Believe it or not, but every third Friday in December is “National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day,” according to the internet. While we sip on that—and mulled wine, too—we agree that there’s a time and a place for everything. Ugly Christmas sweater parties as a one-off is great for a quick giggle, but if you’re hitting the slopes of Niseko, that’s a no. Menswear and accessories in the cooler month should be a bit more elegant, even if the colour and volume are amplified a tad.
Armani
The seasonal colour, bright red, doesn’t permeate the garment, but if you look closely, it’s speckled in the grosgrain details of this single-breasted jacquard jacket. Made by the house of Armani—of course—in Italy and embellished with notched lapels, fabric-covered buttons, clean lines, and elegant hues of mulberry, this silk jacket is for the sophisticated. The lining hides the signature logo in plain sight. Although elegant, there’s nothing plain about this look.
Loro Piana
There are popular casual hoodies (Gap, Lululemon) and sporty, technical ones (Nike, Patagonia), and then, there’s Loro Piana. Loro Piana calls it the Yury jacket, with embroidered shearling and three horn buttons made of 100 per cent sheepskin. It’s simply a chic (and warm, and comfortable beyond belief) hoodie.
Gucci
This red shirt stood out from Gucci’s Cruise 2024 collection. And how could it not—the classic, bright scarlet overshirt is hard to miss. Presented in GG-patterned wool flannel, this relaxed overshirt is lightly padded to create a bulkier silhouette and finish. And yes, it’s as comfortable and relaxed as it looks.
Ferragamo
For those who can’t take the maximalist primary colour motif of the season, how about a happy compromise of adding just a touch of colour with this maxi-logo scarf from Ferragamo? With its bold palette, this knit, with a large-print, full-length logo, is made of the finest wool. The reversible weave gives you options, too, when pairing your outfit. A splash of colour and print is just what you need to add a special touch to your head-to-toe look, and this is perfect as something to quickly throw on before braving the winter winds.
Stefano Ricci
If luxury cars and yachts are going hybrid, why not menswear? Slip into the comfort of this wool, silk, and cashmere blend, featuring a vanise knit pattern. The wool will keep you warm, while the cashmere and silk are here for a tad of luxurious indulgence. Another Italian find, this season’s Stefano Ricci menswear collection is a mix of technical prowess and elegance.
Tom Ford
If you plan to wear green this season, try avoid looking like a decorated tree or fern in motion. How about this retro-chic jacket from Tom Ford, for instance? Firstly, it’s not green—how dare you?—it’s teal. Secondly, as per the brand literature, it’s a “brushed heathered suede contrast zip ‘blouson’ with smooth leather framing and tab detail.” Well, the details are certainly beguiling: note the logo, the zip detail along the cuffs, the waist adjusters on the side, press-stud fastening, and the smooth leather frame along the waist. The silhouette even makes you look taller and thinner. Tom Ford may be a definitive all-American brand, but this piece was constructed in Italy. I’ll have three, please.
Zegna
Much digital ink has been spilt on the collaboration between Zegna and The Elder Statesman, the vividly coloured, whimsically printed, and psychedelically patterned LA brand famed for its cult following. Collab fashion purveyors didn’t see this coming—the partnership had a huge impact and the world embraced the festival of colours. In any other context, this “waffle-stitch” Oasi cashmere long-sleeve knit polo shirt, in this particular shade of green, would be too much. However, it is the season! We love the relaxed silhouette, the drape, the tactile finish, the conscious craftsmanship, and the luxuriate 100 per cent cashmere… We’re as committed to Zegna as the brand is to sustainability and traceability.
