Whether you're talking about the men's or women's segment, most people will agree that fashion rarely mixes with comfort (or function, for that matter). Most times, you only get one or the other, especially when the weather gets unfriendly as in the middle of winter. All is not lost, though. The range of men's fashion is (thankfully) large enough to give you a full arsenal of style, even when the mercury starts dropping outside.
Be One with the Boot
Glossy magazines and flashy men's fashion shows might show you all manner of leather shoes - usually the wing-tip variety, if you've noticed - for fall and winter collections. But unless there's an ueber-strict dress code in your office or you're headed to a formal event, a pair of boots might be the perfect addition to your winter shoe rack.
There's no question about it: boots give you more protection from both the elements and the feet of clods who might happen to step on you. They also give better traction for the times when your sidewalk freezes up. And though a pair of these babies are usually worn with a customary axe a la woodcutter, there's a way to spin it for the urban man.
Don a pair of work boots with other equally rugged style pieces like jeans and jackets in denim. Forget all of your fussier fashion show items; the work boot is for rugged men, and a rugged man you must be. Regular cut jeans work best, none of that skinny stuff, please, because they can accommodate the girth of the boot. With jeans legs rolled up and a rugged jacket to match, you'll be every bit the winter-ready, fashion-conscious man.
Have a Hat
Fedoras and trilbies might be mainstays of men's fashion labels for spring and fashion coats summer collections, but don't expect them to be of much help during winter. Unless you live in a place with very mild Decembers, you'll want to get something a little more substantial.
Beanies are a quick and extremely inexpensive (as low as $5 a pop in some places) way to keep your head warm in cold weather. For something more mature fashion-wise, though, trappers might be a better idea than the beanies. They may not look any more cutting edge, but they're definitely much more rugged and insulated. Wear with the boot outfit above and you have a ruggedly urban look for even the coldest of cold days.
As with the boots, the key to creating a look with this rather outdoorsy style piece is to match it with other items that 'feel' the same. Ergo, a rugged hat like this one calls for an equally rugged outfit. Think grungy denims, hardy boots and tough guy plaids instead of your usual dark suit and necktie, and you'll most likely have a look that'll go somewhere.
The Best of the Vest
One of the age-old problems with winter fashion was the thickness of the clothes. While there's a definite advantage to going thick, movement - and style, in general - can be an issue when you've got two to three layers of outerwear. On those days when the weather gets really cruel, a vest can strike that delicate balance between thick and stylish.
Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of the vest, as you can just zip it up over any old outfit. Abbreviated versions are good for tee-and-jeans combos in the fall, while slightly longer iterations work even over a coat and necktie ensemble in winter. In terms of use, the right vest in one of the classic colors of men's fashion can be styled very much like your average peacoat or sport coat.
Thick, warm clothes are the only way to go during the cold days of winter, but that never has to mean that you go around looking like you're wearing a dead seal. Wear exactly the right style pieces so that you don't end up adding more bulk than is absolutely necessary. If you look at things the way a fashion-conscious man does, every single layer counts.
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