Navigating the in-between transition from summer heat to the nippy, ice-cold breeze can often leave one’s wardrobe in a bit of disarray. However, the challenge and beauty of dressing during the chilly seasons is to find a balance between utility and style. When the leaves start to fall and the temperature begins to drop, it is time to look for the best men’s fashion trends for autumn and winter.
These upcoming trends emphasize comfort while marrying it with an unforgettable style. Here are eight of the hottest trends for the cool seasons.
Comfort Meets Trendy
The cozier the clothing, the better. This autumn and winter, comfy attire is getting a major upgrade. We’re not talking about those baggy sweatpants you wore throughout quarantine but the elevated version of them. Picture joggers made with luxurious materials such as wool and cashmere, distinctly designed for both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Knitted pullovers and cardigans with bold, distinctive patterns are also making a strong comeback. Combining these with a crisp shirt or turtleneck just screams polished coziness.
Overcoats Reign Supreme
When it comes to outerwear, overcoats take center stage this season. They come in a plethora of colors and patterns for all tastes. Be it a classic camel coat or a patterned version, an overcoat can be paired with both professional and casual outfits – making it the perfect multipurpose wardrobe essential.
Embrace the Turtleneck
Turtlenecks are no longer solely for academics or boho artists. They’ve been thrust back into the spotlight for autumn-winter fashion, epitomizing understated elegance. Available in a range of fabrics from knitted to cotton, they can be worn under a blazer or paired with denim for a refined casual look.
Trousers Go Wide
Step aside, skinny jeans. The dominating trend this season is all about wide-legged trousers. Comfortable and effortlessly stylish, these pants pair well with slim-fit tops for a balanced silhouette — offering a refreshing break from the snug fits of past seasons.
Pattern-mixing Up a Storm
Playing it safe is a thing of the past. This season encourages you to step out of your comfort zone. Mixing and matching disparate patterns like plaids, stripes, and checks are all part of the game. Remember, the key is to select one dominant pattern and use others to accentuate it.
Black and Brown, The Winning Combo
Once upon a time, fashionistas turned their nose up to the combination of black and brown. However upcoming trends are demonstrating that a mix of these colors can deliver a sophisticated and polished look. Try incorporating shades of black and brown through different elements of your outfit.
Boot Up
Boots never go out of style and are absolutely integral to the autumn-winter men’s fashion. From the classic Chelsea to rugged lace-ups, the right boot can enhance any outfit’s charm.
Leather Everything
Leather – whether it’s jackets, bags, or accessories – has a timeless allure. In addition to its undeniable style, leather is also a great material for winter as it provides insulation against the cold.
In conclusion, this year’s autumn-winter fashion trends underscore the beauty of pairing comfort with style. From chic overcoats to versatile turtlenecks and bold pattern mixing, these trends offer an awe-inspiring mix that caters to every man’s style. Remember, the key to nailing seasonal style is blending contemporary trends with timeless classics. Keep warm, and stay stylish.
With levels of insomnia on the rise, the idea of enjoying a full night of good quality sleep seems to have become a dream of its own.
This pocket-sized collection of comforting poetry is the perfect nighttime soother that makes putting the phone down easy, in exchange for a few moments of mindful bliss.
In this second book within a brand-new series, discover the lullabies cherished by cultures across the world, verse that worships and praises the nighttime as well as poems that encourage gratitude and optimism for the day ahead, featuring words from literary greats such as Emily Bronte, W.B Yeats and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Let this tranquil poetry anthology improve your sleep and overall wellbeing.
Jane McMorland Hunter writes and edits books on the good things in life: gardening, nature, cookery, craft and poetry, whilst also working part-time at Hatchards Bookshop, London. She has written and edited several books, including A Happy Poem to End Every Day, Ode to London, Favourite Poems of England, A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year and Nature Writing for Every Day of the Year. She lives in west London and can be found on social media @alittlecitygarden.
With 100 carefully chosen poems, featuring verse about the beauty of the nighttime as well as an array of restful, tranquil, and meditative verse, 100 Poems to Help You Sleep is an essential pocket-sized guide for anyone in search of better-quality sleep.
After a 2021 study showed that 42% of individuals feel their sleep improves from reading before bed, the push to reduce screentime has become increasingly imperative. This calming collection makes putting down the phone down easy, with its comforting words reshaping your nighttime routine.
