Wind, rain, munros and a thermos of tea — the Highlands are having a moment, and the fashion world has noticed. Scottish staples like tweed, tartan, Fair Isle and houndstooth keep resurfacing on the runways at Gucci, Chanel and Dior, which means it's easier than ever to build a Highlands wardrobe that's both practical and good-looking.

First, know where you're headed. Beyond the solitude of a windswept ridge, there are villages worth mooching around (Brora and Portree, with their distilleries and curiosity shops), castles to climb — Glamis, childhood home of the Queen Mother, and Dunrobin with its startling taxidermy collection — and fireside whisky at the Fife Arms, about as close as most of us will get to The Traitors' round table. Edinburgh deserves time too, and it shines in winter: dinner in the grand former Bank of Scotland headquarters that is now Gleneagles Townhouse, cocktails and small plates at Noto, a climb up Arthur's Seat, and afternoon tea in the Balmoral's Palm Court.

So what goes in the bag? Start with a long coat or cape in tweed or waxed cotton, in mossy, heathery tones — look at Byan's half-coat-half-cape designs, or top things off with Lock & Co's tweed Muirfield cap. Tartan is practically obligatory: Barbour's new collection built around the family tartan features waxed jackets and boots, while wrap blanket skirts at Monsoon and Sézane nod to the trend more affordably. Buying tartan in Scotland itself is a solid souvenir — Edinburgh knitwear brand Kiltane has three stores in the city selling wool and cashmere scarves.

Extremities matter more than you'd think. Pack hats, thick gloves, socks and sunglasses for bright crisp days. Scottish brand Pairs — stocked at the Fife Arms — makes homespun socks in alpaca and merino, and TBCo in Edinburgh does cashmere kerchiefs worth swapping for a standard scarf. Knitwear is the piece that has to work hardest: durable enough for a coastal walk, soft enough for champagne at Gleneagles. Chanel-owned Barrie, spinning in Scotland since 1903, is the heritage pick; Finisterre's collaboration with Amy Powney includes a heavy Arran knit built for sea breeze.

Boots are non-negotiable — even flat cobbled routes get unpredictable, and blisters will ruin a trip faster than the weather. A fur-lined or waterproof pair works from Ben Nevis to the Royal Mile. Bring a weekend bag with room for all those layers, plus a bit of space for shopping; Edinburgh's own Strathberry does polished leather options. Two things people forget: skincare and sun protection. Cold air strips moisture fast, and UV levels run higher in the Highlands thanks to the thinner air, so pack a barrier cream, hand lotion and SPF for skin and lips. Isle of Lewis seaweed brand Ishga makes a nice reminder of the trip.

For where to stay, the traditional route is Gleneagles or the Fife Arms — tartan, roaring fires and outdoor pursuits on the doorstep — or go full Traitors and book yourself into a castle. Either way, layer up, pack the cashmere comb, and let the weather do its worst.

Original source: Condé Nast Traveller UK