It’s that time of year. For many of us, the initial charm of cold weather has made way for the bitter reality that winter is only halfway over. Hopefully you have dodged any seasonal depression. Although we don’t blame you if the cloudy days and cold weather have you feeling a bit down. While thinking of how to look stylish in very cold weather seems like a low priority, it can provide a little spark of optimism during the dreary months.
You can use very cold weather as an opportunity to show off your style knowhow. For most men, when the temperatures get very cold, all notions of dressing well go out the window. They turn to pure function for their attire. Which makes sense, but as a gentleman, you can strive to present yourself in a stylish manner, regardless of the conditions.
We’ll review how you can look stylish in very cold weather, layer by layer, as well as recommend a few pieces/options to round out your cold weather lineup.
The Basics for Very Cold Weather
First, the basics. To look stylish and keep warm, you must prioritize these items.
Base Layers
While no one will see the base layers, they arguably play the most important part in keeping you warm. Good base layers will help you retain body heat and wick moisture (so you don’t get clammy from sweat).
Long underwear for your legs is an especially underrated garment, and what my snowboarding brother calls “an absolute game-changer.” Even if your legs don’t feel cold, you still lose heat through any part of your body. You can lose enough heat through your legs to chill the rest of your body, even if you are properly layered elsewhere. Don’t neglect your bottom half, thinking multiple layers up top will keep you warm.
While the traditional waffle cotton long johns can get the job done, advances in fabric technology have created performance fabrics that can keep you warm and wick sweat, all in a thinner layer.
UnderArmour pioneered this technology and they remain a leader in the space. Check out Smartwool for merino wool base layers (which naturally regulate temperature) – I personally believe the merino wool to provide the highest performing natural fabric for this purpose.
Middle Layers
On top of your base layer, your best bet is a thick wool sweater. And maybe a down jacket or vest on top of that.
Woolovers makes classic Aran style sweaters that hit a sweet spot of warm functionality and budget-friendliness. If you want to go a bit up the budget spectrum, Scotland has some great knitwear makers. They have to keep you warm up there.
Check out Colhays, O’Connell’s, or Proper Cloth, among many others for high quality, very warm, upscale knitwear.
As for vests or jackets, down or something insulated works well for this layer. J. Crew makes a great vest, as does Spier and Mackay. We all know Patagonia vests are the standard for this layer, and any reputable outdoor clothing company will make a good vest.
These pieces are the key to keeping a stylish vibe in harsh weather conditions, so don’t be afraid to make an investment if you face these conditions often.
Large Coat
A jacket can make a statement about your style and immediately elevate an outfit. In this type of weather, a large coat is a necessity. All you need is one good one. If you don’t have a large winter coat, find one you can wear day in and day out in the worst of the winter months.
For the more rugged types (with a bit of cash burning a hole in your pocket), nothing beats a shearling jacket. Both for warmth and style. A jacket like this will definitely turn heads. Otherwise the rugged or sporty types can do worse than a good parka.
A pea coat is always a solid option. A long overcoat or Balmacaan adds a ton of style and depth to any cold weather outfit.
Although longer down coats are quite functional, I personally think they lack the traditional style of the other jackets mentioned here.
Thick Pants
In addition to a good baselayer for your lower half, winter appropriate pants will provide a functional and stylish foundation for your very cold weather looks.
Flannel-lined jeans or chinos, flannel chinos or slacks, corduroy, and moleskin offer your best bets for staying warm and looking put together.
The temptation is to opt for something purely functional like ski pants or thick sweat pants. But you can do better. Maintain a gentlemanly appeal and stay warm with the options mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Boots
Footwear is where you can stand out from the style amateurs with your cold weather attire. Most men opt for something purely functional, and for good reason. If it’s snowy or muddy, you need shoes that can deal with these conditions.
But you don’t need to don ugly snow or hiking boots to throw off the gentlemanly appeal of the rest of your look. You can find plenty of functional boots that also look great.
On the dressier, more refined side, Allen Edmonds has a few models that are waterproof and feature a slip-resistant sole.
If you want to go for a more casual aesthetic, Blundstones are great for cold and wet weather. And of course the classic L.L. Bean Boots work great for wet weather. They even have an insulated option for the worst of conditions – we highly recommend these if you see low temps and snow consistently.
Remember, if you need to layer some thicker socks with your boots, you may need to order a half size up.
Essential Accessories for Very Cold Weather
Now that you’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the little extras to provide that extra bit of warmth and sophistication to get you through the worst of winter.
Hat
Beanie, toboggan, knit cap – whatever you call it, these are a necessity for keeping your dome warm. While recent science questions the long-held notion that heat tends to escape from your head the fastest, you’ll still want to keep this area nice and toasty.
A wool or cashmere knit hat looks stylish and provides an extra bit of warmth for the worst of winter. While neutral colors like grey, navy, and brown will safely match everything, don’t be afraid to go with a bolder winter color like burgundy, green, or blue to add a bit of boldness to a dreary day.
Bonobos offers a great looking cashmere option, while Quince offers cashmere for a reasonable price. Huckberry has some great options too, while SmartWool is a reliable pick for a sleeker, sportier option.
Scarf
If you’ve ever spent time in a cold climate, you understand the difference a scarf can make. Luckily, this item also makes a great accessory to look stylish in very cold weather.
Again, neutral colors are safe, but bolder options can brighten up a bitter cold day. Patterned scarves work well too – don’t be afraid to go for a bolder option with this piece.
Opt for a softer wool or even acrylic scarf – they can get the job done here. Cashmere is a nice to have but not essential. As for brand recommendations, your favorite brand likely has some options that will fit your individual style.
Socks
Thick wool socks.
Your feet are usually the first body part to start really feeling the cold. Don’t neglect them by thinking your standard socks will get the job done. Nothing makes you feel worse than cold feet – skimping on this item is a mistake.
Bombas and SmartWool have great options for thicker wool socks. Check out Nordic Socks for some more traditional designs to add a bit of flair to your look. These are my personal favorite.
For extreme weather, double or triple up your socks. You won’t regret it.
Gloves
Along with your feet, your hands are the first thing to feel the cold. Gloves can offer a stylish and functional accessory for your winter looks, and you can find them in a variety of styles to fit almost any aesthetic.
Your basic wool options are a safe bet, but if you encounter cold temps regularly, go for something with a little more structure.
Going for a more rugged style? Check out these from Carhartt, or these insulated goat skin gloves from Huckberry.
Kent Wang has some great leather options for a more refined aesthetic.
Conclusion
It’s easy to forego style and opt purely for function when the temperatures really dip. However, you can look stylish in very cold weather with a few upgrades, which will allow you to stand out from the frumpy and purely functional attire most men turn to in these conditions. Sharpen up your style and approach the cold with confidence, and you’ll be sure to turn a depressing winter day into an opportunity to flex your style muscles.