Introduction
When it comes to winter, you need to think practical – there’s no two ways about it. It’s all well and good getting suited and booted every single morning in your best wool three-piece, but when it’s barely reaching 3 degrees Celsius, you’ll look more dumb a** than dandy. This season, lose all finishing touches, elegant accents and finely-tuned accessories – channel your inner hunter gatherer. Whether you spend your afternoons toiling in the field (unlikely) or typing away in a well-heated, fairly comfortable office (sounds more like it), bring your style back to the barest of basics. We’re not recommending you forage for your dinner every evening or club your girlfriend on the way back to the cave, but it’s all about finding your inner alpha male. Yes, there is a rugged, rough-hewn, uber masculine farmhand in there somewhere. It might take a while to find (I’m still searching, with my narrow shoulders, spindly frame and slow reaction times) but at least you can dress with a bit of bravado. It’s high time to strip back the embellishment and embrace the utmost in simplicity… and it’s more straight forward than you think.
Style Inspiration: Hunter Gatherer
Lookbook Inspiration
So let’s get the creative juices flowing with some lookbook inspiration that embodies the type of aesthetic we are looking to recreate today:
The Art of Layering
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: good layering maketh the outfit (and in turn, maketh the hunter gatherer). By combining texture, pattern and print we can craft an outfit that is both memorable and protective. Looking cool doesn’t mean you should forfeit insulation, after all. In the case of the classic hunter gatherer look, team simple jackets and shirts with classic tees, thick flannels and denim shirts – or anything that vaguely looks as if it belongs in Kansas, 1948. Practise layering within your everyday looks; multiple pieces and fabrics will help develop outfits that have a real sense of depth and are completely unique. A strong blend of garments is almost always the jumping off point when constructing classic blue collar style ? but what do we throw into the mix?
Key Pattern: Checks
The staple of hunter gatherers the world over, the humble check has defined generation after generation of miners, fisherman and woodcutters. It has remained a timeless classic for good reason. Whether in shirt, coat or shirt-jacket form, no outdoors look can go without. However, there’s more to the classic check than most would think, and it pains me to see hordes of men blindly selecting ill-fitting, poorly coloured pieces. Size wise, think complementary. The whole point of style is to accentuate our outward appearance, and even though the underlying ethos is centred on comfort and practicality, this look is no different. Medium frames should opt for a slightly relaxed or oversized fit to really convey a sense of effortlessness – trying too hard is the antithesis of the hunter gatherer. On the other hand, smaller and larger physiques should look for semi-fitted styles, which will complement their frame better by keeping the overall silhouette in proportion. Colour should also play a big part in your decision and, believe it or not, skin tone is something us gents should be fully aware of. Paler folk should avoid blocks of cream and beige at all costs – you’ll look pale enough this winter, and such colours will only wash out your complexion further. Think rich or warmer hues – burgundy, emerald green and orange are all great on trend choices – and you’ll avoid vampire territory with ease. The more swarthy of our kind can breathe a sigh of relief – richer skin colours can usually hold most colours. In terms of material, brushed cotton and flannel are soft, warm and ooze the casual, effortless appeal you’re after. Although the checked shirt has become a modern wardrobe staple and a ubiquitous part of the everyday male’s attire, there are ways you can separate your look from the crowd this year. Consider details that will make your choice unique, such as contrast shoulder yoke detailing or elbow patches, and maybe step away from the traditional blue/red palettes that are pushed without fail each and every autumn/winter:
- Asos Wool Check Jacket
- Penfield Kuffman Plaid Shirt In Red
- Asos Wool Check Jacket
- Allsaints Cayuse Shirt
- Allsaints Ostberg Shirt
- The Critical Slide Society Jacket In Check
- River Island Grey And Black Check Flannel Shirt
- Topman Navy Check Wool Blend Shacket
- Topman Grey And Black Brushed Gingham Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt
- Edwin Jeans Navy 55 Heavy Stone Wash Chinos
The Footwear: Boots
When it comes to footwear, we have one saviour, one rare stag to quell all our sartorial questions: Dr. Martens. Durable, comfortable and always on point, these hard-wearing boots embody the hardened hunter gatherer on his way back from the field. Cherry red, black or navy are all solid choices that avoid the Dalstonite feel of patent leather and over-embellishment. With quality, however, comes a price tag. They’re not the cheapest of brands and as such, traditional desert boots or other heritage-infused styles offer suitable alternatives. Once again, simplicity and practicality should be the focus. Sneakers and trainers are a little too youthful and whilst often fun, dilute the hunter gatherer look with juvenile practice. Good boots should be a staple of any gent’s wardrobe and investing as much as possible will work wonders; well-crafted leather is form-fitting and bound to last you for years if you look after it. A few extra pence are always well spent in this scenario:
- Red Wing 6-inch Moc Boots
- Red Wing Shoes Ice Cutter Leather Boots
- Topman Brown Leather Lace Up Boots
- Brown Skechers Worker Boots
- Selected Homme Moc Toe Boots
- Ben Sherman Keez 6 Eyelet Boot
- Tods No_code Crepe-sole Leather Desert Boots
- Dr Martens Original 8-eye Boots
- Aldo Wiebe Shearling Boots
- Red Wing Classic Dress Beckman Boots
- Dr Martens Original 8 Boots
- Clarks Originals Leather Desert Boots
Final Word
When it comes to menswear, we’ve seen a real shift in experimentalism. Lines have been blurred, shapes distorted and silhouettes manipulated as the industry makes creative progress. This can only be applauded. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with keeping your look classic and the hunter gatherer allows us to go back to basics: the man as provider, the man as hunter, the man as a man in all his weather-worn glory. You don’t have to be the rugged alpha male, but taking inspiration this winter is a very strong move indeed. Let us know what you make of the hunter gatherer aesthetic in the comments section below…
