Warm up with these winter must-haves

Peter Brown, CEO of the family-owned Tom Browns Group, has been in the menswear business for 35 years and has seen his fair share of trends come and go. He takes a break from heading stores in New South Wales and Queensland to tell us what’s in this season.

How has the men’s suit evolved this winter?
Business wear has continued to slim down, with more tailored fittings. With suits, we’re seeing more mid-tones and grey stripes, high two-button coats, plain-front trousers and slimmer silhouettes. Ties will also be slimmer this year, trimming down from 90mm to 65mm. For play, the hot look will be the new relaxed jackets and coats in uncut cord or velvet, worn with darker denim jeans and cutaway collared shirts or tees.

Can everyone carry off the look?
Getting the right fit is really important: that’s why we stock a range of different fittings, so men can get a fashion look and a great feel.

What are the trendy colours to add to the wardrobe this season?
The limes and oranges of summer have become olives and tangerines, teamed with purple and mauve in business wear. For example, wear a dark-based tie with a neat tangerine pattern and a rich, earthy-toned jacket that has mulberry, grape or olive highlights.

We hear there’s a surprising up-trend in men’s accessories?
Yes: cufflinks and tie-bars continue to get stronger and stronger, with men of all backgrounds and workplaces now wearing double-cuffed shirts, not just formal businessmen. Coloured stones and silverware are dominating over the previously very popular novelty cufflink.

What advice would you give men who want an image revamp?
Get a new-season luxury velvet jacket that can be dressed up with a cutaway shirt and tie and dressed down with casual shirt or tee and dark denim jeans. For stockists, tel: +61 (7) 3630 4722.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT

The folks at Esprit have gone for an old-world European flavour in their men’s winter line this year – lots of dark leather coats, heavy cotton pants and cosy wool sweaters. The more youthful Edc by Esprit range focuses on denim: bootleg jeans and cuffed shorts and capris, paired with long-sleeved tees, scarves and beanies in warm colours. Available at all Esprit stores Australia-wide.

SNUG AS A BUB

Give your baby another layer of protection, with the Airwrap™ cot liner from The Little Linen Company. Made from soft mesh, the Airwrap™ is securely fastened below mattress level to allow maximum air-flow and ensure that baby’s limbs will never get caught between the cot’s bars. It folds down to a surprisingly small package, so it’s great to travel with!
For babies 0 to 24 months old, RRP AU$49.99, tel: +61 (3) 9804 8466.

STEP OUT IN STYLE

Ashlee SimpsonThe latest Skechers spokesperson is Jessica’s younger sister, Ashlee Simpson. “I grew up wearing Skechers. Like me, they’re not afraid of taking chances and having fun,” says Simpson. “I hope to add a few more pairs to my closet.” The hottest shoes coming out of Los Angeles these days are the Mary-Jane styles available in mixed materials. From AU$69.95. Skechers Concept Store, 2/6 Oxford Street, Paddington, tel: +61 (2) 9357 2477.

HEAT TREATS

Turn the heat up this winter with the new range of Dermalogica Thermal Body Therapy products. The “Deep Thermal Therapy with Thermal Stamp” (one of eleven new treatments) is inspired by a 14th-century Thai treatment which uses heat to detox, de-stress and relax the body, while giving minerals back to the skin. It’ll have you glowing! Available at all Dermalogica skin treatment centres, tel: 1800 659 118 within Australia.

PLUMP YOUR POUT

Smooth, supple lips in winter – it’s the promise the cosmetic giants make every year. This winter, Shiseido have come good with the new Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment. Containing marine collagen and the innovative Super Fix Formula, a dab will ensure plump, ultra-moist lips. RRP AU$50 for 15ml. Available at David Jones, Myer and pharmacies; call 1800 225 032 for stockists.

SWEET DREAMS

Sharon Stone has a pair in every style. Alyssa Milano and Jessica Simpson are fans of their loose, comfortable fit and colourful prints. And another Tepper Jackson pyjama fan apparently wore his on board an international flight! The winter selection (pictured here) comes in a range of fantastic prints, and features button-up shirts and wide-leg pants with elastic drawstring waists in 100% cotton. We feel sleepy already. AU$125, unisex sizing. Pyjama Queen, tel: 1300 737 751 within Australia.

WINTER OF CONTENT

French Connection has landed at Sydney’s domestic terminal. The standout womenswear pieces are the cosy Flame coat, made of wool and fully lined (pictured, RRP AU$299.95), and the faux-fur parka (RRP AU$179.95); both will guarantee you make a stylish splash on the street. Oh, and pick up a pair of cute ankle boots while you’re at it. French Connection, Shop T23 at Sydney Airport Terminal 2, tel: +61 (2) 9669 6853.