Gents’ Top 20 Cold Weather Necessities

The Coats & Jackets. 1. When we’re getting serious about our outerwear, style is only one factor in our picking process. The other, of course, is warmth and functionality. And no one battles the cold in rugged style like Canada Goose. With a Thermal Experience Index of 4 (out of 5), this coat is meant to keep you warm down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit. And as Chicagoans, we can tell you that it works. Pair that with a contemporary fit that is slim to help keep out the wind, and a waterproof shell, there is no detail overlooked. The hood even has a removable coyote fur trim, so you can remove it on a really rainy day. The mid-thigh length is long enough to wear over a sport or suit coat, when needed. We’re featuring this spirit blue for its subtle pop of color that is the ideal shade between navy and bright blue. But there are several neutrals to choose from through the ‘shop it’ button.

2. For those days when you are wearing a suit, for the office or a dressier night out, the weather won’t stop for you. This wool/cashmere overcoat from Hugo Boss will allow you to brave the elements in style and warmth. It has the ever-important button-front closure that goes all the way up to the neck to keep out the wind and cold. The classic style pairs with a contemporary fit for a modern coat that you’ll wear for years, whether you choose the navy (shown, and great if you wear a lot of grey and navy suits) or simple black. And it’s sleek enough to wear with dark jeans for a dapper finish, too.

3. A puffer from The North Face is a well-priced solution that is going to keep you warm. This one has 550-fill power goose down, which means it’s made for those seriously cold days. (Not quite as warm as the Canada Goose we’re featuring, but pretty close.) Of course, it’s a great staple for the weekend. But what makes it special is that, unlike many puffers, it has a shirttail hem that is a bit longer in the back. This makes it long enough to wear over a sport coat, so you can shovel out your car and head straight to work.

4. J.Crew knows how to give a classic coat a bit of attitude, in a way that is so wearable. The best part – and why it’s one our favorites– is the Thinsulate® lining, which ensures this luxe wool coat will keep you warm even when the weather gets seriously cold. And that’s not something all wool coats can do. The lining doesn’t add any bulk, either, so it will feel great over your Winter layers, like a shirt and sweater or hoodie and t-shirt. They offer it in both a modern (called ‘Regular’) and contemporary (called ‘Slim’) fits through the ‘shop it’ button, so there is one for every gent.

The Scarves. 5. This marled, ultra-soft cashmere scarf from Vince has a sophisticated look that works with topcoats and casual coats, alike. And, it’s even a nice accent with chunky cardigans and sweaters. The black and white mix looks good with everything, whether you pair it with neutrals or a bold, sporty colored coat. It even looks great with pattern, so you can layer that plaid flannel shirt underneath and still look perfectly pulled together.

6. A solid dress coat gets a sophisticated finish with this Brooks Brothers Italian cashmere scarf. The glenplaid pattern is truly elegant, whether you choose the charcoal version (shown) for you navy, grey, and black topcoats; or, the khaki option for your camel and olive coats.

7. It is hard to talk about scarves without mentioning the classic Burberry check. This 100% cashmere version of the iconic pattern is beautifully updated in a dark grey, blue and rust mix that works with any solid wool neutral coat. The darker colors make it perfect for more formal occasions, as well as casual looks. It even looks great with a parka and a wool knit watch cap. It’s an investment, but one that will give back for years to come. And on a cold day, you’ll be happy you made it.

8. Fair Isle patterns are a Winter staple – and they happen to be quite on trend this season. Brooks Brothers’ soft wool version uses a great color combination of poppy hues against a neutral grey ground, giving it a casual look that is great with any wool coat or parka.

The Hats. 9. You need a proper hat to wear with your dress topcoat. This wool felt fedora has a classic high-pinch crown, grosgrain band, and 2 ½” snap-brim that allows you to shape it just the way you like it. Goorin Bros. has been making distinctive American headwear since 1895, and their quality is unsurpassed. It comes in black through the ‘shop it’ button too, but we’ve chosen this versatile grey, for its easy pairing to navy and any shade of grey.

10. A newsboy, or flat cap, first appeared in Europe in the late 1890’s and became a popular American style in the early 1900’s. While always an accepted hat style, it has seen resurgence in popularity in recent years that delights us. J.Crew. uses a wonderful English wool fabric, in a charcoal herringbone pattern, that looks great with any casual wool coat. The quilted lining and interior cotton headband highlight the fine quality and detail.

