Winter is officially here. The days are shorter, the weather is changing, and the festive spirit is alive and well. With winter comes the necessity to change up the clothes you have on rotation in your closet. Fall called for layering and lighter materials, and now that winter has arrived, it's a whole different ballgame.
Luckily, there's a lot that can be done with winter fashion. But be sure to stay away from gaudy Christmas knitwear and ill-fitting 10-year-old coats. This winter, it's all about bringing an air of style and sophistication to the festive season.
As with any time of year, it's a good idea to build your winter wardrobe around a few key pieces. So, what are the staples that you should be stocking your closet with? Read on for everything you need to know about the must-have winter fashion essentials.
1. A Warm Coat
One of the most important staples for a winter wardrobe is, of course, a warm and stylish coat. As the weather gets colder, the need for warmer clothing grows ever more pressing. But when you've got a sturdy and substantial coat at your disposal, you can throw it over almost any outfit, and voila—you're winter-ready.
Because a winter coat needs to work well with the majority of the pieces you have in your closet, the color and style of coat you choose are important. This goes for the material, as well.
If you're looking for a more sophisticated look, a black or grey wool overcoat is always a classic. If you'd like to go a more casual route, a parka in green or navy can also be a great choice.
2. A Classic Sweater
There's no doubt it's officially sweater weather, and it's obligatory to have at least one go-to piece in your collection. We're not talking about the kind emblazoned with Santa's face or an elf-related pun, however. No, we mean a high-end, effortless, beautiful piece of knitwear.
There are many different kinds of sweaters you may want to go for, depending on your personal style as well as your measurements. Cable knits, cardigans, v-neck, turtleneck—the list goes on and on.
Here again, you can choose a neutral color so that it will go with most of your closet—beige or taupe are great neutral options. But you can also play around with color if you choose. Deep green, crimson, and mauve are all seasonally-suitable options you might consider.
3. A Good Quality Hat
In warmer months, wearing a hat is a statement and something you've got to have a certain amount of style to be able to pull off. In winter, however, hats become as functional as they are fashionable. But this doesn't mean they can't be sophisticated and stylish at the same time.
Depending on where you live and how well you tolerate cold, there are different hats that may be more or less suited to you. For example, if your ears tend to turn to icicles the moment you step outside in the winter months, then you may opt for something that has earflaps. Another option is a herringbone flat cap—a great and stylish choice for winter that would pair well with woolen coats.
4. A Tailored Suit
A tailored suit is a great thing to have in your wardrobe at any time of year. A timeless piece that will last you for years to come. But even if you already have a bespoke suit in your closet, you may want to consider having another made for the winter season.
Why? Well, a winter suit can be a very different thing than a summer suit. Although there are, of course, suits that work at any time of year, there can be big discrepancies between suits intended for winter and those intended for summer.
Summer suits are often made in lighter colors like blue and cream, and lighter materials such as linen. While in winter, the colors are usually darker, the material heavier, and the cut a little more formal.
5. A Statement Scarf
A scarf is the perfect cherry to add on top of any winter outfit. It will keep you warm and at the same time allow you to showcase your style. When it comes to scarves, you can go neutral, but it can also be fun to be more daring in your choice of patterns and colors.
A tartan wool scarf is a great choice because it's colorful and patterned, but still versatile and sophisticated. You can also opt for something in a brighter color or bolder pattern. When it comes to scarves, you can really get creative and a little crazy in your choices.
6. Some Sturdy Boots
The colder temperatures and the rain and snow that you may be walking through make a pair of good-quality boots another essential item for your winter closet. Boots are utilitarian in this sense, but they can also be stylish.
As with all items of winter fashion for men, boots come in many different shapes and styles. Knowing what you're looking for will help you to find the perfect pair.
On the casual side of things, Chelsea boots are always a firm favorite, as are Chukka boots. If you'd like something more formal, you can try a wingtip boot or a dress boot.
7. Leather Gloves
Finally, to finish your outfit off, you'll need a pair of luxurious and stylish gloves. Although you can choose any material, for gloves we recommend leather or a synthetic version of leather.
These options will not only look more sophisticated, but they'll also do a better job of keeping out the cold than a regular woolen pair. Not to mention the fact that a good pair of leather gloves can last you a lifetime.
Winter Fashion Trends for Stylish Men
We hope this guide has helped to shed some light on how you can dress well, even when the weather outside is grey and dull. Winter fashion presents an exciting opportunity to make bold choices and express your personal style through your clothing. If you're looking for sweaters, coats, suits, hats, scarves, or anything else, browse your wide range and don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.