Lifestyle
Feature
Winter Wardrobe Basics
Hitha Prabhakar
All of us at some point dream of living in a climate where cold
winter weather is not an issue. Unfortunately for most, that may not
happen until retirement.
Instead of morning laps in the infinity pool and long walks on
sun-soaked beaches, we have months of blustery treks to the car, and
to and from meetings, as well as hours of snow shoveling to look
forward to.
Then there is figuring out what to wear. Will a suit jacket keep
you warm or is a toastier cashmere coat in order? And are there any
respectable looking hats out there for below-freezing days?
Luckily, dressing for inclement weather does not have to be a
complicated task. By purchasing key pieces, relying on warm weather
accessories and layering multiple light weight pieces, keeping warm
and looking good can be as easy as choosing your next ski vacation.
“Once you get something that is functional, and a good quality
piece, you are going to feel good in it and know you look good in it
as well,” says Andy Gilchrist, author of The Encyclopedia of
Men’s Clothes. “Outerwear like a great coat, a scarf or a
hat is another mode of expression for yourself.”
The first rule of thumb for winter weather dressing is to not get
thrown off by the weather itself. Just because the temperature is
dropping or there is snow on the ground does not mean it’s time to
over do it with ski gear.
Clothing designer Pepper Foster remembers a time he visited Aspen
and saw a grown man dressed in a puffy down ski suit. “The moral of
that story,” he says, “is what is cute on kids does not necessarily
translate into a good look for adults!”
Instead, if on the weekend you are venturing out into the cold,
think about wearing a more modern version of the puffer jacket.
Moncler, an Italian ski wear company, has treated its version with
nylon to give it a shiny and more contemporary look which goes well
with jeans or track pants.
Relying on one coat all season is a no-no. Rather, invest in
several jackets for different types of weather and environments. If
you have a business meeting, throw on a wool toggle coat over the
suit. On warmer days, a heavier weight sport coat can be worn
casually with a pair of slacks and dress shoes for a business-casual
meeting, or with a pair of jeans for a trip to the deli to get the
Sunday paper.
Accessories like scarves and hats are an excellent way to express
your style. Lacoste’s skull cap comes in muted colors, such as slate
grey and basic black that go well with various winter shades while
keeping your head warm. To jazz up a jacket or sport coat, try
accessorizing with a brightly striped cashmere scarf.
“With any outfit it is important to accessorize,” says Chip
Foster, Pepper’s brother and co-founder of their Chip & Pepper
clothing line, “and even easier in cold weather because your
accessories actually serve a purpose. Just throwing a scarf around
your neck really adds a lot to a look.”
It’s easy to throw on any old pair of shoes when heading out into
the cold, but experts say it is possible to maintain a cool yet
functional look. For those looking to walk around in the post-snow
slush, invest in a pair of rugged leather boots. For something more
casual, a leather sneaker with rubber soles is an indulgence but
perfect if you are walking on ice-covered sidewalks.
Finally, it’s important to remember that when it’s cold outside,
it tends to get hotter inside. “Layering with key pieces, especially
if you are someone that tends to get warm easily, is imperative for
looking complete and feeling comfortable,” says Lisa Kline, owner
and president of the Lisa Kline Men boutique in Los Angeles. “I
suggest wearing the cashmere sweater but also wearing a crew neck
tee underneath in case it gets too hot. As a guy, you never want to
be caught with just one layer on and perspiring to death.”
To add extra warmth without the bulk, try a long sleeve
undershirt, which wicks away moisture and shields you from the
elements.
Though it’s cold out, the last thing you want to do is succumb to
the elements and ignore your personal style.
“I think the biggest mistake is that people--primarily men--make
is that they think that when the weather gets cold all they need to
worry about is staying warm, and they don’t bother trying to look
good,” says Pepper Foster. “Trust us. You can do that and still look
good.”
