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Over the years, cold weather accessories have become more versatile and fashionable. No longer are men forced to wear drab hats and scarves in order to keep warm but, instead, they have more patterns, fabrics and color options to enhance any outfit.
According to Ron Elkus and Rod Brown, co-owners of The Shirt Box, a top menswear store in the Detroit-area, there are three main men’s accessories to wear during the colder months.
Hats
From the fedora, bowler or newsboy to a ski cap, beanie or Ushanka, there are hats of all shapes and sizes that keep the head and ears warm while also adding a dramatic statement to any wardrobe.
Colors for hats can range from what is currently in style, such as earth tones, to bright, neon colors that are often chosen for safety reasons. Dark colors are the dressiest and hats that cover the ears are considered less formal.
In terms of fabrics, felted hats are making a comeback and are considered “dressier,” while thick, woven materials are for more casual looks.
Scarves
There is nothing better than a thick scarf to keep the cold air out during the cold fall and winter months.
“I counsel my clients to try an oversized scarf in a dark color or one with a subtle stitch pattern to create a bold fashion piece,” said Elkus. “During the winter, in order to keep warm, I believe that napped, soft fabrics are best, such as cashmere.”
When putting on a scarf, Elkus shares these tips:
• Tie a scarf in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
• If you have a thick scarf, try wrapping it loosely around your neck a few times for a bulky look. Remember, it is not a tie!
• If it is thinner and not too cold out, lay the scarf flat on your chest and cross one end over the other to create a deep V.
• Alternatively, create a look with your coat by leaving it open and pulling the scarf out slightly to showcase the fabric.
Gloves
It is hard to function with frozen fingers, which is why a good pair of gloves is a necessity for men during the winter.
Gloves come in many different materials such as cowhide, lamb nappa and peccary leather, as well as wool, nylon and cotton. The appropriate material will be based on what kinds of activities you will be doing in the gloves. For example, leather gloves are often worn with more formal dress such as a suit while nylon can often be found in gloves meant for outdoor use, such as when skiing.
When determining which pair of gloves to wear, Brown says, “Gloves should complement the style, texture and color of the jacket it is being paired with. If you have a bold jacket with bright colors or patterns, tone it down with a neutral glove to keep the attention on your statement piece. If you have a neutral coat, add some flair with a scarlet red or tan glove.”
Originally published on STAND Magazine.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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