We've put together a list of 16 of the most important pieces no guy should even think of braving the year's coldest season without. From sweaters to scarves, these are the items that will have you battling the elements in style.
Keep in mind that these are only the basics — there are no deep cuts here. If you don't have all of these, we suggest scooping up the holes in your closet quick.
Have a burning men's style question? Ask me and I may answer you in a future post. Email me at dgreen@businessinsider.com with the subject line "Men's style question."
A seasonally appropriate tweed sport coat.
Cold weather and tweed go hand-in-hand, which means a tweed sport coat is an absolute necessity.
You don't have to go for a classic brown or tan, either. This smart gray blazer from J. Crew is perfect for when you need an extra layer during a night out on the town.
You don't have to go for a classic brown or tan, either. This smart gray blazer from J. Crew is perfect for when you need an extra layer during a night out on the town.
A patterned sweater adds personality.
Polo Ralph Lauren Fair Isle Wool-Blend Sweater ($300)
Go anywhere with a chunky wool sweater.
Everlane Chunky Knit Cardigan ($135)
This chunky knit cardigan from Everlane fits the bill perfectly.
A comfy sweatshirt for more layering options.
A super-soft sweatshirt is a perfect substitute for a sweater when
you're not feeling the knitted look. It'll look just as put-together as
your favorite crew-neck sweater.
Sunspel's version is top-of-the-line, but a sweatshirt from your favorite brand will likely work just as well (provided your favorite brand isn't Fruit of the Loom). Just make sure it's slim-fitting and flattering.
Sunspel's version is top-of-the-line, but a sweatshirt from your favorite brand will likely work just as well (provided your favorite brand isn't Fruit of the Loom). Just make sure it's slim-fitting and flattering.
A warm and cozy flannel will be the most comfortable item in your closet.
Oliver Spencer New York Cotton-Flannel Shirt ($200)
This Oliver Spencer flannel is beautiful and minimalist. It goes equally well under a blazer or a denim jacket.
A dependable wool suit that fits like a glove.
J. Crew Ludlow Suit in Italian Wool Flannel ($425 for the jacket, $225 for the pants)
This Ludlow suit in Italian wool by J. Crew is a winner by our standards, but suit shopping is a personal thing, so find a brand or tailor that fits with your style and body type.
A trendy but not ostentatious knit tie.
Though more casual than a traditional tie, knit neckwear is now a cold-weather staple.
The Tie Bar makes a great knit tie for a reasonable $25. Get one in a color you like.
The Tie Bar makes a great knit tie for a reasonable $25. Get one in a color you like.
A solid-colored wool scarf goes with everything.
Acne Studios Canada Oversized Brushed-Lambswool Scarf ($170)
Keep your neck warm this winter with an oversize wool scarf, like this one from Acne Studios.
Gloves that will keep your hands warm without slowing you down.
J. Crew cashmere-lined leather smartphone gloves ($98, left) and J Crew wool-blend smartphone gloves ($25, right).
Leather is usually reserved for more formal occasions, though many, like J. Crew's cashmere-lined leather gloves ($99), can be worn anytime. On the other side, J. Crew also makes a great wool blend glove ($25).
Both pairs are compatible with your smartphone, so you won't need to take them on and off to answer a text message.
A hat to top it all off.
Club Monaco's Kensington Cashmere Hat ($68, top left) and Everlane's Chunky Wool Beanie ($48, bottom right).
Most men these days elect for the wool watch cap. It won't work with a suit, but it should be right at home with the rest of your wardrobe. Avoid bright neon oranges and yellows, or risk being mistaken for a crossing guard.
Everlane's Chunky Wool Beanie ($48) hits the right note, as does Club Monaco's Kensington Cashmere Hat ($68).
Snow boots for when it gets slushy out there.
If you live in a snowy climate, your sneakers are not going to cut it when it gets slushy outside.
Make sure you're prepared with a pair of rubbery all-weather boots, like the famous LL Bean Bean Boots. Those are on backorder forever, so any duck-style boot will likely keep your feet just as warm.
Make sure you're prepared with a pair of rubbery all-weather boots, like the famous LL Bean Bean Boots. Those are on backorder forever, so any duck-style boot will likely keep your feet just as warm.
Waterproof boots for when the slush starts to melt.
Danner Mountain Pass Horween Rio ($350)
For those times and places, we recommend a Danner hiker boot that's waterproof. It even includes a stitched-down upper, which provides more protection against the rain than a Goodyear welt.
Wool socks to keep your toes toasty.
It cannot be stressed how important warm socks are in the winter. A
good pair of socks will keep your feet toasty even in the most freezing
of temperatures.
Some complain that wool socks are too thick or itchy, but this is mostly a misconception. Wool is a better insulator than cotton, so it would be much warmer than a comparably thick cotton sock. Also, the right kind of wool or wool blend shouldn't be itchy at all.
Some of our favorite wool sock brands are SmartWool ($19) and Wigwam ($15), both of which will keep your feet happy and toasty.
Some complain that wool socks are too thick or itchy, but this is mostly a misconception. Wool is a better insulator than cotton, so it would be much warmer than a comparably thick cotton sock. Also, the right kind of wool or wool blend shouldn't be itchy at all.
Some of our favorite wool sock brands are SmartWool ($19) and Wigwam ($15), both of which will keep your feet happy and toasty.
A technical coat to keep you warm and dry when the mercury drops.
When it's cold enough, it doesn't even matter what you're wearing — you just need to keep warm.
However, if you choose the right jacket, you won't need to pick between warm and stylish. We're big fans of Patagonia's down parkas, but North Face, Canada Goose, and even Uniqlo make fantastic ones as well.
However, if you choose the right jacket, you won't need to pick between warm and stylish. We're big fans of Patagonia's down parkas, but North Face, Canada Goose, and even Uniqlo make fantastic ones as well.
A wool coat to look stylish on sunnier days.
For when it's not quite as cold and windy, a wool car coat is the best option.
Choose one that can be dressed up or down, like this J. Crew car coat, and it'll be your go-to all season long. Its Thinsulate lining will still keep you warm, and its three-quarter length and classic design are timeless.
Choose one that can be dressed up or down, like this J. Crew car coat, and it'll be your go-to all season long. Its Thinsulate lining will still keep you warm, and its three-quarter length and classic design are timeless.
Don't forget the getaway bag.
Everlane Weekender ($95)
Everlane makes a nice-sized Weekender for short getaways.
No comments:
Post a Comment