From rainy days to cosy nights, stay warm this season with the best autumn-winter menswear essentials to complete your capsule wardrobe.
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe refers to a carefully curated collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched for every occasion and style.
It is a minimalist approach to dressing that emphasises quality over quantity. By investing in high-quality pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways, you can help to streamline your wardrobe and ensure that you always have something to wear, no matter the occasion
A good rule of thumb to follow when building a capsule wardrobe is to look for classic, versatile pieces that will transcend seasons in neutral colours. This doesn’t mean you need to dull down your aesthetic or avoid statement pieces. Instead, it simply means that you can expand and elevate your outfit rotation using a few key items without unnecessary clutter.
Wondering how you can elevate your style for this season? Discover how to wear the best trends of the season with the David Jones Style Guides.
The Best Winter Clothes for Men in 2023
Winter Shirts and Casual T-Shirts
T-shirts and shirts are the bread and butter of your capsule wardrobe. Having a generous collection of different shirt styles, colours, and materials is what expands your winter wardrobe capabilities.
Start with the essential: a Crew T-Shirt from Country Road in every colour. These Australian cotton t-shirts are durable, understated, and stylish, all at the same time. The waffle-style Australian cotton in these t-shirts will help to keep you warm, too. For a smoother finish in fabrication, and a slimmer fit, look to Rodd & Gunn’s Long Sleeve Gunn T-Shirt. The embroidery on this t-shirt will help to add a pop of colour and sophistication to any ensemble.
For shirting trends, this season, bright stripes and tartan prints are leading the charge. Introducing a few shirts in brighter colours will help to modernise your wardrobe and add a splash of colour to an otherwise darker-coloured season. Channel your inner lumberjack with the impossible cosy yet sophisticated Kane – Green Casual Shirt from Anthony Squires. For a more subdued yet stylish stripe shirt, we love the Long Sleeve Slim Dobby Stripe Shirt from Calvin Klein.
Pants and Jeans
Pants are one of the most crucial parts of your autumn-winter capsule wardrobe. Think of your trousers as a versatile foundational piece in your wardrobe that matches everything. The key to making this season’s trends work for you is to opt for classic pants that work for different occasions (again, versatility).
Chinos are essential in your cold-weather wardrobe rotation. These classics can be worn almost everywhere, from casual lunches to work functions. We suggest investing in two pairs of chinos; one in a lighter colour like the Oxford Ryan Folded Cuff Casual Chinos, and one in a darker shade like the Austin Black Chino Pant by Anthony Squires. Don’t just limit your officewear ensemble to the traditional shirt and jacket look. Instead, experiment with mixing and matching your chinos with different colours of shirts, layered knitwear, and shoes.
Jeans are another essential staple for the cooler months, and offer a more casual spin to your ensemble. We also love jeans as they can be thrown into a weekend bag for a quick getaway without much fuss, and keep you warm when the temperature drops. For a sturdy yet stylish jean option, invest in Saba’s Fitzroy Slim Jean in black, dark indigo, or classic blue. Opt for dark wash jean rather than light, as dark wash jeans tend to match better with a wider range of tops.
Puffer Jackets
There’s something about puffer jackets that we can’t get enough of. Simple in their design, toasty in any temperature, and easy to style, a puffer jacket is a must throughout 2023.
Puffer jackets are best saved for casual ensembles and work best with simple styling. We love the simplicity and rich olive hue of the Ellesse Peddero Jacket in the image above. For an olive-coloured puffer with a twist, the shaped stitching of the Wyatt Quilted Puffer from Article One also pairs perfectly with jeans or tan pants, and a simple t-shirt.
As one of the most iconic puffer jackets around, The North Face Men’s 96 Retro Nuptse Puffer Jacket is a necessity throughout the cooler months. Or, if your wardrobe is in need of a lighter-coloured option, the Seneca Puffer by Article One is your go-to.
If sleeveless is more within your style wheelhouse and versatility is what your designer wardrobe is calling for, you’ll love the Eleventy Reversible Vest. Double your cool-weather styling options with this wool-blend vest that switches between grey and sand.
Men’s Knitwear & Jumpers
Cardigans
Build your cardigan collection with a lightweight cardigan, preferably one in a darker colour like the Anthony Squires Brown Wool Cardigan and one in a lighter shade like the Yarn-Dyed Extrafine Merino Cardigan by Altea. These lightweight cardigans are thin enough to be styled over and under multiple layers without looking too bulky. Don’t be fooled by their lightweight, as the wool and merino fabrications help to keep the warmth in. That’s why it’s so important to look for quality fabrics in winter: they look good, but they also do their job of keeping you warm.
For a slightly bulkier cardigan, invest in the Altea Wool 3 Button Cardigan. This fisherman-knit cardi is chunky enough to be worn on its own as well as under an overcoat.
The last piece to include in your winter wardrobe rotation is a statement cardigan like the Hugo Boss Stuumo Knit. This eye-catching, prep-style cardigan stole the show at our Autumn Winter 2023 runway for its versatile yet elevated look. You can pair this knit with a white t-shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers for a runway-inspired casualwear ensemble.
