As a part of our Influencer Takeover series, we sat down with menswear Influencer, Naji Basma (@najibasma) to discuss how he carries his signature style with him into the winter season.
Hey, Naji! What’s your number one tip for keeping warm in winter while still keeping your authentic style?
Efficient layering is the key here for me. It’s also great as I end up with two looks in one, once I remove a coat and still have a lighter over shirt or shacket beneath for indoors or if I get too warm.
What are your favourite fabrics to style in the winter months?
I’m loving wool this year, I find it really elevates a look thanks to the fabric, and there are so many blends from woven knits, to boiled wool, alpaca wool which is fluffier, or Merino wool which has a more natural uneven blend sometimes. Each one can make an outfit stand out from the more subtle cotton or denim fabrics often used in clothing, whilst also keeping super warm with minimal bulky layers.
Bomber jacket, leather jacket, puffer or trench coat? And why?
This year I’ve been gravitating more toward leather jackets and trench/overcoats. I feel like they retain warmth well as they’re thicker/longer, but also add more of a statement to a look thanks to the texture or drape.
How do you recycle the outfits you wore in the summer to make them suitable for winter?
I’ve been taking a lot of pieces to the tailor recently, bigger/longer jumpers or knits I get cropped or taken in so I can layer on top of shirts and beneath jackets. I also use most of my shirts to layer in general or blazers that I’d wear with vests, instead as a layer beneath a trench or overcoat etc. Basically, top summer layers become under winter layers.
And how about boots – which pair is your go-to?
A classic pair of chunky Chelsea boots I find is perfect to dress up or down. I can wear them with anything, from a smarter trench coat look with dress pants, to jeans and a leather jacket on more casual days. They’re comfortable, warm and waterproof, and add a little more interest to an outfit thanks to a chunkier sole.
How do you accessorise your cold weather looks?
I like to keep things understated and simple at the moment, either mixing fabrics top and bottom for a contrast, along with shades/tones. Or adding a scarf/cap/beanie with a statement tote bag for practicality and a more complete look. I find that a little goes a long way.
Which of BrandAlley’s cold-weather staples have you got your eye on?
More wool jackets for sure. I recently picked up an AllSaints wool biker jacket that I love.
Follow @najibasma and @brandalleyuk on Instagram.