11. Baseball caps are always a gent’s favorite, so finding a Winter-ready option is a dream come true for many of us. The wool blend black-and-white tweed will keep your head warm, while the brim protects your face from the rain and snow in such a practical way. It even has a padded sweatband to wick away moisture, and is adjustable to accommodate every head. The neutral color works with everything and certainly steps up your sartorial game.

12. The aviator style has been one of the more popular additions to a gent’s weekend wardrobe. And we like going for it in true style, with this wool snowflake pattern version that even has the added detail of a rabbit fur trim – for both warmth and style. Crown Caps, a Canadian company that has been making cold weather headwear since 1934, includes all the classic aviator details, like the flaps over the ears and an optional knit chin tie (just leave it open). It’s the perfect fun finish to your parkas and quilted vests, creating an effortlessly casual contemporary look.

The Gloves. 13. These gloves are a top Find because they can be dressed up or down, thanks to the beautiful Elk leather. The medium brown color creates a polished look that works with any color dress coat - from black to olive, and everything in between. It’s textured finish and wool ribbed trim keeps them from being too dressy though, so you can wear them with your casual coats, too. And since they’re insulated, we assure you, that’s just what you are going to want to do. These high quality gloves are made by Hestra, a Swedish work wear and outdoor company, so you will enjoy them for many years.

14. We love a pop-top glove. They offer warmth when you need it, and the freedom to quickly free your fingers for a quick task when you don’t. If you’re not familiar, let us introduce you to one of the best of the season. The heavy rag wool knit is quick drying and has natural wicking properties, with a touch of stretch for comfort. The pop top finger cover is fleece-lined, with a hidden magnet so they won’t flap around when you’re not using them – and they’ll stay securely in place, keeping out the wind, when you are. Function and fashion in one.

15. For the ultimate outdoor protection, this arctic down glove from Canada Goose is the clear winner. With the fill power of any top-notch goose down jacket, these are the gloves you want for hours of outdoor cold weather activity. The outer shell is nylon and the palm is abrasion resistant – you can grip your ski poles, or a shovel, with ease. And the Velcro® cinch strap keeps them in place…and the wind and snow out.

16. UNIQLO is one of our go-to resources for super affordable basics, with a modern edge. It’s a Japanese brand that came to the US in 2005 and we’ve been fans ever since. These high performance gloves allow you to still use your smartphone, thanks to the conductive threads used in the thumb and forefinger. The soft wool and fleece blend is even lined with their bio-warming HEATTECH material to really help keep your hands warm – without adding any bulk, so you’ll still be able to manipulate your phone with ease. And at this truly amazing price, you can pick up a couple colors – like the neutral navy we’re showing here, and a pop color, too.

The Boots. 17.  Tackling the elements can still be done in style. On those days that you need to head to the office – or are going out for the night – but the weather isn’t cooperating, these Geox chukka boots will save the day…or, at least, your feet. The rich suede upper and rubber out sole are water repellent to help keep your feet dry. And they have thermal insulation for warmth, comfort, and maximum breathability.  The dark coffee brown color is certainly sophisticated enough to work with dressier wool pants, khakis, or your favorite jeans., and there are a couple other great colors through the 'shop it' button, too. This style is selling out everywhere - we're sending you directly to Geox's site, where they offer free shipping and easy returns.

18. These Timerberland boots have a versatile place in your Winter wardrobe. Like the first pair we featured in this list, they are polished enough to wear with wool pants and a sport coat for the office or dinner - and look great with jeans, too. The full grain leather is waterproof, and the sole is made from Timberland’s exclusive waterproof Gripstick rubber. So, you can leave the outdoor boots at home and still arrive with warm and dry feet – in style.

19. Consider these high tops from Tretorn your Winter sneakers. The upper is a combination waterproof rubber and canvas. And they have a waterproof bottom too, so your feet will stay dry, while you have the comfort and style of a pair of sneakers that are so much less bulky than boots. In the rain and snow, you can wear these with your jeans, sweats, and joggers, with all the casual style and practical warmth required to make it a good day.

20. For a weekend of trekking through the snow, you’ll need these Sorel boots. Sorel, a Canadian company founded in 1962 known for their quality and functionality, make some of the world’s best cold weather boots. These are one of their iconic styles that is fully waterproof, from the nubuck upper to the rubber outsole that is designed for traction. They are lined with Sorel’s ThermoPlus™ felt InnerBoot to keep your feet warm – and it’s removable for easy washing. The classic buff color is our top pick for a timeless look with jeans or snow gear – and they are available in black and brown through the ‘shop it’ button, too.