Jumpers
For a jumper that effortlessly transitions from officewear to weekend casual, lean into a light-coloured sweater like the Polo Ralph Lauren’s Men’s Long Sleeve Cable Knit. A cable knit with this type of neckline accommodates everything from crisp work shirts to easy t-shirts and matches with jeans, pants, and more. If you’re in need of a slim-fit option, Hugo Boss’s Virgin-Wool Sweater will work well under your favourite puffer jacket or coat. If crew neck doesn’t work with your wardrobe, stock up on the Australian Cotton Mock Neck Knit from Country Road for a fail-proof layering piece.
Another trend making waves in menswear is the return to the logo jumper. Update your cold-weather rotation with a branded jumper in this season’s colour palette. We love the R.M.W. Script Crew Neck from R.M. Williams in charcoal, or the burnt orange featured in the above image. This style of jumper looks fantastic under your puffer jacket and paired with chinos and white sneakers.
Men’s Coats and Jackets
The perfect men’s capsule wardrobe would not be complete without the number one cold-weather essential: a warm jacket.
Begin by investing in an always-stylish, extra cosy Sherpa Jacket. This handy, reliable piece works best when layered over a thinner knit or cardigan, or a simple t-shirt. We love the oversized fit of the Article One Skylar Cord Sherpa Jacket. Plus, the corduroy finish just adds a little spark of interest to your overall look. Consider investing in a collarless jacket, like the Ross Padded Zip Jacket from Saba, as an additional casual piece for weekends and more.
Next, look for a slightly more elevated style jacket. Deconstructed yet tailored jackets like Anthony Squires’ Hardy Camel Tailored Jacket are great for your capsule wardrobe as they can be worn buttoned up or as a layering piece.
Lastly, you can never go wrong with a stylish leather jacket. James Dean-inspired leather jackets have been dominating the runway for countless seasons. Make the most of this effortlessly rebellious (and warm) layering piece with Tiger Of Sweden’s Axton Leather Jacket. Pair your leather jacket with separates in a darker palette, like black straight-leg jeans, or with a simple, white t-shirt. You can also experiment with lightweight knits or a crisp shirt depending on the weather.
Coats
Stylish and smart, a well-designed coat is always a good investment for the colder months.
For a coat that effortlessly transitions from day to night, and from casual to special occasion, look to Pal Zileri’s Wool and Cashmere Overcoat. This masterfully crafted piece channels elevated suiting, but with a functional outerwear twist. If minimalist military fashion is more to your style, the Saba Christopher Wool Overcoat is a no-brainer for seasons to come.
Double-breasted coats are a timeless investment piece. For a slightly bulkier yet tailored finish, we love Hugo Boss’Double-Breasted Slim-Fit Coat In A Wool Blend which comes in this season’s colour palette heroes: navy and grey. If you’re searching for something a little lighter, but still warm, introduce an overcoat from Anthony Squires like the Elroy Double-Breasted Navy into your rotation.
Men’s Winter Shoes and Boots
For footwear, the best place to start is with a pair of squeaky clean white sneakers. We love the Essential Sneaker from Tommy Hilfiger, which pairs with everything from jeans to cardigans, overcoats and more. To help keep your sneakers shiny and fresh all season through, we suggest investing in a sneaker cleaner like the Sneaker Doctor Waterless Foam Cleaner which is safe to use on leather and suede.
A pair of high-quality boots can be worn all year round, from office days to rainy days, special occasions and more. For an update on the classic black boot, look for footwear with unique detailing. We love the Wild Rhino Fargo Chelsea Boot in tan or black. The tartan gusset adds a little colour burst to the boot, and looks fantastic with a Sherpa Jacket or Lumberjack Shirt.
For suiting and officewear, this season’s office essentials are all about light-coloured suits and dark greys. These cooler-toned shades of suit require a brown boot, like the Julius Marlow Scuttle Chelsea Boot. That being said, you’ll always need a pair of black patent shoes handy, like the Julius Marlow Jet Patent Rubber Sole Derby. Remember that the key to a complete capsule wardrobe is to have something for every occasion. Discover more about special occasion dressing with our Style Guide: How to Master Men’s Event Dressing.
Bags
The final flourish on your wardrobe this season: a stylish bag.
Lean into wanderlust this year with luxurious overnight bags, like Calvin Klein’s CK Elevated Weekender or the Alta Linea Honeycomb Overnight Bag. These large bags will keep all of your belongings safe, and look good at the same time.
2023 has been described as the year of the tote bag—and for good reason. Lightweight yet sturdy, the humble tote bag can be used for everything from carrying your work laptop to lugging your groceries. For a chic men’s tote bag, Rodd & Gunn’s Putea Tote is made from heavy-weight cotton canvas (durable) and features a large internal zip pocket to store valuables (functional).
In addition to an overnight bag, we suggest investing in a comfortable backpack for work, weekends, and more. While many of us may associate backpacks with being back in school, these handy carryalls are popping up on runways worldwide. Look for a backpack that offers lots of storage options, easy access, and an ergonomic design, like the BellroyVenture Backpack 22L. This backpack will easily hold your laptop, paperwork, and more in place while you commute to work.
You’ve revitalised your winter wardrobe, now it’s time to refresh your winter skincare with the Ultimate Men’s Skincare Routine for Beginners.