Any menswear enthusiast knows that winter brings with it endless opportunities to flex your sartorial muscles. It’s a time of year when wardrobe options increase dramatically, but with increased choice comes a greater likelihood of missing the mark and falling victim to some of the most common winter style mistakes.
For every well-dressed guy in winter, there are ten who misinterpreted the brief. It’s understandable. From layering to harnessing the power of fabrics, there’s a lot to get your head around during the coldest portion of the year. That’s why we want to take the guesswork out of the equation by shining a spotlight on some of the winter wardrobe gaffs we see most frequently and showing you how to correct them.
So, if you’re struggling to navigate the pitfalls of winter dressing successfully, this guide is for you. It covers everything you need to know, from streamlining your skincare routine to maximising your layering game.
Poor Layering
Anyone who knows anything about dressing themselves understands that layering is the secret to cracking winter style. It’s an art form; to nail it, you need to balance creativity with structure. That means ensuring you have a good mix of textures and colours but exercising restraint so you don’t end up looking like Joey Tribiani wearing all of Chandler’s clothes.
Start with a T-shirt, add a knitted crew neck, throw on a light jacket or overshirt and top it off with a big coat. Keep colours either tonal or complementary, and if you’re going to wear a statement piece, ensure there’s nothing else battling with it for attention.
While we’re all for a pair of Chucks or Vans Authentics, there’s a time and a place. Unfortunately, that time and place are not in the middle of winter, especially anywhere outdoors. Not only will your feet freeze after a short while, but those flat soles will have you sliding around like Bambi on ice the second the temperature dips below zero.
Instead, opt for boots with grippy rubber soles and weatherproof uppers. Check out brands like Grenson and Red Wing, which offer classic styles built to high standards with longevity and durability in mind.
In short, leave the white sneakers and suede shoes for drier days and invest in quality products built for a beating.
Ignoring The Importance Of Fabric
Fabric is criminally overlooked when it comes to winter dressing. Not only does picking fabrics thoughtfully result in more interesting, textured outfits, but it also contributes significantly to your overall warmth and comfort. Natural fibres like wool, cashmere and merino offer superior insulation and breathability, ensuring you stay warm without overheating.
That’s not to say synthetic blends don’t have their place, particularly in outerwear. In this context, they can provide water resistance and windproofing. Swap out flimsy summer cottons and linens for flannels and heavier weaves, and embrace the texture-rich appeal of tactile winter-friendly materials like corduroy and tweed.
Wearing A Summer Fragrance
That zesty summer fragrance might work well on a warm day, but its lightness means it’ll easily get lost in the frigid winter air. Cold saps scent fast, so you’ll need something heavier, punchier and with greater depth.
Think smoky, woody or spiced notes—fragrances that complement the colder weather and conjure up images of wintery things like pine trees and mulled wine.
Neglecting Knitwear
Knitwear is the backbone of any winter wardrobe, yet it’s often overlooked. It’s one of the key elements of a good layered outfit, making it vital for crafting winter outfits. A good knit provides warmth and texture and feels more sophisticated than just throwing a sweatshirt on.
Invest in pieces with quality craftsmanship and timeless design. A good place to start would be to arm yourself with a few classic pieces, such as a fisherman’s jumper, a cashmere crew neck and a statement cardigan.
Rotate between the different weights and styles depending on the occasion, and don’t shy away from experimenting with colour and pattern for extra style points.
No Seasonal Accessories
Winter accessories offer a chance to introduce personality to an outfit. A good scarf, gloves or beanie can pull a look together while adding texture, colour and warmth.
Avoid mismatched sets and opt for complementary tones that complement your outfit’s palette. Brands like Begg x Co or Norse Projects offer elegant options that balance function with style.
Subpar Outerwear
Your coat is often the first thing people see, so make it count. Subpar outerwear can drag down an otherwise strong outfit, so it’s worth investing in a quality piece that suits your lifestyle and climate.
A tailored overcoat in camel or charcoal offers versatility, while a technical parka is perfect for harsher conditions. Don’t overlook the fit – your coat should be roomy enough to accommodate layers when the mercury sinks all the way down, but not so oversized that it looks sloppy.
Think of it as an investment, never an afterthought.
Forgetting Your SPF
The sun doesn’t take a winter holiday, and neither should your sunscreen. Yes, it’s grey and cloudy, but UV rays can still sneak through the canopy and damage your skin. This, combined with the cold air outside and constant heating indoors, is a recipe for a dried-out, dull complexion.
This is why we recommend incorporating a simple SPF moisturiser into your routine to protect and hydrate. It’s a small, inexpensive step that quickly becomes habit, and it pays dividends in the long run, ensuring your face hasn’t aged 50 years by the time spring finally comes around.
