We’re well into winter now and, frankly, with the holiday season behind us, the
novelty of frosty mornings, rosy-cheeked walks in the park and mulled wine is slowly beginning to wear off. Not to
mention, the wardrobes that we excitedly stocked at the beginning of the season with various iterations of
outerwear, chunky knits and roll necks in every colour are starting to seem a bit stale. Suffice it to say, we’re in
need of some sartorial stimulus to get us through the remaining winter months, and where better to source it than
the ever-fruitful annals of cinema? Huddled under thick woollen blankets, dram in hand, these are the films we’re
currently re-watching for a renewed sense of purpose when it comes to winter dressing.
The Shining
One of the horror genre’s most beloved films and a veritable cult classic, Stanley
Kubrick’s The Shining stars Jack Nicholson as Jack
Torrance, a struggling writer who retreats for the winter to a secluded hotel in the Rockies, accompanied by his
wife and son. Jack doesn't take too well to the solitude and the pressure of a blank page and soon descends into
madness, triggering a series of suspenseful and utterly terrifying twists and turns. Frightening as the film is, it
also happens to offer afailsafe templatefor taking on the winter chill in style. Fully embracing the role of the lodge’s caretaker, Jack adopts a
workwear-inspired uniform comprised of trend-transcending cold weather staples: a burgundy corduroy bomber jacket,
plaid collared shirt, classic blue jeans and sturdy work boots. Casual and understated, it makes for a reliable
disguise for his increasing mental instability.
Call of the Wild
One of a handful of film interpretations of Jack London’s classic adventure novel,
the 1935 adaptation of Call of the Wild is undoubtedly the most stylish. Clark Gable and Loretta Young star
as Jack Thornton and Claire Blake, lovers fatefully brought togetherin the
severe Alaskan wildernessas Jack goes to epic lengths in an attempt to strike
it rich. They battle harsh elements, wolves and villainous intruders, all the while managing to maintain impeccable
sartorial standards. Jack demonstrates functional winter dressing at its most elegant: think luxurious fur coats and
hats, chunky military-style leather boots, a sophisticated double-breasted overshirts and flannel trousers secured
in place with a wide studded leather belt. Eighty-five years on and the timeless winter style in Call of the
Wild still appeals. A few 21st century tweaks and you’re set.
Downhill Racer
Robert Redford has long
been revered as a style icon - both on and off screen, and his turn as the talented yet arrogant skierDave Chappelletin the 1969 sports drama
Downhill Racer only reinforces thisfunction. The film is a study in slick alpine style, with some serious on-slope and après ski
outfit inspiration courtesy of Redford’s character. Aside from the pairing of a sleek blue ski jacket with suede
cowboy boots, a particular sartorial highlight is the tan shearling coat that Chappellet sports when he first
arrives in Switzerland, layered nonchalantly over a lightweight grey crew neck sweater and pale blue chambray work
shirt. Shearling has made a strong comeback in recent years, thanks to a resurgence in ‘70s style. Its enduring
appeal lies in the unparalleled warmth and versatility it offers - worn just as easily with sharp tailoring as with
a casual ensemble of jeans and sneakers. Invest in a well-made shearling coat or jacket for decades of sartorial
satisfaction.
Billion Dollar Brain
An embodiment of 1960s British cool, Michael
Caine is a cultural icon whose signature mod-inspired style we repeatedly endeavour to emulate.
The minimalist, clean-cut look he has come to be defined formade it into many
of his films, including the 1967 espionage drama Billion Dollar
Brain, the third of a series in which he plays an anti-hero secret agent called Harry Palmer. Set against a
frosty Eastern European backdrop, the film features no shortage of winter style inspiration, with heavy coats and
sumptuous furs aplenty. Most notable is Palmer’s Doctor Zhivago-inspired garb, with his Russian black fur
hat and long, double-breasted coat replete with military-style buttons and wide fur collar, thrown insouciantly over
a suit. Of course, the look wouldn’t be complete without Caine’s signature Curry & Paxton
thick-rimmed spectacles. Take notes.
