Picks of the Week: Creature Comforts

Plenty of animals enjoy a hibernation period in which they retreat into their warm and cosy dwellings without being disturbed for up to seven months of the year. This week, our editorial team find no fault in allowing yourself some guilt-free time off, too, and have each chosen three items from The Rake Atelier to ensure you stay classy - and comfortable - in your cave this winter. Tom Chamberlin, Editor A theme of hibernation builds a concept of earthy, hygge, cosiness, so these selections are designed to create that sense of home comforts without compromising on rakishness. Often people’s desire to dress up is purely a mating dance to any and all who walk by, but true rakes uplift themselves through wearing anything that they know is made to the very highest quality, which these three most certainly are. Charlie Thomas, Deputy Editor  Dressing around the home shouldn’t require any effort and comfort, naturally, comes first. If you’re going to invest in leisurewear though, it makes sense to purchase clothing that’s smart enough to wear outside of the home too, to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. This Merino knit mini-shawl collared cardigan by Ka/Noa does the job well and can be paired effectively with Falke’s navy knitted wool jogging bottoms, which are smartened up by a bit of subtle chalkstripe action. On another note, keep yourself – and your home – smelling acceptable with a fine fragrance from Jermyn Street’s Floris. Their No. 89 scent was favoured by Ian Fleming – a first-class testimonial if there ever was one. Anna Prendergast, Online Editorial Associate Who says Tom Cruise in Risky Business is the only one allowed to get down to rock ’n’ roll in his boxers? If quiet reflection isn’t your style, pump up your favourite album, kick off your shoes and enjoy the feeling of freedom in a pair of asymmetric patchwork shorts; Emma Willis’ are built for comfort, with Swiss cotton and a wider waistband. When you eventually pause for breath after a few too many air guitar solos, chuck on Inis Meáin’s oyster grey merino roll-neck up top and keep the endorphins coming with a heady scented candle. Benedict Browne, Online Editorial Associate Becoming a recluse in winter is hugely underrated. You work hard from Monday to Friday, to then hide away all weekend in absolute contentment. Or, at least that’s what I do, and the key to successful winter hibernation is comfortable, warm clothing. Enter Cifonelli. Known for its miraculous bespoke tailoring, the storied French tailoring house’s ready-to-wear offering is equally exceptional and nothing says luxurious, lazy loungewear than a two-piece cashmere tracksuit. Throw on a houndstooth silk gown from the only silk gown-maker worth knowing, New & Lingwood, and you’ve got a hibernation-friendly look that will rival the late Hugh Hefner’s daily getup. Megan Plenderleith, Copywriter I can think of nothing more appropriate for some self-indulgent, cosy me-time than covering oneself from head to toe in supple and luxurious attire. Rubinacci’s blue and white striped linen pyjamas will ease you effortlessly into the hibernation process and, when worn with some pure Egyptian cotton Pantherella socks, will leave you feeling completely cocooned. But for when you may need to interact with other humans (God forbid) a monochrome striped cotton jersey from Enlist will serve the purpose perfectly. Natasha Drax, Online Editorial Assistant The problem with winter is that often the desire to go anywhere other than your centrally heated house is eradicated along with every ounce of the sun’s heat. However, this problem can be easily solved by ensuring you have the right gear to slip into. A cosy knit is the first place to start and this golden brown cariaggi cashmere cable knit from Luca Faloni is an impossibly soft yet elegant option. Pair with a no-fuss, comfortable white t-shirt and for those of you who dare to brave the outside, ensure to take Ettinger’s tan and silver flask, filled with a warming brew.