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Written by David Yarbrough | Style Points
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It's not like you don't already know: Winter is
upon us. Heavy wool, Polar Tec (yick!!!), and boots become the norm for
most wardrobes. And if you don't ski, skate, or live in Wasilla, AK
(Congrats Bristol and Levi, on being the most highly covered teenage
parents and high school dropouts in modern history) it's probably not
the most fun time for. But not every place is a frozen tundra, so we
asked David Yarbrough of Style Points (and of Houston, TX) to put
together this Five Easy Pieces for Winter.
It's not like you don't already know: Winter is upon us. Heavy wool, Polar Tec (yick!!!), and boots become the norm for most wardrobes. And if you don't ski, skate, or live in Wasilla, AK (Congrats Bristol and Levi, on being the most highly covered teenage parents and high school dropouts in modern history) it's probably not the most fun time for. But not every place is a frozen tundra, so we asked David Yarbrough of Style Points (and of Houston, TX) to put together this Five Easy Pieces for Winter.Even in warm-weather city like Houston, where I'm currently based, there are moments when winter isn’t a forgotten season here. In December, temperatures had been in the 30s and snow fell briefly. I had to dig into my closets and pull out my wool sweaters and leather jackets. While I was at it, I assessed the items I rely on most when it’s cold, since I’ll be traveling to more frozen tundra-like conditions soon:
Demi-boots or chukkas: A pair of black leather shoes that cover the ankle provide not just insulation from the elements but a stylish option for men. They’re hardly a vestige from the ‘70s, but a practical addition to your wardrobe. If they are leather-soled, purchase a pair of shoe rubbers for protection from the salt and soot from city streets. Kenneth Cole has a solid selection of boots, while the H.S. Trask Choteau Chelsea is a great value if you can get your hands (er, feet) on them. 
Sweaters: Yes, sweaters are available at just about any price point. Generally, the softer the feel, the more expensive the sweater. But with the current economic climate, you can find pretty good deals on quality pieces. That said, merino wool and cashmere (plus blends with silk) are the way to go here. Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers have a variety of styles, for starters.
Turtlenecks: Depending on where you live, cotton or wool turtlenecks keep the neck warm without resorting to scarves. I prefer cotton because they are more comfortable indoors and more sensible when adding layers to go outdoors. Eddie Bauer has the basic colors down, while Polo Ralph Lauren offers sophisticated designs if you really want to chill.
 Knit caps: Dude, it’s winter time. Fedoras can blow away, but skullcaps are here to stay. These hats are literal no-brainers. They hug your head and easily fit into your coat pocket. You don’t have to spend a heckuva whole lot on them. Any sporting goods store carries a selection of these caps. Don’t be afraid to step out into grunge territory. Urban Outfitters has a range of styles. Dick’s Sporting Goods features a reversible skullcap that’s pretty cool as well.
Underwear: Looking good is on the outside, but feeling good definitely starts on the inside. There’s nothing wrong with cotton Hanes or Fruit of the Loom as the first layer of your sartorial presentation. However, when it comes to winter wear, do as the football players do – try some Under Armour on. They’re excellent insulators and move when you move.
David Yarbrough runs the blog Style Points and is a frequent contributor to Be Better Guys on all things regarding men’s style and how to acquire style affordably.
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