The goal of winter fashion is to combine function and form.
You must be warm and dry, but you also wish to appear attractive and confident.
So, with that in mind, let’s speak about a few menswear essentials that will keep you warm and stylish this winter.
Let’s get into the essentials.
Heavy Outerwear
Most men can get away with two winter jackets, one casual and one dressy, in my opinion. That is dependent on your location.
An insulated, water-resistant parka is required for a casual jacket. This looks great with jeans, chinos, and other casual pants.
Business casual and business formal are the only things it doesn’t really go with. Wearing a parka with a suit is not a good idea.
If you have to attend a formal event such as a funeral or wedding in the fall or winter, you’ll also need a dressier topcoat.
A wool topcoat can work with most of your outfits if your style is smart casual or business casual.
There are several types that cross the gap between casual and formal, but I believe a single-breasted wool topcoat that hits mid-thigh is the ideal dressy winter coat because it can be dressed down.
It will look great with a t-shirt and jeans. It can also be worn over a suit.
Weather-resistant Boots
The second winter essential is a pair of weather-resistant boots. It doesn’t have to be winter boots.
Yes, if you live somewhere where you have a true winter with a lot of snow and ice every year.
For example, the Sorel Cheyennes might be a good fit for you. These are highly insulated and waterproof, so you can walk through deep snow and not feel a thing.
Most individuals can get away with a pair of Goodyear welted leather boots, especially if they’re treated with a water-resistant spray at the start of the season and worn with thick wool socks.
Water resistance is already built into boots created with the Goodyear welted construction technology.
So to achieve part of that winter weather protection, you don’t need need full winter boots.
Warm, Fitted Gloves
The third item on the list is a pair of warm, well-fitting gloves. I prefer leather lined gloves, which are leather on the exterior and have a soft lining on the inside, such as wool or cashmere.
I prefer these to wool gloves since they are a little more moisture resistant.
The issue about gloves that irritates me is that most of them are one-size-fits-all, which, like socks, I despise.
If your hands are smaller or larger than typical, you should choose small or large gloves.
Although I like leather gloves, you can also acquire a pair of wool or synthetic gloves.
From my casual parkas to my more fancy wool topcoats, a medium brown leather glove matches with almost everything I’m going to wear.
But, regardless of the style or color, make sure they suit your hands.
Versatile Scarf
I believe you only need one or two of these, and if you choose a solid neutral color, they will match any winter clothing.
Wool or a wool cashmere blend is ideal, but a wool-cotton hybrid would suffice.
If you’ve never worn a scarf before, it may take some getting used to, but trust me when I say it’s one of the nicest accessories to have as the weather begins to chill down.
Head and Ear Protection
Did you realize that our heads lose 40 percent of our body heat? That isn’t true; I simply made it up, however wearing a good hat can make you look 20% more attractive.
Rather than a fitted beanie, I like a plain knit hat with enough room in the top to fall back a little.
If you don’t want to mess up your hair, ear warmers are a good alternative.
I know some people will think they are a little odd, but I believe they’re incredibly useful and a little less obtrusive than a hat, and they don’t mess up your hair.
Long Underwear
This is especially important if you reside in a chilly climate. Long underwear is required in these scenarios.
Uniqlo’s Heat Tech is my favorite, and I also prefer Patagonia’s long underwear. This applies to both the tops and the bottoms.
So, if it’s really chilly outdoors, instead of boxer briefs, I’ll put on a pair of long underwear before my pants or chinos. This makes being outside for an extended period of time much more bearable.
This is ideal if you have to walk outside as part of your commute or if you’re heading for a lengthy winter walk.
Give long underwear a try if you haven’t already.
