Written & Produced By James Vincent

February 12 – the dead of winter – at least in Chicago and other cities in the northern US. Winter has been around for a while now – but it just suddenly seems like it will never end. And there certainly can be a good bit of winter left. Even the walk of three blocks to catch the L to work is a test of endurance. Sure there are some who say “Embrace the cold – go skiing, skating, blah, blah, blah”. For those of us not so cheery and athletic, it’s a waiting game. So the only thing to do is endure it and wait. A little shopping can go a long way to cheer things up – there’s still some good sales going on – why not add to your winter wardrobe? You can wear things right now and you’ll have a good start on next winter’s wardrobe as well.

If you already haven’t gotten a hooded parka – and if there are even any left – start there. From our January 2016 fashion issue https://menofvalue.com/2015/12/31/get-in-from-the-cold-winter-2016-essentials/– It looked good then and it looks good now. Forget the traditional topcoat over your business suit that’s never quite warm enough – get there in style from work in a new parka. That’s right – a parka over a suit. It immediately says you want to be warm and speaks a fashion sense that’s your very own. Get one that’s roomy enough to go over a suit and it will also be versatile with a chunky cable knit sweater or a denim jacket – a great wardrobe piece for layered looks.

Parka, Michael Kors; Suit, Brooks Brothers; Shirt, Michael Kors; Tie, Ralph Lauren; Belt, Bill Adler; Pocket Square, Simonnot-Godard; Tie Bar, Vintage.

Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; Model, Justin for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/ Shot on location at https://www.thefrontierchicago.com/

Whatever your destination or activity – when you need to look your best in winter, nothing beats a colorful plaid wool sport jacket. Trim and neatly tailored is the way to go. As here from our January 2017 issue https://menofvalue.com/2017/01/02/cold-men-wear-winter-2017/.

Just because its winter doesn’t mean you should schlep to work in an old, outdated wool sport coat.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 easily go to the office as a night out on the town. It will also have the versatility of being dressed down with jeans or khakis.

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.

Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; Model, Ryne, for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Shot on location at http://www.shoproysfurniture.com/

A good versatile sport jacket can also become a layered outerwear piece for that rare winter thaw day when 40 degrees seems downright balmy. From our January 2016 issue https://menofvalue.com/2015/12/31/get-in-from-the-cold-winter-2016-essentials/– layer it up with a hoodie, jean jacket or a bulky cable knit sweater, a scarf and gloves and you’re good to go on a temperate late winter day.

Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; Model, Justin, for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Shot on location at https://www.thefrontierchicago.com/

What says winter like flannel? From our January 2015 issue https://menofvalue.com/2014/12/29/weekend-get-away-wardrobe-essentials/- It’s always great to have a soft, don’t-care-if-it-wrinkles flannel shirt in winter. Whether it’s to pack for a trip to have on hand for a Saturday morning/afternoon of seeing the sights or just lazily lounging around all day doing nothing with friends and family. Ratchet up the look with a good pair of jeans – a dark wash looks great with anything – and they can easily be dressed up later with a sport jacket.

Photography, G. Thomas Ward, http://thepeoplephotographer.com/; Model, Krystian for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming,  Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/

Winter is always a good time to wear that crazy sweater you got for Christmas – here from our January 2016 issue https://menofvalue.com/2015/12/31/get-in-from-the-cold-winter-2016-essentials/– Sometimes a day or evening just requires that you be comfortable – and warm.  Stay warm, comfortable and on trend with this ‘70’s retro graphic inspired sweater jacket. Its warm enough layered up for outdoors – the hood will give you extra protection – and comfortable indoors as well. Add in a pair of deconstructed jeans and you’ve got a comfortable and interesting weekend look.

Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/; Model, Justin for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Shot on location at https://www.thefrontierchicago.com/

And finally since everyone knows what comes after winter, is – well, if not outright spring, at least the next best thing – not all out winter. Maybe it’s just about time to think about what’s up next for the wardrobe – from our March 2015 issue https://menofvalue.com/2015/03/01/spring-2015-tailor-it-to-you-key-items-with-transferrable-fashion-skills/– Since it is still cold, and spring fashion isn’t all that far away, go ahead and invest in a spring weight top coat that could easily work in late winter as well.  Don’t think of a top coat as only for winter – it is an essential piece for any man’s wardrobe be it winter or spring fashion.  This slim, navy, cotton trench coat will work with anything in your wardrobe. Here with a sport coat, tie and trousers – it’s a traditional classic stand out. It can also work just as well without a jacket over a winter weight sweater and jeans – pick your own wash. Again, the idea is to think beyond the items’ initial purpose. This trench works on many levels – take it from a rainy weekend knocking around to that same rain on Monday over your business suit. The trench coats’ plainness is its’ virtue at the same time – it will work with anything.

Trench, H&M; Shirt, John W. Nordstrom; Tie, Nordstrom Rack.

Photography, Diana Kim; Model, Anderson for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/