As the second in a new series of pocket-sized poetry, discover classical lullabies cherished by cultures all over the world and poems that encourage gratitude and optimism for what each day can bring. Observe the night sky with Emily Brontë, visit the Lake Isle of Innisfree with W. B. Yeats, and experience Shakespeare’s most calming verses.
Poems include the serene ‘In the Evening’ by Nikki Giovanni, the upbeat ‘Everything Is Going to Be Alright’ by Derek Mahon, the nursery classic ‘My Bed is a Boat’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, and many more that are just perfect for the quiet hours of the night.
100 Poems to Help you Sleep by Jane McMorland Hunter is publishing by Batsford and out now.
Newly launched Night Recovery Cream from Dr Somji Skincare is perfect for Christmas. It’s the perfect treat for your skin while you enjoy a quiet night in, preparing for the Christmas cheer ahead.
Did you know that the best time for skin rejuvenation and regeneration is while we sleep? As the holiday season gets busier, with late nights filled with festive fun and all the classic holiday havoc, it’s easy to forget to pamper our skin. This is exactly why a nurturing nighttime routine is essential to keep us looking and feeling our best.
Packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and squalane to lock it in, this cream boosts your skin’s hydration while you rest. Its unique formula, including encapsulated retinol, Indian gentian extract, and probiotics, works to smooth wrinkles, even out skin tone, and strengthen your skin’s barrier. It supports your skin’s natural repair and regeneration process overnight, helping restore balance and reduce the effects of internal stress.
Think of it as your “sleep in a jar” – a multi-tasking wonder that protects, treats, and restores your skin while you dream. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to a beauty lover, it’s the perfect holiday skincare essential for anyone looking to streamline their nighttime routine with one transformative product.
Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep—it should feel like a sanctuary, offering relaxation and rest after a busy day. Transforming your bedroom into a luxurious retreat doesn’t require an expensive overhaul. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a stylish and serene space that combines comfort and elegance. From choosing high-quality bedding to enhancing the atmosphere with lighting, paying attention to the details can help you craft a personal haven.
This guide provides practical tips to elevate your bedroom’s design and comfort, helping you create a space that feels like a luxury retreat every day.
Choose High-Quality Bedding
The bed is the centrepiece of any bedroom, and high-quality bedding can significantly improve both its comfort and appearance. Investing in premium materials enhances your sleep and adds a touch of luxury to your space.
A bamboo duvet cover is an excellent choice, known for its softness and breathability. Bamboo fabric is perfect for creating a cosy and inviting bed while being an eco-friendly option. Its natural properties make it a sustainable choice for those looking to incorporate environmentally conscious elements into their home.
Pair the duvet cover with plush pillows and a high-thread-count sheet set for a complete upgrade. To maximise comfort and style, opt for bedding in neutral or soft tones that complement your room’s colour scheme. Adding a throw blanket or decorative cushions can further enhance the look, making your bed the focal point of your retreat.
Opt for a Calming Colour Palette
The colours in your bedroom play a significant role in setting the overall mood. A calming colour palette helps create a relaxing environment, promoting rest and rejuvenation. Soft, neutral tones like beige, grey, or pastels work well, as they evoke a sense of tranquillity.
Consider painting the walls in a muted hue and coordinating your bedding, curtains, and decor to match. For example, pairing light grey walls with white bedding and soft blush accents creates an elegant and cohesive look. If you prefer a splash of personality, incorporate pops of color through decor items like cushions or artwork.
Aim for balance and harmony when choosing colours. Avoid overly bold or bright shades that might feel overwhelming, as the goal is to create a peaceful space that encourages relaxation.
Incorporate Elegant Lighting
Lighting is a key element in creating a luxurious bedroom. The right lighting can enhance the atmosphere, making the space feel warm and inviting. A layered lighting approach works best, combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to achieve a versatile and well-lit room.
Start with a central fixture, such as a chandelier or pendant light, for overall illumination. Add bedside lamps or wall sconces for task lighting, ideal for reading or unwinding in the evening. Accent lighting, such as LED strips or candles, can create a soft and romantic glow.
