How to Dress Well in the Winter (for Men)

As the seasons change, so should your wardrobe. Learning how to dress in the winter allows you to look stylish without sacrificing comfort, which is a concern for many men who want to feel their best in colder weather. Winter style for men is drastically different than what you'll normally sport in any other season, in terms of fabrics, colors and functionality.

Winter fashion has more depth, intrigue and elegance than styles for summer, spring or fall. From November to March, every layer is an opportunity to demonstrate your smart street style and dapper business wear with confidence and awareness that only a man with exceptional taste carries.

Our men's winter style guide will show you exactly how to transfer the essential elements of winter vogue into your everyday wardrobe.

How to Layer Clothes for Winter

When it comes to dressing for cold weather, layers are your best friend. When you're transitioning from a warm house to the chilly outdoors, you can go from sweating to shivering in a matter of minutes.

These men's winter fashion tips for layering will show you how to properly create a versatile winter outfit that lets you adjust your attire according to the changing temperature while preserving your appearance.

1. Every Layer Should Thrive on Its Own

From your base layer to your coat, each visible layer should work as its own outfit that can be worn by itself. Start with the base layer, including your shirt, pants, watch, belt, socks and shoes.

Once you've created an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, add the middle layer. This can be a cardigan, sweater or flannel. Then, the final layer should be your jacket and winter wear that will keep your head, neck and hands protected from the cold.

Every layer should feature colors and fabrics that complement one another to preserve the integrity of the overall look.

2. Lengthen Hemlines With Each Layer

One fashion mistake that men tend to make is maintaining the same hemline for their shirts with each layer. Messy hemlines can make even the chicest outfit look sloppy, while hemlines that are too long can warp your shape and height.

The base layer should always feature the shortest hemline. As you add layers to your outfit, the hemline should lengthen by a couple of inches, with your coat being the longest. This method creates a harmonious balance between each layer.

3. Scale Patterns and Mix Fabrics

A mixture of bold patterns can turn a stylish outfit into an eyesore. Instead of mixing loud patterns, choose small, subtle prints for the base layer, and scale the prints with every new layer.

Use the full range of cozy fabrics available to your advantage to add greater elements of complexity and dimension to your winter wardrobe. Don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics that are vastly different from each other — you can create a unique standout look by sporting various textures, like pairing leather with flannel or suede.

4. Stick to Neutrals and One Bold Color

Winter is the time for muted colors and neutral tones. Palettes featuring gray, navy, burgundy, black, green, white, brown and beige complement every skin tone and look beautiful when surrounded by blankets of white snow and pale gray skies.

If you want to add a pop of color, stick with just one at a time so it doesn't overwhelm your outfit. Vibrant colors in the winter can throw your attire off kilter and make you stand out in the wrong way. Subtle elegance always draws the right attention.

5. Accessorize Smartly

When you're building a winter outfit based on layering, you can't forget to accessorize. Adding scarves, hats, brooches and belts is part of the fun of creating a winter wardrobe. There are so many different colors, fabrics and styles to consider, and you can be as playful and creative as you want!

Best Fabrics for Winter Wear

When winter is on the horizon, it's time to switch out your light fabrics for thick cozy ones to protect you from the elements. These are all of the men's winter wardrobe essentials you need to build a stellar closet of cold-weather clothes:

• Wool: From thick sweaters to tweed blazers, wool is one of the most versatile fabrics you can add to your winter wardrobe. Wool is a warm fabric that can be used as a middle layer in the form of a sweater or cardigan or as a suit jacket or winter coat.
• Flannel: What makes flannel an exceptional textile is that it keeps you warm without adding extra weight and comes in an array of colors. Made of cotton, polyester and nylon fibers, flannel is a warm and casual fabric that can be easily layered and adapted for casual and smart business outfits. It's best used as a middle layer.
• Cotton: Cotton is a lighter fabric, which makes it perfect for a base layer. Whether you're sporting a long sleeve t-shirt or button-down, a cotton shirt provides a foundation that leaves room for creativity when assembling the rest of your outfit. It's also breathable, so you won't sweat when sitting inside.
• Leather: No winter wardrobe is complete without a leather jacket or shoes. Black and brown leather adds an earthy element that brings balance to a clothing palette based on neutrals and bulky fabrics.
• Denim: Denim is another versatile fabric that can be worn in every season. For winter styles, don't be afraid to work in colored denim, like black, gray and dark blue.

Stylish Winter Outfit Ideas for Men

When faced with the task of putting these tips into practice, you may not know where to start. These stylish ideas will provide the inspiration you need to step outside with confidence:

1. Formal Outings

• Base layer: Twill or Oxford shirt
• Mid layer: Vest or sweater vest
• Top layer: Trench coat or peacoat

2. Smart Business Casual

• Base layer: Turtleneck, oxford shirt or flannel
• Mid layer: Sweater vest or shawl collar sweater
• Top layer: Sport coat

3. Casual

• Base layer: Long sleeve T-shirt or flannel button down
• Mid layer: Cable knit sweater, shawl collar sweater or turtleneck
• Top layer: Leather jacket or parka

Step Outside in Style With Penner's

Penner's has the cold weather classics you need to bring new levels of chic to your winter wear. From sweaters and boots to winter wool suits, you can find all of your winter wardrobe essentials at Penner's. With over 8,000 square feet of retail space, our catalog is unmatched, so you're guaranteed to get the perfect fit every time.

Shop online today or call us at 210-226-2487 to find the right outfit for you.