Outerwear Essentials: 4 Must-Have Cold Weather Looks

The colder it gets, the more opportunities there are to amp up your winter wardrobe.

Your outerwear says as much about you as anything else you wear, and in areas like Edmonton that get 6+ months of cold weather, your coat choice becomes a major indicator of your personal style. In fact, it’s often the first thing someone sees when they meet you. 

Having only one outerwear piece for all occasions isn’t going to cut it, but with just a handful of options, you can be sure you’ll look the part for any scenario. Here are four essential outerwear pieces you should have in your rotation. 

1. A Plaid Hunting Jacket For Easygoing Weekends

The buffalo check was introduced by Woolrich in 1850, so if you’re in the market for a retro casual piece, there isn’t a more authentic choice than this hunting jacket. 

A hunting jacket is one of the most rugged outerwear looks going, and it’s functional, too. The wool is tightly woven so that it’s water and wind resistant, and the 6 front pockets plus the cargo pocket in the back make this a utilitarian piece if you choose to wear it that way. 

Wear it with a flannel shirt and some classic hiking boots for an iconic look. 

Buffalo plaid hunting jacket | Flannel shirt | FRAME jeans

2. A Dressy Overcoat for the Work Week and Formal Occasions

Every guy needs at least one overcoat in his wardrobe. You’ll often find yourself needing to dress up more often in the winter with all the holiday parties to galas to attend, and you always want to show up with appropriate outerwear. Nothing ruins a formal look like an old tattered winter jacket. 

Corneliani’s ID overcoat is one of our favourites because of the removable windfly in the front. The extra layer protects from the harshness of winter, but it maintains its sleek, classy look.

Darker hues are dressier, so make sure to have a navy or black option for the more formal events. 

3. A Woolrich Parka for the Coldest Days

You can’t live in North America without a good parka, and few brands do parkas better than Woolrich. They’re the oldest manufacturer of winter outerwear in the US, with a history that dates back to 1830.

From the Teflon-protected outer layer to the heavy-weight duck down insulation, these parkas will keep you warm on even the harshest Canadian days. 

Parkas are by default a casual jacket, so you’ve got the option to branch out into different colours like an olive green or mid-blue. 

4. A Classic Peacoat to Dress Up Your Casual Looks

Since their 18th century debut in the British Navy, peacoats have become a timeless choice for men around the world.

Characterized often by a large collar, double breasted silhouette, wool composition, and a shorter length, the peacoat was designed for functionality, but it is known now for its style. 

A peacoat will instantly class up your casual looks, which is why it’s an essential piece for us. Throw it on over jeans or cotton trousers to earn some easy style points.

We suggest keeping the collar up, which creates a taller, more grand silhouette, not to mention helping to keep the wind chill at bay.