Top Winter Fashion Necessities for Every Man's Wardrobe

Mariah Carrey memes have been flooding my Instagram feed all morning, which can only mean one thing: Christmas is right around the corner, and with it, all the winter fashion I've been saving for the past two years. In 2020, I spent the entire season indoors, watching snow fall from the comfort of my climate-controlled home while listening to "Baby Please Come Home" on repeat. Regrettably, that scenario is no longer possible. I have to return to the office, and as much as I want to wear sweatpants and slippers, I believe in putting my best foot forward. And I'm sure I'm not alone in my opinion.

It's time to start dressing up again, gentlemen. We all knew it was coming, but that doesn't make the prospect of wearing real clothes any less daunting. I mean, it took me a hot minute to regain my sartorial sea legs as a self-proclaimed pro. So, if you're staring at your closet and scratching your head, don't feel bad. We've always got you covered on that front, having already provided all of the building blocks, from puffer coats and sweaters to pants and beanies, in preparation for the chilly weather ahead. But now that Mimi memes are everywhere—a clear indication that winter is approaching—the time it's to brush up on the basics.

This is why we have compiled a list of a concise list of the ten must-haves for winter fashion, because, as Mariah reminds us every year, the snow is falling.

Jackets with Puffers

The best winter jackets are extremely insulating and long-lasting, and the one style that truly embodies this description is the mighty puffer. Any mountaineer will tell you that no wardrobe is complete without one. But you don't have to venture into the Great Outdoors to realize that goose down, or something similar, is the only option that will have your back when the cold wind blows and the snowfall blinds you.

Overcoats made of wool

Yes, I just praised down jackets, but there are many occasions when something so, well, puffy isn't necessary. The wool topper, particularly the camel coat and peacoat, comes into play. The former is generally knee-length and comes in a brownish, tan-ish colorway, whereas the latter is cropped at the upper thigh and usually comes in black, grey, or blue colorways. Aside from being perfect for winter, the common thread between them is that they are warm, sleek, and undeniably cinematic.

Winter Clothes

If your job requires you to wear a two-piece suit, or if you have a formal event coming up, don't assume that any blazer-and-trouser combination will suffice. You'll need a suit made of materials that will keep you warm as you move from door to door. In other words, seek out insulating fabrics such as wool, cashmere, or blends of the two.

Pants for Winter

Of course, the same qualities that distinguish suits also apply to the best winter pants. The fabric quality is most important (corduroy, moleskin, wool, and cashmere are preferred), but you'll also want a cut that goes with all of the other winter essentials you've read about here. That can be fitted or a little looser, depending on your preference, but a word of caution: a severe crop is probably not the best time to wear, lest the cold wind blows right up your pant legs.

Sweaters with Cable Knits

There are numerous options available for winter sweaters. You can choose from cardigans and turtlenecks to everything in between. But if there is one style that truly embodies the season, it is the richly textured cable knit sweater.

sweater with Cable Stitching in Soft Cotton
Shirts made of flannel

It makes sense that flannel shirts are associated with outdoorsmen; the fabric serves as one of the warmest thin layers available, allowing you to move freely. Check patterns are especially popular and have become synonymous with cold-weather style.