Introduction
It’s often said that the most important accessory a man can own is a great smile. But seriously, how far is a smile going to get you when there’s an Arctic wind blowing snowstorms in from the north and you’re walking to work because icy roads have rendered your car redundant? When considering essential winter accessories – those that will really make a difference to how comfortable you feel – the best place to start is with a good quality scarf, followed by practical gloves and a warm winter hat. Today, our friends at Opumo.com help us refresh our own collection of cold-weather accents by hand-picking some of their must-own styles for AW13…
AW13 Scarves
Men’s scarves come in an array of sizes, fabrics and designs and are an important way to add depth and personality to an outfit. Capitalising on the industry’s current penchant for prints, one of the key trends for AW13 is the statement scarf. Coming in a wide variety of sizes, patterns and colour ways, a statement scarf should be bold and interesting but not too overpowering. Look for styles that incorporate classic menswear patterns such as checks, polka dots and houndstooth. These all nod toward current influences and yet still retain a sense of timelessness, ensuring they will slot seamlessly into your wardrobe and continue to get good use for many years to come. Herringbone is king of the classic patterns and epitomises quintessential British style. Arguably the print of the season (Paul Smith is a huge fan) with the 1960s trending again, below are a selection of premium herringbone scarves for those who truly appreciate quality items that are built to last.
Universal Works Raison Herringbone Scarf
This ‘Raison Herringbone Scarf’ from Universal Works is made in England from a soft wool blend and features a muted herringbone pattern. Understated and effortlessly chic, the red and navy palette is completely timeless and will add a welcome shot of colour to any winter ensemble.
Edition Scotland Navy Herringbone Scarf
This limited edition ‘Navy Herringbone Scarf’ from Edition Scotland is made from the finest 100 per cent Scottish-spun cashmere. Six sections of herringbone pattern gradiate from light to dark grey, producing an ombre effect that is eye-catching yet completely wearable and versatile. Guaranteed to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the winter months, it oozes luxury and exclusivity, with only fifty pieces in total being produced – all of which are individually numbered.
The Hill-Side Forest Green Scarf
This ‘Forest Green Old VA Modified Herringbone Scarf’ from US brand The Hill-Side is a cotton/polyester blend. The fabric is sourced from Virginia and then sent to New York for manufacture. A multitude of different colours ensure that this is a stand out piece, but more importantly, the overall palette will not overwhelm the rest of your look.
AW13 Gloves
When choosing new gloves the most important things to bear in mind are style, practicality and warmth. With so many glove types and materials currently on offer, finding the perfect pair that balances all three factors can be tricky. Fingerless gloves are certainly practical, but not particularly warm or refined. Leather gloves are extremely stylish, but you’ll need to take them off for simple tasks like answering your phone or handling money. However, the following styles manage to strike the perfect balance between fashion and function.
Dents Brown Leather Gloves
These ‘Cashmere-lined Brown Bark Leather Gloves’ from Dents are an important wardrobe essential for anyone who needs their gloves to slot into formal or smart-casual looks. With leather offering an effortlessly chic and timeless aesthetic, they can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Coming complete with a premium cashmere lining, these gloves are both warm and stylish, yet they are also slightly thinner than many leather alternatives, allowing for greater levels of dexterity.
Universal Works Grey Wool Gloves
Knitted from soft wool, these ‘Grey Knitted Wool Gloves’ by Universal Works are simple and classic. They made the list because we liked the tan leather trim detailing – something that shows great attention to detail and subtly sets them apart from other wool gloves on the market.
Etre Fair Isle Touchscreen Gloves
Warm and with a smart Fair Isle pattern, these touchscreen blue gloves from London-based design agency Etre are practical and on trend. You can wear them whilst using your smartphone, iPod, iPad, camera and other electronic devices and still keep your hands warm – perfect.
AW13 Hats
The trick with choosing a winter hat is to keep it simple. As long as you have a suitable face shape and you are in a casual setting, it’s hard to go wrong with a knitted beanie or 5-panel cap. The trend for cable knit and heavyweight materials seems to have ventured north towards head wear this season, whilst bobble hats, once the preserve of five-year-olds, have attracted a more mature audience (although, not that much older). The following list showcases three practical and on point options for AW13.
WOOD WOOD Cable Knit Beanie
This ‘Dark Grey Cable Knit Beanie’ showcases Danish brand WOOD WOOD at its finest: simple designs combined with quality materials. Constructed from a lambswool mix that features subtle mottled detailing, this hat offers a chunky, masculine appeal and is soft to the touch. Full of individuality and character, it would be perfect for pairing with heritage knitwear, which is currently trending.
Universal Works Bobble Hat
The ‘Navy Merino Wool Bobble Beanie Hat’ from Universal Works lies at the more sophisticated end of the bobble hats spectrum. Soft, lightweight and warm it is a good choice for those looking for something classic with a touch of eccentricity.
WOOD WOOD Wool Cap
Our second pick from WOOD WOOD, the ‘Army Charcoal Wool 6-panel Cap’ has a slightly wider brim, a Velcro closure and subtle eyelets. Its winter-appropriate, heavyweight wool construction will help add a tactile element to any ensemble whilst the emerald green colouring ensures this cap is completely on trend. The colour of the brim also matches the top button, showing great attention to detail. With no obvious branding, this hat is understated and epitomises the brand’s minimalist, Scandinavian approach to design.
20% Off Discount Code
Given the current weather conditions and forecasters warning of a particularly cold winter, now is a good time to invest in your winter accessories – particularly as men’s accessories specialist Opumo.com have 20% OFF a wide selection of their cold weather gear until Friday 15th November 2013. Just enter ‘coldweather20’ at the checkout.
