Bonner and Sacai tap into the sportier side of things, while brands such as Brunello Cucinelli and the cult-favourite Swedish label Our Legacy offer up smarter options that won’t look out of place over pleated trousers and Derby shoes.

Whether you’re a baggy jeans or tighter fit kind of guy, a proper pair of jeans will work double time in your winter rotation. We recently compiled a guide to everything you need to know about jeans – from fit and rise to fabric and care tips – so we’ll take this as an opportunity to introduce you to our favourite styles for AW24. Séfr’s, for instance, come in a washed-out black colourway that reminds us of vintage styles, while AGOLDE’s offer a 1990s grunge look. Dolce&Gabbana’s are also strategically faded and whiskered, making them a wise investment for anyone who is in the market for a truly timeless pair of jeans.

Knitwear has the sartorial power to single handedly cheer up any minor winter blues – not only does a good sweater keep you warm when temperatures drop, but it can also transform an outfit (or even be the focal point of it) with depth, texture and pattern. High-quality raw materials, such as Loro Piana’s prized baby cashmere, are a key aspect to consider. A statement colour (The Elder Statesman does it best), a subtle stripy pattern like A.P.C.’s or a cable-knit weave, masterfully executed by the likes of Incotex, can also take your knitwear game to the next level.

This winter, consider swapping out a classic briefcase for a structured tote bag. No, we’re not talking about the canvas styles that you get at any given museum gift shop. As in fuss-free yet practical designs that feel extremely luxurious. Make your office attire that bit more exciting with skilfully weaved leather styles from Bottega Veneta and LOEWE’s must-have Puzzle Fold, which has been cleverly designed to fold completely flat for easy portability. Or opt for Burberry’s checked styles for more casual settings.