Winter Formal Style

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Winter Formal Style

Winter is something of a dilemma when it comes to formal wear for men. Combining the necessity of keeping warm with a look that exudes style and elegance can be difficult, but with a little thought, it doesn't have to be. There is a trick to looking good in the winter months: layering. It's the key to not only being stylish, but also comfortable and warm. Here's what the discerning man about town needs to know for winter formal style success.

The Beauty of the Jumper

Layering (like this) has more than one purpose when it comes to formal winter style: it means you can add warmth and protection, but it also means you can remove it! The jumper or sweater is one of the essentials of the winter outfit. For formal work attire, especially if you are required to wear a suit, a classy plain jumper - think cashmere and lightweight - of a muted colour that matches the suit is vital. Worn for the commute it keeps you warm, and when you reach your office you can remove it. Convenient and stylish in one go - it can't be beaten.

If you don't want to wear a jumper, there's always the overcoat. This outer layer of thermal protection can also be one of the most impressive and versatile of garments, and if you click here you'll find some interesting ideas on further winter layering. The overcoat is simple and traditional, easy to wear for work and elsewhere, and a necessity in the varied and unpredictable UK winter weather.

If the idea of taking off a jumper when you get to work is too clumsy or cumbersome for you, why not add a roll-neck jumper to your suit ensemble, and keep it on throughout? There may be extremely formal occasions when this is not acceptable, but in general it makes for a very neat and attractive look, and is certainly worth considering for the working environment.

Choose the Right Suit

Winter style is about looking smart and tidy, unfussy and neat, and a suit is the best way to make it work. Men have always looked good in traditional suits, but the question for winter is which type do you wear? Perhaps you have a favourite suit - one you wear for parties, occasions and perhaps to work - but is it the right one for winter?

The suggestion here is that you invest in a winter suit, one of a thicker construction than your usual summer choice. There are a couple of options that will work: the first is to go full-formal with a  dark blue or grey woollen suit, a white shirt and tie, and a classy pair of weatherproof boots. This is the work-look that a lot of men go for when choosing a winter suit.

The second suggestion is a look that has recently made a comeback in terms of popularity: the tweed suit. Tweed suits are stylish, beautifully made and warm, and also have that 'English Country Gent' look that is very much a part of winter dressing. You can also find a full range of accessories that will go with a tweed suit - pair it with a classy scarf and perhaps a tweed cap - that allow you to be the one who sets the style trends this winter, so they are certainly worth investigating. 

Stylish Winter Footwear

We can't talk about winter style without mentioning footwear. In rain, sleet and snow - the usual combination of UK winter weather - you need shoes or boots that are guaranteed to not only keep your feet dry and warm, but that also look the part. That's why we recommend classic style Chelsea boots, a timeless fashion item of the very highest order.

The Chelsea boot, in a dark brown or black to match your choice of colour, goes perfectly with a suit or with trousers, and you can get your money's worth by also wearing them with jeans. Perhaps the ultimate choice in men's footwear, the design will also keep the cold out and your feet dry throughout. 

As we said at the beginning, winter formal style is about looking good and staying warm, so why not have a look at investing in a quality winter suit, jumpers and boots, and make sure you have every angle covered.