Tailoring is paramount, with three-piece suits and overcoats dominating the catwalks. This is a welcome return for those men who were left scratching their heads when trying to negotiate between acid neon shorts and geometric print hoodies all summer.

Just like the collections for womenswear, colour is still important for men this season, with shades of purple, from muted mauve through to rich regal tones and fantastic midnight blues punctuating the ever-present grey.

This season is about reinventing the classic styles of the English country gent and the all-American man of the 1950s, with mixtures of tartan, check and tweed.

Inspiration from old Hollywood and a new, reworked version of the tuxedo play a key part in the winter wardrobe. There is an emphasis on well-tailored jackets in luxury fabrics with fur, astrakhan and satin adding opulent, stylish touches. Alexander McQueen has produced a great example of this with a tailored tweed overcoat sporting a leopard print pony skin collar.

This is the perfect season for style-conscious men to spend money on investment pieces. A well-tailored suit is not only a must-have for winter, but a great wardrobe staple. Buy a three-piece in black, grey or brown, finding the right shade for you, and it will give you the option to vary the way you wear it. Choosing different accessories, you can pull together a look that's bang on-trend.

Alternatives to the uber-tailored look are available this season. Dolce & Gabbana developed sportier versions of the traditional waistcoat for outerwear in hooded tweed gilets, and tweed joggers are a great substitute for the casual trousers.

Knitwear is still key this season. Exaggerated collars and thick cable techniques play a major part in defining the less formal side of this winter's key looks.

Whether your knit is worn under the all-important overcoat or as a fashion statement, it's a trend that works for everyone. If the idea of wearing a chunky cardigan doesn't appeal to you, opt for knitted accessories like scarves and gloves.

Hard-wearing fabrics also hark back to pursuits in the great outdoors.

But no matter what trend you buy into this season, good grooming is the best accessory any man can invest in.

Kevin Stewart is fashion advisor for Harvey Nichols