Men: Guide on How to Keep Warm in the Winter for the Stylish Man

Style is an art.  For those of us who get it, year-round upkeep of one’s fashionably admirable wardrobe is paramount.  However; with the season’s frigid change, the body’s demand for heightened defenses against an arctic climate takes first chair in your hierarchy of needs.  Cold weather is hardly an excuse to slack on your appearance though guys, the need to keep warm in the winter months shouldn’t require you to dress like you’re standing in line at the ski lift either.  Follow this guide to winter-efficient fashion and you’ll be looking good and feeling good no matter what Mother Nature dishes out this season.  

• Effective layering of your wardrobe’s individual elements is a key technique for GQ good winter looks.  You’ll be spending portions of your day in a multitude of different temperatures thanks to modern indoor climate control.  Cold weather can make it hard to move if you’re not properly protecting yourself, but; that which keeps your body comfortable outdoors in below-freezing weather makes for a miserable sweaty mess when donned indoors.  Dress yourself up for indoor temperatures first, then move along to outer layers.  Top your indoor gear off with a sweater and an overcoat.  Each article should, of course, be a reflection of the fashionisto stud that you are.  Don’t tarnish an otherwise stylish get up by rocking a tasteless tacky jacket you could have also worn in grade school.  Sports team jackets have their place in a crowded winter-time stadium… not as part of your winter wardrobe.  Keep your overcoat simple, but effective.  A wool or leather option is something worth considering, but be sure to keep up with the times.  You don’t want to be the butt of any jeering Fonzy jokes!  As for your sweater, keep the hooded sweatshirts in your high school memories where they belong.  You’re an adult, man!  Dress like one.  Cashmere is an appropriate sweater option, certain patterns such as argyle or simple stripes are also acceptable.  Sometimes less is more though, so if you’re going to be bold and flaunt patterns, be sure to compliment them with solid colors underneath so that it balances out with the rest of your winter attire.  Keep in mind that if you move around during the day, you may desire to cool off and remove your sweater periodically. Make sure that you can easily do so, and that your inner layers of clothing are clean and wrinkle free.

• As some regions bring slush and snow with the cold winter months, your footwear may also require an upgrade.  A rugged pair of boots is excellent for keeping your toes warm and dry as you trudge through winter terrain.  Military style boots will keep you moving, and have gained popularity as they go well with winter wear and maintain stylishness despite a little wear and tear.  They also possess a water-resistant quality which keeps your socks dry and odor free.  If you’ve managed to keep the rest of your attire sharp and presentable, you shouldn’t have too hard of a time picking out the right pair of boots or shoes.  Just don’t wear anything that will be an eye soar, and make sure your shoes match your belt.

• Moving on, many accessory garments come to mind when the brisk bite of the winter wind comes around. Scarves gloves and hats become essential during this time of year. Even though you won’t likely sport these extras all day long, it is important not to contradict your appearance with atrocious apparel. Heat rises, and your noggin is the least clothed part of your body. Therefore; you lose the majority of your body heat through your head. Avoiding the loss of face and head warmth is achieved easily with the help of a beanie or hat. However; puff balls and kid-ish vibrant color schemes don’t compliment your look at all, so if you include any headgear in your winter get up; keeping it modest is your best bet. Charcoal is a good color for you to consider as it compliments any color of clothing you choose to wear and is rather low-key as well. The same rules apply if you choose to top off your fatigues with a versatile scarf. Some of us prefer a good winter beard to keep the face warm in the cold, and ladies love a bearded man. A scarf might be your preference though. Any scarf worn by us men should be lightweight and complimentary to the rest of your wears. Charcoal black and brown are good shades to stick to, don’t sacrifice your masculinity with a scarf that is too vibrant or chunky… keep it simple. And if your hands also require protection from the cruel icy weather, don’t even think about leaving your home wearing a bulky pair of ski gloves. Think functionality, guys. Remember also that less is more for the stylish man. Lightweight gloves are a must if you need to dial a phone while out and about, or move your fingers period. Leather driver’s gloves are a great option. A nice and snug fit is important too. Your fingers will appreciate a non-constrictive lightweight pair of stylish gloves if they must be protected from the cold.

I hope I’ve inspired some good ideas for your winter wardrobe. These are just preliminary ideas though to get your thoughts moving. Your individual style is something only you can define. Keep yourself warm this winter, but with the right gear. Staying comfortable in the winter doesn’t mean you have to subject yourself to ridicule. If you look good, you feel good. Good looks have a residual effect, which is why I keep my moving crews warm but still looking good during the winter months. Follow my guide and you’ll see for yourself what I mean.