Master the art of layering with L’Estrange’s ultimate winter ensemble

Words: Josh Lee

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With the harsh, bitter conditions now fully unfurled, our cold-weather wardrobes are starting to long for swathes of wintery layers that’ll protect us from breeze, rain and unbearably low temperatures. When it comes to curating this collection of seasonal wears, the best pillars usually comprise a handful of well-considered, functional and versatile pieces that won’t just create a barrier against the climes, but will also allow for flexible rotation and introduce tactile, textured elements into your outfit, all the while keeping everything in refined volumes and proportions.

L’Estrange is perhaps the ultimate brand that specialises in such basics, and one that eschews fast fashion in favour of creating a tightly edited wardrobe of timeless, wearable essentials that are made to last throughout the years.

The pillars of its winter collection, most notably, revolve around a selection of tailored pieces that have shed bulkiness while retaining warming properties, allowing each item to be worn separately or layered up, as and when the conditions dictate.

So, if you’re thinking of investing in some new winterwear in the coming weeks, we’ve put together the ideal cold-weather ensemble for you to zip up this season.

Crafted in Tuscany, L’Estrange’s ‘24 Trouser’ is an everyday piece that hits the right tone between formal and off-duty: a sharp silhouette makes it wearable with a blazer, but its stretch gives it a casual slant perfect for pairing with minimalist white sneakers or desert shoes. The merino wool that it is crafted from is also incredibly soft, thermoregulating, odour-resistant and biodegradable – a sartorial must-buy that works hard and looks good in equal measure.

Although not typically associated with winter, a long-sleeve t-shirt offers a reliable base from which you can start adding more heavy-duty layers. This straight-fit option is made from premium soft organic cotton, which provides structure and breathability, ideal to wear from morning until night. Split sides provide enough detail to allow the piece to be worn on its on during those occasional winter days when the temperatures rise, and the option of versatile hues – either white or black – give it a wear-with-anything quality.

Warm, easygoing and an item that’s a contemporary layering basic, hoodies make for a sporty and casual addition to your daily rotation. L’Estrange gives an elevated, jacket-like spin to the streetwear classic by combining the soft touch of cotton with a fully-lined interior, pique-textured exterior, inside pockets, and high-shine metal-zip detailings.

When it comes to the topic of jackets, the options are innumerable and varied – and being such a big-ticket item, it can also be the finest expression of one’s style. As L’Estrange likes to dovetail evergreen aesthetics with functionality, its ‘Modular Shell Jacket’ avoids any unnecessary flourishes and instead opts for a clean design that maximises heat-retention.

Moreover, it slips easily over the ‘Monochrome Hood’ or under a larger item, and is defined by its recycled polyester shell that is at once lightweight, water-repellent and insulating. Additionally, as part of the brand’s ‘Modular Series’ – an adaptable system of outwerwear that can be mixed and matched – it features a clip that allows it to be fastened to other items in the range, such as ‘The Modular Mac’, or the below item.

The finishing touch to any ensemble, a wool coat provides your first style statement and the initial barrier against the cold conditions. Besides the most obvious reason – a top layer that helps lock in warmth – we tend to lean towards wool coats for their structured, mature appearance that looks at home in both the city and in nature. ‘The Modular Wool Coat’ makes use of a dense weave that is wind resistant and has extra durability; has a clip-on to connect to other L’Estrange products; and has a fuss-free cut that is slim enough to keep things appearing streamlined, but with enough give to allow room for manoeuvre and underlayers.

Want more layering pieces? Check out L’Estranges ‘Hydrowool Bomber’, its contemporary take on a menswear classic…

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