Congratulations – you’ve just about made it through to the end of the working year. The only thing that stands between you now and a day or two off to relax (and eat your weight in trimmings) is what can be one of the most stressful journeys of the year. Whether you’re travelling to be with family, visiting friends or even jetting off for a welcome bit of sunshine, we suggest getting organised before the clock hits home-time on your last working day so you’re ready to take on the great winter migration like a pro.

STEP 1 – DO YOUR CHECKS

That’s check in, check flight status or departure boards and check you’ve got all your liquids pre-packed to save the security scrabble later.

STEP 2 – KEEP YOUR TRAVEL DOCS HANDY

Take a moment now to stash your travel documents along with your passport and credit cards in a streamlined travel wallet, like this leather DKNY version. Go a step further and make sure it’s in prime place at the top of your hand luggage or in a zipped compartment. You’ll sail through ticket checks later while lesser organised folk keep everyone else waiting as they do the last-minute dig around.

STEP 3 – DON’T FORGET A WINTER WARMER

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones heading to the sunshine, you’re going to need to remember to pack something that’s both warm and stylish to wear to family lunches, on countryside walks and on air-conditioned planes and trains. Even if you are heading south for the winter, this Moss London cable knit jumper in winter white will keep you in a festive mood as those around you lose their cool at the airport.

As for the rest of your outfit, we’re not suggesting you need to don your smartest suit for the travelling, but looking like you’ve not just rolled off the sofa is only polite to everyone else on this journey with you. As Moss 1851 grey pea coat will smarten up comfy travelling clothes and is also neat enough to sling over an arm or pack away when you overheat in one of the many queues you’ll inevitably encounter between you and your destination.

STEP 4 – TURN YOUR OUT-OF-OFFICE ON

Enjoy the warm feeling as you turn your OOO on and your computer off for the year. Bon voyage!

The traditional suede desert boot is a year-round staple in any man’s wardrobe – and for good reason. As the name suggests, they were originally designed to take on extreme conditions with their sturdy soles and robust construction. Most of us, though, are more likely to tread a soggy pavement than arid dunes in ours so it pays to give them a little TLC to prime them for the daily battering of wintry weather. Here’s how:

SEAL YOUR SUEDE

You know what they say: prevention is better than cure. Spend a few pounds on a good protective spray and enjoy many more days of service from your suede. Pick one up from any cobbler – just make sure it’ll match the colour of your shoes. Apply a light layer all over the suede upper and leave to absorb overnight. For best results, apply it straight out the box with a new pair so they’re weatherproof from the start. If you’ve got an existing pair at home, they’ll still benefit from a bit of love – just give them a good clean before you start spraying. And on that note…

NEVER CLEAN WITH WATER

As tempting as it might be to head straight for the tap when faced with a stain on your suede, water can actually damage the fibre of your suede and even affect the colour.

TREAT SPLASHES AND SPILLS

If your boots do get liquid on them (which, let’s face it, is a strong possibility in the British winter), mop up the excess with a clean cloth or towel then dust a little talcum powder on top to soak up any last bits of moisture. Leave it on overnight and then give them a once-over with a suede brush the next day, making sure to go in the natural direction of the nap.

HIT REFRESH

If you’ve had your boots for a while and they’re starting to show a bit of wear and tear, you can prolong the time before you need to fork out for a professional clean with a couple of household items: the humble kettle and a toothbrush. Holding your shoes over steam will gently lift any stains out and restore the natural nap of your suede. Give them a scrub with an old (clean!) toothbrush and your suede should start to look like its old self again.

Got a Christmas party on the radar but tired of the same old black tie look? Take your style cue from The Gentleman Blogger Matthew Zorpas, the sharp dresser who’s all about encouraging men to be a bit braver in their fashion choices.

Case in point: here he shows how embracing a bit of colour can bring your evening look to life. Forget the loud party shirt – Matthew’s look is all about the subtle statement of his inky velvet jacket. Paired with classic men’s eveningwear, a hero jacket is an elegant way to stand out of the party crowd.

Get the look with the Moss 1851 Tailored Fit Teal Velvet Jacket and complement its standout shade with Moss London Skinny Fit Navy Jacquard Dress Trousers and the Moss 1851 Slim Fit Marcella Wing Collar Dress Shirt. A classic silk bow tie will look all the smarter when coordinated with a cummerbund. It’s a crying shame that the traditional cummerbund isn’t in every man’s wardrobe, as it’s just the trick to streamline your silhouette (and hide the evidence of that extra mince pie). As the night goes on, slip the bow tie in your pocket and loosen the collar of your shirt for a look that’ll take you right through to the early hours.

Find your hero velvet jacket here.

SHOP MATTHEW’S LOOK