Opt for warm-toned bulbs to add a cosy feel and avoid harsh white light, which can seem clinical. Dimmable switches are a great addition, allowing you to adjust brightness to suit your mood or activity. Thoughtful lighting choices can transform your bedroom into a sophisticated and relaxing retreat.
Add Texture and Layers
Incorporating textures and layers is an easy way to add depth and warmth to your bedroom. A mix of materials such as velvet, linen, and faux fur can create a cosy and visually interesting space.
Start with a soft area rug underfoot, adding both comfort and a design anchor for the room. Layer your bedding with throws and cushions in contrasting textures—think a silky quilt paired with a chunky knit blanket. Floor-length curtains in rich fabrics like linen or velvet enhance the luxurious feel while also providing privacy and light control.
Balance is essential when layering textures. Focus on creating a cohesive look that ties everything together without overcrowding the space. These thoughtful touches will make your bedroom feel inviting and upscale.
Invest in Stylish and Functional Furniture
The furniture in your bedroom plays a key role in both functionality and style. Choosing pieces that are practical and visually appealing can make a significant difference in creating a luxurious retreat.
An upholstered bed frame or headboard adds elegance and serves as a comfortable backrest. Storage furniture, such as ottomans or bedside tables with drawers, helps keep the room tidy and clutter-free. This contributes to a calm, organised space essential for relaxation.
Look for furniture with clean lines and quality materials like wood or metal to create a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. Arrange your furniture thoughtfully to maximise space and maintain a balanced layout. Adding a bench at the foot of the bed or a reading nook with a stylish armchair enhances the room’s functionality without compromising its elegance.
Enhance the Senses with Fragrance
Scent is often overlooked in bedroom design, but incorporating pleasant aromas can elevate the overall experience. Calming fragrances like lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood are known for their relaxing properties and can help improve sleep quality.
Essential oil diffusers are an excellent way to fill the room with subtle, long-lasting scents. Alternatively, use candles, incense, or linen sprays to add a fragrant touch to your space. Choose gentle scents that create a soothing environment without overwhelming the room.
Position your chosen fragrance sources strategically, such as placing a diffuser on a nightstand or a scented candle on your dresser. These small additions can make your bedroom feel like a high-end retreat.
Add Personal Touches and Statement Decor
To make your bedroom truly your own, include personal elements and statement decor that reflect your style. Family photos, meaningful artwork, or travel souvenirs can bring individuality to the space while maintaining its luxurious feel.
Statement pieces like an oversized mirror, bold wall art, or a unique lighting fixture can act as focal points. However, balance is key—stick to one or two statement items to avoid overwhelming the room. A cohesive design theme will help maintain a clean and polished look.
By adding these personal and decorative touches, your bedroom becomes not only beautiful but uniquely yours.
In conclusion, transforming your bedroom into a luxurious retreat is all about thoughtful design choices that prioritise comfort and style. Upgrading to high-quality bedding, selecting a calming colour palette, incorporating elegant lighting, and layering textures can create a relaxing and indulgent space.
Stylish furniture, subtle fragrances, and personal touches further enhance the ambiance, turning your bedroom into a sanctuary you’ll love spending time in. With these practical tips, you can achieve a sophisticated and serene bedroom that promotes rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
As soon as this penguin arrived at Frost HQ it was adopted by my daughter who now sleeps with it. It’s cute, smells great, is weighted AND it can be heated up. Love it.
Warmies bring a new level of comfort and relaxation with their collection of fully heatable, scented plush toys, designed to provide gentle warmth and a soothing experience. Each Warmies plush is made with soft, premium fabrics and infused with French lavender, known for its calming properties that help ease stress and promote relaxation. With a gentle weight that adds to the cosy feel, these cuddly companions are perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Ideal for chilly nights, comforting routines, or simply unwinding after a long day, Warmies make a thoughtful gift that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. From whimsical animals to festive designs, there is a Warmies for everyone.
The Warmies Baby Penguin is a soft, huggable plush inspired by nature’s cutest cold-weather creatures! This fully microwavable penguin provides cosy warmth and relaxation, infused with soothing French lavender to create a calm, comforting experience. Designed with a gentle weight, it’s perfect for cuddling on chilly days or anytime you need extra comfort. Penguins symbolise warmth and togetherness, making this plush an ideal companion for all ages. Just heat it up for lasting warmth and enjoy this adorable baby penguin as a heartwarming gift or a snuggly treat for yourself!
