Written and Produced by James Vincent

Here it is again. The dead of winter. Winter really arrived just before Christmas of course, but with the holidays it’s easy to forget that. Reality hits right after January 1. It’s finally that new season. A new season requires a new outlook – not only for your wardrobe – but perhaps your home as well. Let’s face it – you’ll undoubtedly be spending more time indoors getting away from the frigid temps – at least for those of us in northern climate zones. A classic All American look is always a great way to go. That requires a classic All American home as well. Roy’s Furniture Company  http://www.roysfurniturecompanychicago.com/ in the heart of Chicago’s tony Lincoln Park neighborhood has all of the classics that a furniture store should have – and –  designer pieces without the designer prices.

Just because its winter doesn’t mean you should schlep to work in an old, outdated wool sport coat. Spend a little extra on this wardrobe staple – you’ll be glad you did. A classic All American  wool sport coat is always a good investment for winter – especially a plaid –  because it will give you endless shirt and tie options. It can just as easy go to the office as a night on the town. It will also have the versatility of being dressed down.

Sport Jacket, Polo Ralph Lauren; Shirt, Polo Ralph Lauren; Trousers, Louis Raphael;  Tie, Michael Kors; Pocket Square & Belt, Nordstrom Rack; Tie Bar, Vintage; Shoes & Socks, Model’s.

Now get creative with that jacket. Take that same sport coat and make it into something entirely different. Even in the most awful of winters there is always an odd day or two of thawing. Temps above 32 suddenly feel balmy. And suddenly that parka with the fake fur trimmed hood seems a bit heavy. Take that wool sport jacket out and treat it as a piece of outer wear. By layering a thin cotton hoodie and a jean jacket underneath it, you’ve created your own balmy winter day look. Throw on a plaid scarf just because it will look terrific.

Jean Jacket, Jeans, & Belt, Levis; Hoodie, Penguin & Neckerchief, Penguin; Scarf, Cashmaire.

A new suit is always a good idea for any season, but especially so for winter. Continue your winter work wardrobe building with an all season, classic blue Sharkskin (that’s right, Sharkskin) suit in a classic American fit – slim and trim. This suit will not only get you through the winter looking sharp but through subsequent seasons as well. You simply can’t go wrong. Don’t be the guy that thinks Winter = Scratchy Wool Suit. Be daring and get an all season Sharkskin. You’ll be one of only a few at the office with one on, trust me. It will also travel well to warmer climates if you’re lucky enough to have a business trip to Miami or Saigon coming up.

Suit, Penguin; Shirt, Michael Kors; Tie, 14th & Union; Belt & Pocket Square, Nordstrom Rack; Tie Bar, Vintage.

It’s always a good idea to think of a suit as not only to be accompanied by a shirt and tie – but what else can be done with it. It makes a strong dressed down statement when an occasion might require a little more of a dressed down/dressed up look – it will keep your friends and colleagues on their toes as to what you’re up to. Pair that sharkskin suit with a hoodie and sneakers and you’re set to go out to a club or just a casual day of shopping.

Hoodie, Vince; Wristbands, H&M; Sneakers, Model’s.

Even though the Holidays are over, it’s always a good idea to have several dinner jackets in your closet for special events. People still get married in the winter and the occasions that require more than a jacket and tie. Get a jacket, though, that will set you apart from a traditional black tux – as here in an updated camouflage in blue. Forget trousers and opt for an expensive pair of jeans – it’s just a much smarter and a more contemporary look.

Dinner Jacket, English Laundry; Shirt, Jared Lang; Jeans, Theory; Belt, Nordstrom Rack; Shoes & Socks, Model’s.

And what about date nights at home when you’ve finally relented and said to yourself it’s just too cold to go out for dinner? This is also assuming you can convince your date to brave the cold just for you. Make it worth their extreme effort and great them at the door in a most inviting, warm and snugly way – in a robe that’s big enough for the two of you. You will BOTH be glad that you did.

Robe, Penguin.

Photography, Alejandra Guerrero http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent; Model, Ryne for Ford Models Chicago; Shot On Location at Roy’s Furniture Co., Chicago http://www.roysfurniturecompanychicago.com/