Guys tend to love simple functionality when it comes to building a stylish wardrobe that carries through from season to season. And while there's always something to be said for investing in a statement coat that's designed purely to turn heads, building a foolproof winter wardrobe rests on investing in the right outerwear for any situation, whether you're ducking to the shops or commuting to the office. But with a seemingly endless array of different men’s jackets and coats to choose from, finding the right combination of silhouettes can be tricky. Here, we do the hard work for you and rounded up the 4 best types of outerwear you should be looking at if you’re finally ready to admit that it’s cold and there's a jacket-sized hole in your closet.
1. The Work Jacket
Workwear-inspired silhouettes have come to dominate the menswear conversation in recent years, and work jackets, sometimes called chore coats, overshirts or shackets, are a key part of this. The beauty of the chore coat is its versatility. Being designed in essence to keep outdoor workers warm in the dead of winter, some are designed to be super warm, while others are more like a heavy-duty shirt for easy layering over hoodies or under puffer vests. Some button up, some have zips. Either way, you'll always find one that suits you. Look to brands like Carhartt and Dickies for an outerwear investment to last you a lifetime.
2. The Puffer Jacket
In the past, it was unlikely you'd ever really need a full-blown snow jacket in Australia, unless you live in the far south, but lately, this cold snap warrants the maximum warmth only an insulated puffer jacket could provide. The North Face Nuptse down jacket is a popular investment, but there are plenty of more lightweight options on the market, which are great for pulling on when the southerly breeze starts to come through. Warm, yet breathable and surprisingly lightweight, they pair as well with activewear as they do a shirt and smart trousers.
3. The bomber jacket
Having had a revival in recent years, men’s bomber jackets are one of the most versatile silhouettes around, and a failsafe option for those occasions where dressing neither up nor down quite fits the bill. The military heritage of the jacket keeps it from being too dressy, but it'll still always turn heads. In a similar vein, the Mod classic Harrington jacket also fits a similar profile.
4. The Smart Coat
The boardroom solution and an absolute step up from the Patagonia puffer vests we've become accustomed to seeing young investment bankers pairing with their chinos and R.M Williams boots. A woollen men’s coat or an overcoat will elevate any smart casual fit, whether you opt for a classic camel colour or a more muted dark grey. Wear it with suits and office smarts during the week and sweats and hoodies on the weekends.
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