Not at all. I wanted to be a writer! But I studied at London School of Economics in college, and fell in love with living abroad and foreign affairs. It was the 1990s and communism had collapsed, which was a fascinating time to be in Europe. After I graduated, I edited a newspaper in Prague, then worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. government in Cambridge, England, shuttling back and forth to the Balkans. I found I was passionate about intelligence work, so I applied to the CIA. While waiting for my application to process, I attended law school and studied international law. 9/11 happened while I was in law school, and I felt grateful I was on a job track that would serve my country.
When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?
For as long as I can remember! I’ve always loved books and words. My adolescence and young adulthood are littered with failed attempts at novels. While traveling Europe in my twenties – exploring, trying to figure out who I was – I remember musing in my journal that, while I’d probably follow a more practical career path, my secret dream was to be a writer. But it wasn’t until I’d worked as a spy that I had something really meaningful to write about, that it all came together.
What do you think is behind the world’s fascination with the CIA and the world of spies?
The secrecy, I think. Espionage is an entire world beneath the surface, a netherworld. And spying is a profession of high stakes, where lives and geopolitics – the fate of both people and nations – are on the line. Also, espionage involves inherently colorful characters – people willing to commit the ultimate betrayal.
Your characters are so vivid. Do you base them on real people?
My characters are mostly composites, except for the station chief, who was inspired by a real person. Also, the expat community is based on real people, and much of the dialogue is taken verbatim from actual conversations.
Can you describe your writing routine.
I try to go for a three-mile run each morning. Then I either go to my local coffeeshop or set up camp in my study and write for a few hours. I can’t write too much without printing out and editing, because things read differently to me on paper, and I need to get the story right before I proceed too far.
The book is negative about the CIA. Where you disillusioned?
A bit. I joined the Agency a few months after 9/11, and it was a time of transition and, at times, chaos. My first tour, as a counterterrorist case office in Baghdad during the apex of the war (fall 2004 to fall 2005), was challenging: we weren’t making much progress, the work environment was stressful, and most of us – myself included – returned with PTSD. I made decisions in a fog of war and espionage that haunted me and carried their own trauma. The fundamental skill required for the job – manipulating people – never sat easily with me. Now, years later, with the dust settled, I have a softer view of that time. I wouldn’t say my book paints the CIA in a negative light so much as it paints espionage in a negative light. For me, spying was an uncomfortable, debilitating profession, and that’s what I wanted to convey.
What are your thoughts on the CIA now. Did you find writing the book healing?
I think the CIA has made a lot of progress. The war on terror is over, and the Agency has had time to take a breath, evaluate its operations and internal culture. It’s more introspective and self-critical now. When I was there, the Agency was a bit of an old boys network. Since then, the “Me Too” movement has had an impact: there are rules about and awareness of sexual harassment; female officers speak up about inappropriate treatment; and women fill more leadership positions. I do think writing my book was cathartic. When I finished, I realized how many of my ghosts had come out on the pages. They’re still with me, but now I can better articulate and make sense of them.
The book is unflinchingly honest and brave. Did you ever have a moment of doubt about putting your heart and soul on the page?
Thank you! Yes – though more so after my book was published. I wrote my manuscript in a vacuum (CIA rules prohibit me from showing my writing to anyone until it’s been cleared), so I didn’t even think about getting my story out in the world at the time. Exposing my inner turmoil was still an abstraction. Once I was published, I realized that now everyone could see my scars and the effect espionage had on me. But so many former intelligence officers have found my book resonant, I’ve felt more reward than apprehension in telling this story.
Joseph Weisberg, creator of the TV series The Americans, called your book the “the most realistic espionage story I’ve read.” How did that feel, and do you agree?
Well, I haven’t read all the spy novels out there, so I feel unqualified to judge! But I take Joe’s blurb as a huge compliment, and was honored to get such an amazing endorsement from the creator of a masterful, iconic series. I do think many spy novels skew toward the sensational – car chases, roof scaling – and mine is based more on my own experiences, and the tradecraft and operations I conducted. Also, tradecraft is fundamentally psychological, not technological or gadget-based, and I think my story reflects this. Above all, I wanted to convey a visceral sense of espionage, and insiders tell me I’ve succeeded at that.
