Fashionable men don't have to look too far to be on trend; with the abundance of smartly stitched and affordable winter pieces available at local retail outlets, one is spoilt for choice and can even be picky.

Cashmere sweaters and corduroy blazers, letterman, puffer and ski jackets, hoodies and fleeces are just the tip of the iceberg of sartorial options for fashion-conscious men. And if you've been playing it safe your whole life, here is a guide through Dolmen Mall's winter wonderland that can boost your fashion quotient up a few notches:

1. Gul Ahmed

We all know that Karachi winters don't last for more than a few months (read: 10 days of January). So for those who consider investing in expensive jackets and sweaters pretty silly, Gul Ahmed offers affordable styles and colours that fit your dada abbu's taste just as much as your Adam-appled younger cousin's adventurous fashion. You can pick up basics like V-neck sweaters or try glittery jute or velvet jackets on for size. And everything is on 40 per cent off till stocks last. Prices quoted below are after discount.

But bear in mind that the overall quality and finish might have the words polyester and synthetic in them.

Snagworthy: Blue and White printed sweater

Price range:

Jackets: Rs5,000-6,500

Sleeveless jackets: Rs1,800-3,500

Vneck and roundneck sweaters: Rs2,250

2. Next

The styles are a bit pricey, but the linings and materials are so soft and warm, you'd want to hibernate in them all winter. Their printed cardigans and shawl collared cardigans in deep reds and blues, the fun Christmas sweaters and casual hoodies are the sort you'd want to treasure and hold on to forever.

Snagworthy: Reindeer fur jacket

Price range:

Jackets: Rs18,000-22,680

Cardigans: Rs8,000

Christmas pullovers: Rs6,000

Hoodies: Rs8,000

Full sleeve Polos: Rs6,680

Light jerseys and V-necks: Rs7,000

3. Debenhams

The good thing about Debenhams is that they have winter wear from multiple brands with completely distinct styles available in one store. 'Maine' has simple sweaters and light jackets in decent colours.

Hammond & Co has gorgeous tweed waistcoats and full trenchcoats that only a Don-Draper type could pull off. Red Herring has everyday sweaters, jackets and hoodies perfect for a hipster.

Whether you are Sensible Sam, Don Draper or Hipster Harry, you can shop under the same roof. And now there is reason to celebrate. Debenhams winterwear goes on sale this week, so expect all these prices to be slashed down up to 50 per cent.

Snagworthy: Tweed waistcoat and Trench Coat

Price range:

Overcoats and Trenchcoats: Rs22,000

Tweed Waistcoat: Rs7,000

Cashmere sweaters: Rs9,000

4. INC

It's only been three months since global brand INC, a value fashion retail brand from Saudi Arabia, opened its doors in Karachi. But they've come with very trendy winter wear for men, women and children.

If you're a frugal buyer who doesn't plan on investing in a lot of heavy sweaters or jackets, INC's printed hoodies in fun, flashy colours might be enough to last you all winter. Everything goes on sale for up to 50% off this week.

Snagworthy: Blue Letterman/Varsity jacket

Price range:

Jackets: Rs2,000-4,000

Hoodies: Rs1,799-2,500

5. Timberland

If you've got plans this winter to climb the Everest or visit the Western hemisphere, you definitely need great quality that lasts you a long while and doesn't go out of style next year. Despite the high price tag, Timberland has styles that are classic and colours which are muted. Winter scarves and shoes are also available to help you warm up from head to toe.

Timberland caters to an older age bracket which won't mind spending some extra money to get excellent quality knitted wool sweaters, puffer jackets and hoodies.

Snagworthy: Beige Knitted sweater

Price range:

Jackets : Rs10,000-27,000

Hoodies: Rs11,000

6. Stoneage

Forget Zara Man and Pull & Bear, Stoneage has styles and prices which make you forget all the international high street brands.

Everything from the classic denim jacket to heavy sweaters and light cardigans, leather biker jackets, hoodies, and the puffer are available here. However, it must be noted that their winter wear is best suited for the younger lot.

Stoneage plans on having a massive sale in the second week of February, but it might be too late to stock up on winter wear by then.

Snagworthy: Sleeveless puffer jacket with printed front

Price range:

Jackets: Rs4,000-Rs8,000

Hoodies: Rs1,900-Rs2,400

Sweaters: Rs1,600-Rs3,200

Photo credits: Saba Khalid

Saba Khalid lives to write and writes to live. She's an avid cyclist, a travel addict and a vintage connoisseur. She blogs at Let Her Run Run Run