GANT's New Varsity-Inspired Collection Has Landed At John Lewis - And It's Full Of Cosy Staples

What comes to mind when you think of collegiate style? Private school uniforms with boaters and blazers? Short striped ties tightened into peanut knots? If the UK's take on the look is a little too scholarly for your tastes (or simply conjures a side of your youth you’d rather forget), perhaps the USA's preppy take on the trend is more what you had in mind. Inspired by the Ivy League, the varsity look nods to the classic preppy way of dressing that emerged from the elite American preparatory schools and universities in the 1950s and 1960s. As you can imagine, by 2023, the look has been around the block a few times since then, each time becoming a little less rigid and a little more fit for life outside campus walls. Put it down to the ‘back to school’ feeling associated with the latter part of the year, but varsity is a trend we tend to revisit autumn after autumn. A varsity jacket, for example, is the perfect lightweight jacket to traverse the ever-changing weather we experience as we cruise through the -ber months, while there's something inherently comforting about slipping into a uniform of corduroy trousers, Oxford button-downs, rugby shirts and blazers.

This season, if you ask us, no one is delivering this favoured look quite like GANT whose cold-weather collection is a masterclass in the whole ‘just submitted my mid-term paper and have swim practice at 8’ wardrobe we long for at this time of year. They’ve honed in on what they know best - blending soft tailoring separates with preppy American-inspired sportswear. The result is an effortlessly cool collection that perfectly captures the essence of the brand while staying in tune with the changing demands of the season.

The brand’s coats line-up takes on the American sportswear classics with perfectly-executed bombers, varsity jackets and fleeces you can wear day in, day out. A letterman knit brings the collegiate style inside, cosy and warm in a luxurious lambswool blend that will go perfectly with a pair of cord jeans, a comfy armchair and roaring fire. Fine, any chance of a grad scheme may be long behind us, but our love of the all-star university look lives on well into adulthood and its down to classic staples like these that simply never lose their appeal whatever your age (or academic ability).

As with any new season collection or launch, the flurry of shiny and new potential wardrobe additions can feel like an avalanche to pick through at first. That’s why you’ll be pleased to learn that GANT’s top-of-the-class pieces have just landed at John Lewis, bringing you a comprehensive snapshot of their new season in one tight and easy to shop edit. And we’ve gone one further with our edit of the best GANT pieces you can buy at John Lewis below. Consider these buys below to be the very best bits you could – and should – be adding to your cold weather wardrobe.