What books, films and TV shows get the spy world right?
For film, Beirut, Spy Game, and Ghosts of Beirut are some of my favorites. For novels, Graham Greene’s The Quiet American and most of le Carré books (The Little Drummer Girl is my favorite) – all written years ago, but, in the most important ways, as authentic today as they were then.
It’s nice to have a female voice in the world of spy novelists. Do you think you’ve paved the way for more?
I hope so! It’s shocking to me how few female spy novelists there are (though, we’re out there – I’m in good company with Merle Nygate and Alma Katsu, to name a few).
What’s next?
Another spy novel! This time, a female protagonist. It’s about the intersection of spying and writing…and I think that’s all I can say for now!
I can’t stop thinking about The Peacock And The Sparrow by I.S Berry. I love spy novels and this is searingly honest. Few authors have the courage to write a character in technicolour the way I.S Berry has. Warts and all. Shane Collins, the morally complex main character, is written with as much depth as the other characters. All of this book feels real and is written with bravery. Each character feels like their own person.
This is a beautifully brutal literary novel about the CIA. The story is brought vividly to life so you feel like you are really there, stationed in Bahrain. The Peacock And The Sparrow is a hard read sometimes because I.S Berry, who spent six years as a CIA operations officer, doesn’t pull her punches. I will reread this clever book which has a twist you won’t see coming. Impossible to put down. This is a modern classic. Buy a copy NOW.
The thrilling debut from author and former CIA officer I.S. Berry, following an American spy’s last dangerous mission.
Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain for his final tour, he’s anxious to dispense with his mission — uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency. But then he meets Almaisa, an enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask.
When his trusted informant becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict, his romance and loyalties upended. In an instant, he’s caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. He sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.
Now optioned for film by Scott Delman of Shadowfox productions (Producer of HBO Max hit series Station Eleven).
Lying about your age can cause problems, especially if you’re no good at maths and lying doesn’t come naturally. At the age of fifty-six, and thinking about the Big Six-0, I decided to knock ten years off my age. When my daughter was informed, she said she’d knock ten years off too, making her twenty-six. My grandson looked up in horror. He was better at maths than me and declared, ‘But that would make me minus one. I don’t want to be minus one.’
We decided dropping ten years was not such a good idea so why did I do it again when approaching a publisher? The submission form asked for date of birth. I hovered over the keyboard before typing in 6.2.1960. My thought was that the publisher would think I had more mileage in me.
I’d been selling my writing for over forty years by then.
When asked what I’ve written it’s easier to respond with, ‘I’ve not covered poetry or pornography.’ I’ve written rude greeting cards, silly advertisements, flirted with journalism, sold articles and interviews, had hundreds of short stories published, a children’s book and several non-fiction books. I’ve also been a ghostwriter.
It wasn’t until the first lockdown that I decided it was time to get a novel published. There was an unpublished one, written around the turn of the century but it had never found a home. I dug it out, read it, and could see why. I had twenty more years of experience so set out to do a rewrite.
That was in 2020. I was 70 years old and ready to prove that you are never too old to have a new dream.
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In 2023, Gail Lockwood and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt was published by Cahill Davis Publishing. Now the follow-up to that, Dilys Lloyd’s Dilemmas is out. If there was such a genre they would be classed as ‘mature romantic-comedy’.
The books have working class characters, the important ones all being over fifty. They have problems with jobs, weight, and lack of love lives, but they work hard, remain cheerful most of the time, have adventures and hide in Fred’s Fries for a decent meal when they come out of Flabfighters after being weighed.
My publisher arranged an interview for me with a media company. I was delighted and apprehensive. I’d interviewed many people during my time working for a local newspaper and one of the first questions asked is, ‘How old are you?’
That’s what happened with the media company. ‘I’m sixty-three,’ I lied and, once that hurdle was over, went on to discuss my debut novel and my life. Then came the question that tripped me up. ‘How long have you been married?’
I wasn’t expecting it. Out slipped the truth. ‘Fifty-six years,’ I said.
‘Married at seven?’ My interviewer was more than surprised.
I came clean. Then confessed to my publisher who was lovely, telling me that older people have more experience and therefore their writing is richer. Phew!
