That Dapper Chap: winter wear

Craig of That Dapper Chap takes us on a trip to the beautiful city of Prague wearing menswear by Next

Perfect menswear for the cooler weather of Prague

We all need a break from time to time right? After spending two weeks of every year, for the last few years, in the African sun on a sun bed we thought we needed something different, something a little more cultural and inspiring.

After visiting Budapest earlier on this year, Prague was recommended as it has similar architecture to that which we enjoyed in Budapest. We were also told to make sure that we dressed for a cooler climate, so I browsed the mens collection at Next for some ideas and placed my order.

The sweater photographed in our hotel suite

The black leather boots, photographed in our hotel suite

Taking in the views near to the Old Town Square

First on my list was a heavy knit sweater with a roll neck to keep out those wintery chills. I opted for an ecru coloured textured knit. This will see me through the winter and can be worn over a t-shirt for extra warmth just as I did.

A closer look at the texture on this sweater

Wearing the roll neck sweater in the Old Town Square

After seeing fur collared winter coats on the catwalk at the Next Christmas Press Day I was smitten. Coats with shearling collars are very on trend right now, but I wanted something a little different, something that suited the city, and something that will take me through the coming party season.

A closer look at the gloves and faux fur collar

Keeping warm while enjoying the sights of the Old Town Square

Stunning buildings at every turn

The view from Starbucks at Prague Castle

I was torn between a wool trouser, something maybe tweedy and more formal and something more casual like cords. I ended up going with cords so that I could wear them smart or casual.

Footwear had to be boots. The forecast did not say that it would snow but you never know, and I wanted to be prepared. These leather apron boots fitted the bill perfectly, with a thick sole and smarter look, they are very comfortable to wear.

A closer look at the leather boots

The view from Starbucks at Prague Castle

We were in Prague for 4 days but could easily have stayed longer. It's a stunning city, very friendly and clean. The food was great but more expensive than I expected, comparing the prices to those in Budapest.

Prague is a little bit further along the tourist road and has become somewhat commercialised as a result. With McDonalds on every other corner and shopping malls with names such as Zara, Topman and Mango to name a few, I was a little taken aback by the number of high street names on offer.

Archways on the way to the Old Town Square

The Church Of Our Lady Before Tyn rises in the background

Horse drawn carriages ferry tourists between the sights

Strolling around the cobbled streets,

None of this detracted from the beautiful buildings that presented themselves at every turn, and to be honest it was convenient, if not welcoming to be able to stop at a starbucks for a coffee while walking the cobbled streets.

Incredible views await you in Prague

At the foot of the Astronomical clock

Statues on the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square

Breathtaking scenery on the streets of Prague

Keeping out he cold in my faux fur coat and roll neck sweater

Our time in Prague went so quickly, but we managed to see a lot in the few days that we were blessed to be there. The old town square was a delight with incredible views of The Church Of Our Lady Before Tyn. Wenceslas square however was an absolute disappointment!

I was expecting a history lesson and an ancient atmosphere which would transport me back a thousand years, but no, this square is nothing but an over illuminated shopping mecca. The streets are lined with more famous names than historical references which was a bit of a shock for me.

Wenceslas Square at night, lined with big named shops

At the Astronomical Clock

Inside our hotel. The residence 7 Angels on Jilska

Carvings for days on this huge oak door

Taking time to take in the views

Sunglasses helped with the bright autumn sun

Autumnal colours and perfect winter wear

But all that said, I loved my time in Prague and look forward to returning, maybe in the spring or maybe in the thick of winter when snow tumbles from the skies and the streets are packed with christmas markets.

The John Lennon wall and pub were an interesting stop off, but the highlight has to be the evening Jazz Cruise on the Vltava River, seeing the sights at night, beautifully lit while enjoying great food and a glass of Czech wine cannot be beat, and I'd happily do it again every night for the rest of my life.