2022 may be coming to an end but the freezing winter is definitely not. And as is the case with every season, your closet will require a major reshuffling to accommodate the climate. This is the time when tiring fashion trends are pushed way back into the closet, making room for all the comfort and fuzz that your wardrobe can provide you with. However, the phrase fashion and comfort never go hand-in-hand is so ancient, they might find it inscribed in the walls of the Pyramids of Giza. In the 21st century, there is no distinction between the two in the clothing industry. And if you’re looking for similar options, then your search is about to come to an end. Here are nine winter essentials you need to include in your wardrobe.

• Turtle Neck
• This utility garment has always been a motif for strength and style. Case in point: Mad Men, where it had the most screentime than anyone else. A distant cousin of the high-neck, a turtle neck provides your closet much flexibility and can be worn with essentially anything. There are a million ways to style this winter essential and not get bored with it one bit. You could wear it under a suit to ooze out a retro look or pair it with a loose pullover for a laid-back, casual look. Or you could simply match it with a pair of jeans if you’re in the mood for some apples. My point is you can never go wrong with a roll neck―it is a timeless classic that just gets better with time.
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• Shirt Jacket
• Originating from military fatigue shirts, shirt jackets are a clever piece of garment, model for that confusing period of time when the weather itself does not know what it is doing. Also known as a shacket, it is a highly utile item and a must-have for your wardrobe. You can wear it as a warmer version of a shirt and layer it with an oversized jacket or blazer or you could wear a tee under it for that ruggedly handsome “Dean Winchester” look. How you style it would depend on the kind of shacket you have. Some are thicker than shirts but not very insulating, perfect for autumn while others are extremely warm and miss the mark of a jacket by only a few points, ideal for harsh winters. The shirt jacket is an exemplary piece of clothing that is still in heavy use despite finding its root in the 20th century.
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• Woollen blazer
• Any wardrobe is incomplete without a blazer in it. A standalone jacket, a blazer is the most versatile addition to your closet. It is casual enough to be worn to a Sunday brunch, formal enough to be worn to work and striking enough to leave a lasting impression on everyone’s mind. If that’s not enough, you can wear it to lift up your outfit anyday, especially when you do not feel like dressing up (translation: ya lazy). A blazer can be best described as a semi-formal or a formal jacket that looks like a part of a suit but is actually worn independently. Like a suit jacket, it comes in various forms such as single-breasted, double-breasted and multiple configurations.Not unlike the garment itself, the story of its origin is equally interesting. It found its name after the scarlet coloured flannel jackets worn by the members of Lady Margaret Boat Club. These outwears were bright red in colour and would blaze in the sun, giving them the distinction of being a blazer from that of a jacket. A woollen blazer would be an ideal resident for your closet, giving you warmth and style, all at the same time.
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Any wardrobe is incomplete without a blazer in it. A standalone jacket, a blazer is the most versatile addition to your closet. It is casual enough to be worn to a Sunday brunch, formal enough to be worn to work and striking enough to leave a lasting impression on everyone’s mind.

Usually seen as an outdated garment, the cardigan is immensely underrated. Despite the stereotype surrounding it, you’ll be surprised at what a fitted piece of this supposedly “ancient” winter wear can do for your outfit.

• Woollen suit
• A suit is like the powerhouse of a man’s wardrobe. No closet (or man) is complete without it. However, while a suit is an essential closet item, only having a suit doth not maketh a man; it is equally important to have the right fit for your powerhouse to work in your favour. To this end, you shouldn’t shy away from spending as much time you need in order to find the one most appropriate for you. Even if you do not wear this two-piece often, having even one at your dispense can make all the difference in the world. There are various types of suits, all indispensable in their own right. There is the two-button suit that is ideal for every occasion, from interviews to weddings. And since its winters, it wouldn’t be a wrong decision to go for a plain grey or charcoal two-button suit as it will deeply compliment the weather (and you). Then, there is the double-breasted suit, an excellent armour for the cultured man. Its sophisticated style makes it an ideal garment for any formal setting. You cannot go wrong with a dark double-breasted suit, preferably midnight blue or charcoal black.
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• Cardigan
• Usually seen as an outdated garment, the cardigan is immensely underrated. Despite the stereotype surrounding it, you’ll be surprised at what a fitted piece of this supposedly “ancient” winter wear can do for your outfit. Its versatility makes for an excellent addition to your ensemble. It is elegant enough for a formal occasion, preppy enough for festivity and casual enough for a day out with your friends or family. There are various ways to wear a cardigan to one-up your tog and walk out of your house looking rad without having to compromise with comfort and warmth. You can wear it as a mid-layer for your two-piece suit. If it is a semi-formal look you’re going for, you can exchange the blazer for a cardigan and look chic as ever. To absolutely smash this look, you can go for pastel or mild coloured sweaters. Cardigans also help keep your outfit muted in an alluring, minimalist manner which will compliment your ensemble.Bonus: These also work if Netflixin’ is all you want to do, all day every day.
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• Parka
• A battle-tested soldier, the parka is most probably the toughest of all your winter armours. It is on the back of this beast that you have bested winters all your life and will continue to do so. Unlike other winter wears, this one is considerate of your layering needs and offers ample space to do so. Its relaxed, puffy style enables you to load up on sweaters underneath it and not look like an overpacked suitcase. You can wear it over a woollen t-shirt or a hoodie for a casual look. And even though it may not seem formal enough, you can wear it over your blazer on a particularly wintery day. It comes in various sizes as well so you can pick the one which is most optimal for you.
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• Pullover
• A winter classic, an oversized pullover is most likely already in your closet, being used as the Netflixin’ uniform. And even though it is relaxing enough to be worn as loungewear, there is no reason to believe this comfort can’t follow you to the streets. You can just as easily wear it over a tee or a shirt and pair it up with a suave pair of chinos for that effortless sprezzatura demeanour. You can also wear it with joggers for a casual, laid-back, frequenting-Starbucks look. A pullover can also serve as a semi-formal ensemble―simply wear a shirt under it and pair it up with a pair of denims and you’re good to go. While the usually preferred colours for pullovers are pastels and earth-tones, you can go for brights and designs as well, if you are feeling particularly adventurous.
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• Trench coat
• The trench coat, like most modern clothes, is a result of the 20th-century garments that were born out of necessity. Resembling a long coat, the original purpose of the trenchcoat was to be worn over uniforms as a protective layer in the trenches of wars, from where it derives its name. However, thanks to Hollywood’s portrayal of the secretive and alluring noir detective, the trench coat has since evolved to having become a winter essential, a must for every wardrobe. There are many forms of the trench coat available―from plain to designer and from short to long ones, you can have your pick of these timeless winter wears.
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• Pea coat
• A close relative of the trench coat, a pea coat is another garment that should be included in every winter wardrobe. Tracing its origin to the uniforms issued to mariners, pea coat remains an essential item even today and with good reason. Since they were originally made for mariners who had to survive the harsh winters at the sea, they are adept at insulating the body. It is double-breasted to comfortably and tightly wrap your body to keep out the cold and keep yourself warm. Additionally, its high collars can be pulled up to cover your neck against the flesh-cutting winds that are accompanied by winter. A pea coat of a top-notch quality will last you years before finally giving up, owing to the strong wool fabric used in its making. This is another factor that makes a pea coat an ideal choice in winters.