Is it us, or do men have it easy when it comes to styling a winter wardrobe?
A small collection of pullover sweaters, one great jacket, and some casual footwear. Maybe a statement hoodie or sleek jeans. Meanwhile, women are layering up, trying to stay warm while avoiding looking like, well, a rejected pile of clothes.
It’s a tough life, but someone’s gotta live it!
Staying warm doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Men can still look fresh while avoiding the frigid air. And all this warm-weather gear will only make you appreciate the summer months even more!
So, guys – what are the best winter clothes for men? What pieces should you keep in your closet? How can you stay neutral while also being unique?
This simple style guide will tell you how. Let’s get started!
1. When It Comes to Winter Clothes for Men, KISS
This old-school design principle applies to more than engineering or product planning. It can also apply to style.
KISS, or “Keep It Simple, Stupid,” doesn’t imply ignorance. Rather, it encourages simplicity. It tells people to bring things down to the basics.
And, despite what the kids are saying these days, being “basic” is a good thing. Neutrals go with everything. Funky outfits have their moments.
Then they’re forever forgotten in the back of your closet.
Keep your base layers to easy hues, like whites, blues, beiges, black. The simpler your colors, the more options for mixing it up.
A navy blue sweater will agree with your trench coat and leather shoes. But a Houndstooth blazer may not match your vision two years from now, making it a useless investment.
Invest in neutrals (like a classic, tan trench coat) and build up from there. (This blog does a great job of explaining the “intentional wardrobe.”)
2. A Weekend Trip
Are you and your family planning a winter vacation? What should you pack for a long weekend trip?
If you’re flying (or for that matter, driving), keep it comfy. Some sharp athleisure wear is the perfect thing for coming-and-going. If you’ll be sitting for long periods of time, consider some warm, stylish sweatpants.
Match those with a fitted hoodie and chunky sneakers, and you’re good to go.
When you arrive, trade in the sweats for some crisp pants. Or rock some jeans with boots and a nice sweater or puffer jacket. This’ll prepare you for the weather as well as impromptu family photos.
Mom don’t want no scrubs in her photo! She raised a style icon!
3. A Holiday Gathering
Ugly sweater Christmas parties are fun – this is true. But if we’re being realistic, that one-time-use stuff isn’t always attractive. That’s the point!
If you can handle the FOMO, skip the outlandish sweater party. Instead, invest in cool colors and timeless designs.
Then you’ll be wearing them every Christmas until they’re holey and faded! Disposable wardrobes aren’t always practical (or a financial option).
For Thanksgiving, think deep oranges, mustard yellows, or maroon browns. Around Christmastime, go for deep blues with splashes of white or hunter green. For New Year’s, opt for sleek black or a classic red.
Match your clothing to the color scheme, not the holiday theme. Keep this idea going throughout the winter months. Impulse buys are usually gone or forgotten by next year.
4. A Night out with Friends
Pull out the beanie! Your friends don’t care what your hair looks like. And beanies are warm and stylish.
Men look great in beanies. Don’t believe us? Pull one on and see if your hip vibes attract any wandering eyes.
When going out with your friends this winter, keep it casual and cozy. Rock your favorite kicks paired with jeans and a fitted zip-up sweater and larger jacket on top. When you get to the bar, take off your jacket and use it to claim your favorite bar stool!
5. A Romantic Evening
Text your significant other a variation of the following message:
“Tn, we’re not staying in making Philly cheesesteaks (although u kno u love mine). I’m taking you on a hot date @ 7. Be ready.”
And it won’t take much to impress. Women report that signs of effort are attractive enough. You don’t need to have designer labels or extravagant ‘fits.
Here are some wardrobe tips for a romantic evening out:
- Keep it fitted
- Try a button-down shirt (cozy, easily layered, warm)
- Skip the fancy suit
- Don’t worry too much about your shoes
- Flex your favorite leather vest
- Wear a statement watch (and use it to be on time for your reservation!)
Look pulled-together, but not like you’re about to attend a wedding. Stay clean and pressed, but not like you’re late to a crucial business meeting. The key is to care, but not to go overboard.
It’s a fine line, but one that’s easy to maintain. In fact, this idea should appeal to the less style-prone men! A small amount of effort will go a long way in your date’s eyes.
Winter Wardrobe Staples
To reiterate what we’ve already covered, let’s bring it down to the basics (there’s that word again!).
- Invest in button-downs, pullover sweaters, hoodies, of neutral hues and classic designs
- Skip the baggy, loose clothing in favor of more fitted options
- Try out the leather jacket
- Shoes: one pair of sneakers, one pair of leather boots, one pair of casual, close-toed slip-ons
- For making a statement, consider scarves, beanies, and watches (not $100 jackets or large, printed pieces)
- Have at least one “nicer” athleisure outfit
- Keep it classic with a long-ish trench coat
- Care. Just a little
And that’s it, dudes! Man, you’ve got it good!
Don’t Wear Yourself out on What to Wear
The great thing about these winter clothes for men is that you can wear them this year. And the next. And the next!
So keep it classic, keep it minimal, and have fun fielding fashion questions!
Now that you’ve got a better idea of wardrobe staples, it’s time to take them to the streets. Here’s how to book a flight to your next dream destination (maybe somewhere it’s warmer!).
