Mens Winter Fashion – Combining Warmth and Style
Cooler weather always calls for a change in philosophy when it comes to fashion. Men have to think about how well their clothes will stand up to the elements, in addition to simply how their clothes look. You don’t, however, have to sacrifice style for warmth, especially if you employ some of the cold weather strategies below.
Bold and Bright
Most parts of men’s fashion operate on seasons, and it’s not just the choice between light cottons and heftier wools. Even colors tend to be subject to the time of year, and it’s very strategic for your outfits if your wardrobe were to follow suit.
Spring, with its cottons and khakis, was a time for ‘happy’ colors, light and breezy shades that can deal with the glare of the sun. Fall and winter, meanwhile, is usually full of gray tweeds and black wools. Dour, yes, but it does set the stage for you to wear bright, bold colors and neon hues that will contrast sharply with the dreary, mostly slate palette that most everyone else is likely to be using.
If you know how to pair your neck ties with your shirts, you should be able to assemble a look featuring some bright color because the rules are basically the same. Contrast is the name of this fashion game, and enough of it should be established between your bright colored item (usually a tee or a scarf) and the rest of what you’re wearing.
This means that your jacket, trousers and scarf should be in some dark or understated color to keep all eyes on that single bright piece. If you’re wearing this style strategy to the office, everything down to the tie has to be consistent. Consider a dark knit necktie to complement a bright shirt, or a neon cotton tie to work with a plain button down.
Accessories That Count
You’ve probably heard some women talk about how a single pair of shoes can make any old outfit look good. While Christian Loboutin’s men’s line is yet to catch on, the same phenomenon is possible for guys too – at least, to a certain extent.
In many cases, a boring outfit can be compensated for with a strong accessory that can capture attention and draw eyes away from your look’s lack of oomph. It’s the same idea behind how a single bold, eye-catching necktie suddenly makes an otherwise black and white look seem interesting. For outfits that are suffering the blues (or the grays and blacks), try throwing something dramatic into the mix and see the results for yourself.
A vivid accessory like a scarf might be in order if you want to brighten up your winter outfit. Try something in an unusual color, a unique print or both. As long as your outfit is otherwise plain and understated, the whole thing should come together. You could also try a striking bag; artisanal leather pieces are particularly stylish and effective.
Layer and Layer
Fall and winter are great times to bring out your sense of style because it’s very easy to layer and play around with different pieces. If your outfit doesn’t feature any single item that stands out, try layering various ‘boring’ pieces to create a spectacular ensemble.
Aside from your base layer and your outermost coat, try slipping extra layers in between. Vests and cardigans are easy to slip into any outfit because they’re unobtrusively slim. They are, however, still effective at adding some depth and drama to your outfit. This is especially effective if the color of each layer is distinct, such as a light blue cardigan in between a white office shirt and a pepper gray jacket, finished off with a red striped tie.
One thing you should remember is to keep each layer at least as long as (if not longer than) the one under it. That means your outermost coat should be the longest one on you, long enough to cover all the others. It’s one of the long-held and unquestionable rules of men’s fashion, one that others have tried – and failed – to challenge. You don’t wear your socks over your pants. Don’t break this edict either.
Other Great Posts From Our Mens Fashion Blog:
Mens Winter Fashion Tricks, Trends, and Styles
Mens Fall 2010 Dress Tips
Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team