Bruges for Him
Gloverall Monty duffle coat
The great thing about owning a Duffle coat is that it’s a design classic that will never go out of fashion. This duffle coat by Gloverall is perfect for layering things under and is equally at home worn over a suit as it is slung over a rollneck for browsing through the local flea markets. With hallmark wooden toggles and jupe rope fastenings, you’ll be pleased to have the warmth of its heavy wool construction as you explore the city’s cobbled streets. Style with salvage jeans and a ribbed beanie to feel like one of the natives.
Arket chunky-sole leather boots
Looking for a stylish alternative to trainers for Autumn? These hybrid Chelsea boots by Arket are crafted from premium leather and finished with a bold yet comfortable rubber sole. The durable construction is detailed with elastic panels and webbing straps for easy dressing, while the leather used has undergone a chrome-free tanning process. Perfect for styling up with wool trousers and a roll neck under a navy wool coat.
A.P.C. Lucas jumper
As we transition into autumn, so we arrive in sweater weather. And while navy and black are very popular, classic colours it’s also good to include a few lighter tones to give you wardrobe some variation. The heather grey of this A.P.C. merino wool and alpaca blend provides a stylish contrast for dark denim jeans, and looks great when worn with a duffle coat as it subtly matches the toggles on the coat. All these little touches help to elevate your look and keep it fresh.
Community Clothing black watch tartan scarf
One thing about being in Bruges: you are only 11km from the coast, hence never far from the North Sea – and whatever weather that will bring! With this in mind, it’s important to pack a scarf and the black watch tartan scarf by Community Clothing is a great edition to any outfit. Woven in Scotland from fine merino wool, it’s the perfect weight and size to drape casually around your neck in more temperate weather, but can easily be knotted to provide another layer of warmth and protection if the temperature shifts. Style it up with your favourite wool coat or layer with a heavy cardigan.
Oliver Spencer belted trousers in Birkbeck charcoal
When traveling it’s always good to have wardrobe options such as a versatile pair of smart trousers. The great thing about these grey Oliver Spencer soft wool flannel trousers is that they feature a removable belt for a modern sartorial edge. The trousers come in a regular fit with a subtle inverse pleat, and can be worn as part of a suit or styled more casually with colourful knitwear, a wool reefer coat and workwear-style brown leather boots. They are the perfect attire for walking around the local markets in search of those famous Belgian waffles.
Oliver Spencer overnight bag
It’s great to feel the part when you arrive in Bruges, and nothing says this better than Oliver Spencer’s pebble leather overnight bag in walnut brown. This modern bag also looks slightly vintage, and will only get better with age. Easy to carry by hand or sling over your shoulder, and perfect for wearing with a heavy-knit cardigan and ribbed beanie. Equally, it looks great styled up with brown leather boots, grey wool trousers and a navy wool coat.
Bruges for Her
Arket oversized wool coat
Long coats are all the fashion at present, and are perfect for winter city breaks. This versatile Arket oversized grey wool coat is also great for the countryside or for a walk by the sea as its shirt-style collar includes a detachable storm flap for extra protection. For a modern town look pair it with tailored black trousers and black leather boots – and for that extra bit of character try a black cashmere beret for that chic rendezvous that might just be around the corner.
Margaret Howell oversized painters shirt
If you’re feeling inspired by the Flemish art scene, then Margaret Howell’s painterly shirt in poplin cotton is a great investment piece. Its timeless-yet-contemporary grey-blue colour means this shirt can be styled casually over a white T-shirt with rolled up canvas trousers and plimsoles, or for an easy, more dressed-up look, button to the top and wear over wool trousers with a black cardigan and chunky black lace-up shoes.
The Row Dodo hat in cashmere
If you’re looking for a single item to give any outfit chicness and interest this winter, then a beret is a simple yet highly effective addition to your wardrobe. The Row’s ‘Dodo’ beret is crafted from sumptuous, mid-weight cashmere in a classic shape that is easy to adjust. Style with a long wool sculptural coat and black leather boots for that additional element of effortless cool.
Massimo Dutti 100% wool trousers with darts
You can never go wrong packing a pair of black flat front wool trousers for a city break. But what sets these Massimo Dutti cropped wool trousers apart from other styles is the added button flap detail at the hem which gives them a modern utility feel. Perfect for styling over black shoes or boots and for wearing with a white vest top and black single-breast jacket. Finish the look with a three-quarter-length wool coat for that modern city excursion.
Connolly black cashmere art cardi
There are few more versatile pieces than a black cardigan. Taking further inspiration from the city’s rich art history, the aptly named ‘art cardi’ from Connolly is just the thing for layering on almost any occasion. Its nipped waist and slim cuffs give definition to its otherwise casual silhouette, while its fine-ribbed cashmere composition offers inherent elegance. Whether paired with a crisp button-down and trousers or slipped on over a chic yet simple dress, this is an essential addition to any wardrobe.
Sturlini leather derby shoes
Cobbled Bruges streets and walks along the canal require sturdy footwear, and this pair of simple leather lace-up derbies by Sturlini, available from Toast, will certainly provide you with all of that and more. With a low stacked-heel and rubber-tread sole you certainly won’t be losing your footing. Style up with your favourite wool trousers or long pleated skirt, and wear with an oversized cardigan and white shirt for a modern city-style adventure.
By James Sleaford, style director of Secret Trips. James has worked in the fashion industry for 20 years and has held the post of fashion director of French GQ. You can find more of his work at jamessleaford.com
