No one was more devastated than me when I found myself (September 9th, no less) gearing up for the first of the annual 'big chill' fashion features. Oh my god, there's still so much time until June.
However, the Met Office (never trying to offend anyone) today published their first dire weather warning season: “London and the UK are set for an Arctic blast,” their statement read. “Looking further ahead,” it continued cheerfully, “we are likely to see crisper, cooler temperatures sweeping across United Kingdomand by midweek it will become noticeably cooler in the north.”
In other words: It's time to buckle up, team. Here are some level-one defense mechanisms you can use to survive this year's cold (and look cool while doing it).
Iceland-Approved Outerwear
66° North has been 'warming Iceland since 1926' – and trust me, when you land here Reykjavik airport, all the locals are fully kitted out. That's more than convincing to me. Their puffer jackets are the way to go, but since December is still a ways away, may I suggest checking out their trendy (and reversible) Dyngja bombers. A runway-ready look that'll also serve you well on the slopes.
66North
Dyngja Reversible Down Jacket, £375 66north.com
Artist of the moment Yinka Ilori — you may have seen him take over Piccadilly Circus last month, but you’ve definitely spotted his M&S shopping bags — adding another, thicker thread to his look; an irresistibly cheerful collection of fleeces and raincoats in collaboration with The North Face. At the top of our shopping list is a fabulous pink, blue and green geometric fleece with neon orange trim (which is also reversible). Right in our Ilori tote bags.
North wall
Stealth Wealth Waterproof Cap
You may not win a prize for majority They're sexy, but earlier this year I came across these waterproof Sealskinz caps with (newswire) easy-to-fold peaks so you can stuff them into your coat pocket, and I was dying to try them. OK, that was a lie. But I still thought the design was pretty clever. Go for navy or black, and the effect is logo-free, Succession-style – all very Logan Roy. Effective. And £30 off.
Sealskins
While I'm not suggesting you upgrade your winter wardrobe every year, a new pair of cashmere socks is like a warm mocha for the soul. There are endless fantastic options on this front. M&S's Autograph has a comfy pair for £30; you can't go wrong with The White Company, whose socks are £36 (Here), while East London favourite Tekla towel and sheet maker is releasing a pair for £65 (Here). Choose your fighter, etc.
Autograph
Gorpcore is not going anywhere this winter, just like last year Arc'teryx have done an exceptionally good job of beating off the competition and becoming the coolest in the business. Then head to them for a sleek pair of jet black hiking boots that will take you from Victoria Park to the Lake District. Other brands endorsed by Spurstowe Arms include Berghaus, Salamon and HOKA – all of which sell boots built to withstand any Arctic wind.
Arc'teryx