Refresh His Winter Wardrobe With These Stylish (And Warm) Layers

Field tested for 0℉ - 30℉ and made with 700 fill power eco-down, this parka is not messing around. My boyfriend has been using a short Uniqlo puffer for the past few winters, and I insisted that he get a capital P parka to brave NYC winter; his only feedback on this parka is that he wishes he had upgraded sooner. The mid-length keeps the wind completely out and there’s plenty of room for bulky sweaters. To amp up the insulation factor, you can snap the built-in ski shirt closed for even more of a sleeping bag effect. My favorite feature (which I use with the women’s Turbo Puff parka) is the backpack-style straps that allow you to sling the coat over your shoulders and carry it hands-free.

This pick from Alex Crane is precipitated by my search for a quilted coat with a dash of originality. Nearly all quilted coats come in the same semi-shiny material, and I wanted to find one without that sheen (and cookie-cutter look). Not only is this coat composed of a (non-shiny) beautiful cotton twill, but it’s also free of synthetics and made of 100% natural materials. This piece is also pre-shrunk so you can wash it (cold) and tumble dry with no change to the fit. I find this fabric and style to be more versatile than the average quilted coat (i.e. the ones that lean into the “hunting season” look) and, in this elegant color, it can definitely transition into spring. The kite jacket is a great weight for the 40℉+ range of temperatures. For couples that like to coordinate, there is a matching women’s version that’s just as dashing.

A few years ago I would have been puzzled by the word “shacket,” but these shirt-jacket hybrids are now a staple. This flannel lined overshirt can dress up a T-shirt on breezy days, and it also layers well with a crewneck sweater and heavy parka in deep winter. It’s a versatile piece not only for warmth but for anyone who gets winter outfit fatigue (you can only wear a sweater so many days in a row before you’re itching to change it up). One effortless way to add some variation: subtle details. If your closet is heavy on neutral colors, add some visual interest to your look by wearing this jacket open to expose the muted flannel pattern within.

Finding a goldilocks weight sock that you can wear all year round is a tall order, but Maggie’s Organics has cracked the code. Alongside manufacturing transparency and Real Fair Trade practices, these socks have earned a following thanks to exceptional durability and comfort. The synthetic content is very low with a 98% organic cotton composition, which may explain how they hold up so well without losing shape or elasticity despite numerous washes. The barefoot averse will love the year-round mid-weight that’s suitable for boots, driving mocs, and boat shoes. I'm a fan of the understated colors that add a dash of personality without being try-hard whimsical. But if you’re in the market for a conversation-starting pattern, you can go with the Bee Keeper pair that donates a portion of sales to Pollinator Partnership Bigger than Bees Program.

A few years ago I would have been puzzled by the word “shacket,” but these shirt-jacket hybrids are now a staple. This wool overshirt can dress up a T-shirt on breezy days, and it also layers well with a crewneck sweater and heavy parka in deep winter. It’s a versatile piece not only for warmth but for anyone who gets winter outfit fatigue (you can only wear a sweater so many days in a row before you’re itching to change it up). One effortless way to add some variation: texture. If you’re heavy on poly-blends and acrylics, you may want to rough up your look with this ​​midweight, felted wool twill. I’m a big fan of ASKET’s men’s sizing: you can choose from three different lengths (short, regular, long), so you don’t have to wonder whether this shacket is going to fall in the right way.

This Italian Merino wool crewneck is the knit equivalent of the perfect T-shirt. It became my boyfriend’s go-to sweater in no time thanks to its non-itchy feel and go-with-everything look. Winter isn’t a consistent season and you need a sweater that will carry you through the sleety, windy, and snowy days equally. The Campo sweater gets weight just right: it’s not too thick to wear with a vest, nor is it so thin that your undershirt shows through. It holds up incredibly well after many wears with only minimal pilling. I also love that you don’t need to dry clean it — the wool is machine washable and pre-shrunk so there will be no surprises when it comes out of the cool cycle.

I love a rollneck sweater because it’s more stylized than a simple crewneck and the raw finish is great for less buttoned-up days. I tried the women’s version of this sweater and as someone with sensitive skin I’m very reluctant to wear knits without a base layer, but this super soft mix of yak and merino wool didn’t irritate me at all. It’s super cozy and I love the oatmeal color that looks great mixed with other neutrals.

On the coldest days of the season, a crewneck sweater won't cut it—you need the heat-retaining power of a turtleneck. This style will keep you insulated whether you're braving the elements for a night out or warming up après ski. The knit is ultra warm without the bulk due to its 100% featherweight cashmere composition that sits comfortably as a baselayer under heavier layers. Vintage racking and tubular sticking at the neck, cuffs, and hem create an interesting texture that elevate this otherwise simple staple piece.

On days when you can’t get away with wearing a sweatshirt, go for this quilted pullover that’s as comfortable but much neater-looking than your favorite hoodie. The slim cut keeps your outfit tidy but you’ll feel like you’re still in your pajamas (which Rhone makes a great version of, too). I’m partial to the Lichen Green color (pictured) though it’s also available in black, gray, and navy.

If you’re looking for a sturdy option to integrate into your winter pant collection, consider these 2-in-1 hybrid pant/joggers from DUER. Relaxed through the hip and thigh with a slight taper in the leg, these pants are packed with features including an exterior key ring, cargo pockets for extensive storage, and an adjustable hem that allows for a versatility of style. Extra durable without the bulk, these pants are both windproof and water resistant thanks to performance fibers that aid in moisture management and temperature regulation. 

Corduroys are a great choice for winter, but the thick fabric can also mean they feel (and look) stiff and uncomfortable. Corridor’s corduroy trouser suffers from no such problem with a slouchy fit and pre-broken-in feel. Thoughtful details like a wider leg and slightly cropped length elevate these trousers beyond a run-of-the-mill pair. It’s the perfect pant to wear with a cardigan to channel the stylish grandfather aesthetic or style with a fitted turtleneck for a more modern look.

I find puffer vests to be limiting: you can only wear them with a thin sweater or a long-sleeved tee during a short period of the season when you can get away with no coat. In contrast, a quilted vest is much more layering-friendly and amenable to both transition weather and winter proper. On top of keeping your trunk toasty, it adds sophistication to any outfit with its faux suede leather trim and fine-well corduroy collar. The 2.5-inch stand-up collar can be flipped up if you’ve forgotten your scarf on a windy day. My boyfriend (a former vest skeptic) was entirely won over after wearing this for a few weeks and appreciated that it has a very slim profile and lies flat under a coat. You won’t feel like you’re testing the seams of your parka when you incorporate this stylish vest into your OOTD.