If there's one thing we love about winter styling, it's the opportunity to layer. 'Tis the season to play with proportions, textures and hues, showcasing the full potential of your wardrobe by combining pieces that work together and complement each other.
For a helpful lesson in layering, look to L'Estrange. The London-based brand has made a name for itself as a go-to for minimalist menswear classics that fuse timeless design with innovative construction. The brand's philosophy 'With less, do more' translates into pieces that are designed for longevity and versatility, to be worn and re-worn despite changing seasons and trends. From shirting to knitwear to outerwear, every garment is made for easy year-round layering, to ensure you get the most out of it.
Scroll on for three helpful outfit ideas that showcase the layering potential of some essential L'Estrange garms we just can't get enough of.
Outfit 1: From boardroom to bar
For a look that shows you mean business (and will work just as well at post-work cocktails), keep things classic. A white shirt and unstructured blazer are the building blocks for any business-casual ensemble. Add a well-made woollen coat for when you step outside and complete the look with Derby shoes and straight-leg trousers.
Base layer: The All Day Oxford Shirt
A classic white Oxford shirt is a fail-safe base layer for a semi-formal or office-ready ensemble. L'Estrange's version is crafted from luxuriously soft organic cotton with a touch of elastane for increased movement and stretch. It's lightweight yet durable, crafted with a special basket-weave technique that gives it its super-smooth texture.
Mid layer: The 24 Blazer Wool
Next up, a smart blazer. Made from 100% super-fine Merino wool flannel, the 24 Blazer Wool from L'Estrange is a comfortable, crease-resistant take on the classic, which makes it even easier to layer. Its unfussy detailing and versatile charcoal hue makes it a perennial wardrobe staple that will stand the test of time.
Outer layer: The Modular Wool Coat
The Modular Wool Coat is the ultimate outer layer, a trend-transcending hero that you'll reach for year after year. It's made from densely woven recycled wool melton and boasts natural insulation and wind resistance.
Outfit 2: Everyday ease
For everyday off-duty style that doesn't skimp on elegance, take your cues from elevated sportswear. A plain white tee is the perfect foundation: add an athletic-inspired sweatshirt or hoodie and a sleek bomber jacket on top. Style with slightly tapered chinos and minimalist leather trainers.
Base layer: The Classic Tee
You can never go wrong with a crisp white tee, and this simple yet refined version from L'Estrange ticks all our boxes. Made from mid-weight organic cotton, the crew neck style is structured yet relaxed enough for all-day comfort.
Mid layer: The Monochrome Hood
A hoodie, but not as you know it. L'Estrange's Monochrome Hood fuses the comfort of a hoodie with the refined elegance of a jacket, thanks to elevated tailoring details including smart internal lining and inside pockets. Versatility epitomised.
Outer layer: The Hydrowool Bomber
A bomber jacket is a valuable layering tool that will see you stylishly through the seasons. In typical L'Estrange fashion, The Hydrowool Bomber adheres to a minimalist aesthetic, enhancing its versatility. Crafted from Merino wool and featuring a water and wind-proof fabric membrane, it's a high-tech layer disguised as stylish outerwear.
Outfit 3: Smart-casual sophistication
Channel effortless smart-casual sophistication with the simple layering of a few key pieces: premium cotton T-shirt, lightweight Merino knit, mac coat. It's a classic combination that will never go out of style. Add a pair of wool trousers and Chelsea boots for an elegant winter-ready look that's perfect for whiling away an afternoon in an upmarket gastropub.
Base layer: The Tailored Tee Organic
L'Estrange offers an elevated take on the classic tee, with their Tailored Tee Organic, a mid-weight organic cotton staple that features subtle refined detailing like split sides, a curved hem and a back pleat. It's perfect for everyday wear, as well as those dressier occasions.
Mid layer: The Merino Easy Zip Sweater
L'Estrange's Merino Easy Zip Sweater is a streamlined knit layer that will add some warmth and softness to your smart-casual ensemble. Comfortable yet elegant, it's easily dressed up or down, guaranteeing you'll get many wears out of it. Try it with jeans and sneakers or take things up a notch with tailored trousers and brogues.
Outer layer: The Modular Mac
The mac coat is a menswear classic that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. For a seasonless version that will look as good now as in 20 years time, L'Estrange has you sorted. The brand's Modular Mac – crafted from organic cotton and recycled nylon – boasts a simple silhouette and is easily teamed with just about anything.
Read our review of L'Estrange's 24 Trouser.
