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Winter presents the most practically challenging and aesthetically captivating season for both men’s and women’s fashion. But if you’re not a law student or a rich Auckland hipster with mountains of Country Road and ASOS winter gear, it can be a living hell. Waiting weeks on end for your only clothes to dry on the mangled clothes rack you expertly assembled and thoughtfully placed in your flat’s mouldy hallway can be tough. Below is a practical list of items one could legitimately send despairing letters home for assistance in acquiring. For the benefit of your health of course. They’re also all items that can be picked up in local op-shops and boutiques on the cheap, with a bit of luck.

Jackets and Coats
Three words. Wool, wool wool! Don’t even touch a jacket or coat that isn’t at least a wool blend (as well as lined). My advice is to spend at least $250 if buying new. But like everything else, wool is warm only if it fits. For guys, I would suggest making Barkers your starting point, for if nothing else, finding the style of jacket/coat you prefer. For girls, there are too many places to list that sell the black woollen cape you will inevitably replace your puffer jacket with.
 
Scarves
Without extolling the obvious cultural relevance of this clothing item, I cannot overstate the importance of owning a warm scarf in Dunedin. This is a practical item, rather than simply a fashion accessory, which you will be wearing every day for months. The chunkier the better. Charcoals, creams and navies will be the most versatile colours to pair with jackets/coats. Avoid multi-coloured patterns and stripes like the plague! And just in case you were wondering, men still don’t wear snoods.
 
Boots
It took me twenty-one years to first discover the shear orgasmic warmth a pair of solid boots can give your feet in winter. Added to that, as a tall male, slightly short trousers immediately became much more practical once tucked-in/rolled-up at the top of said boots. I advise investing heavily in real leather, stitched sole black or brown boots (for guys or girls) that at least cover your ankles. And obviously stay the hell away from superfluous straps and stitching that mare many a boot.
 
Gloves
For me, fingerless gloves are the only practical option. Just make a fist if your fingertips are getting a touch frosted. As with scarves, dark natural plain colours are the way to go. In my travels for some decent mitts, a charming, elderly (and therefore knowledgeable about wool) retailer informed me that possum wool is fifty percent warmer than regular wool. However, it’s also worth noting that a warm coat with well-placed pockets can completely negate the need for gloves.
 
Hats
I personally find all but the chic-est hats on all but the most model-esque males to be childish and tasteless. Unless you’ve picked up a (god forbid) floppy beanie, there’s no escaping the fact that any hat you choose will be an item of pure peacockery. However, I realise my own distinct preferences should not oppose the will of others. So if you’re an aging hipster, there are few easier ways to keep your receding hairline and thinning crown nice and warm than a fur lined Trapper hat.