Make a mental list of streetwear’s key items. It’s likely to look something like this: hoodie with high-top sneakers; coach jacket or puffer jacket; beanie and so on. What unites these items? Well, aside from the fact that most of it is probably being worn by Gully Guy Leo at this very moment, they’re all particularly well suited to staving off the winter weather in style.
It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce more streetwear styles into your wardrobe. “Winter is about adding layers,” says stylist Joshua Meredith. “Using streetwear pieces allows for a unique look to be created. The wearer can combine individual pieces that would usually be worn separately, making the overall look something different entirely.”
In other words, not only will the streetwear essentials keep you warm when the weather turns sour, but the melding of styles that the term has become synonymous with presents an opportunity to mix things up and incorporate different elements from across menswear, creating a look that’s all you.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind despite the versatility streetwear provides. “Some of the key pieces this season are prints, chunky trainers and the colour beige,” says Meredith. With that in mind, let’s look at some ways you can wear streetwear all through winter.
Colorful Flannel + Joggers + Dad Sneakers
At its core, streetwear is all about making a bold statement. Wearing a colorful overshirt will help you stand out in the winter’s grey skies. A thick flannel version is the perfect choice because not only is it a winter staple, it’s a bonafide streetwear essential, too.
However, there’s always the possibility that wearing a bright flannel shirt with a pair of jeans could see you mistaken for a technicolor lumberjack or time-traveling hipster from 2012. In the interests of balance, wear a pair joggers to your lower half. This will give you a more relaxed, street-friendly look.
The dad sneaker is the perfect (and very comfortable) compromise between Triple S beetle crushings and minimalist, stripped back kicks. They’re perfect for tying almost any outfit together and this one is no exception.
Kith
Beanie + Fleece + Jeans
It can be difficult to make a beanie appear stylish. You’ll have the best success if you wear it with a streetwear outfit. Pair a fisherman roll beanie with outdoorsy, yet street-friendly pieces and you can’t go far wrong.
Fleece is an excellent option for your upper body. This winter-ready material is having a serious fashion moment at present and it doesn’t look set to slow down anytime soon. For extra points, make it slightly larger.
The jeans that you wear most of the time in winter will look great down below. The mid-wash style is as 90s as the fleece.
Urban Outfitters
Hiking Boots + Dad Cap + Layers
These boneless baseball caps are great for keeping the sun off during the warmer months, but that doesn’t mean they ought to be relegated to the back of the wardrobe come winter. It just so happens that the dad cap is also a great choice for winter clothing. Particularly when layers are involved.
Understanding your layers will help you to create the perfect winter streetwear. Go for garments of varying lengths so that they’re visible when worn on top of one another. And if you’re ever in any doubt about what color to use as your base, you can never go wrong with white.
A pair of hiking shoes is the finishing touch. Granted, these may not be your typical streetwear stompers, but then what is “typical streetwear” these days anyway? Luxury hikers are gaining in popularity, and they’re creeping (or clumping?) into the world of streetwear / high-fashion. Streetwear and high fashion are increasingly incorporating luxury hiking boots.
Kith
Varsity Jacket + Hoodie + Baggy Trousers
As were varsity coats. Combine the two and you’re well on your way to building an outfit that packs such heat it could melt its way through the iciest of winters. The padded jacket lining keeps out the worst elements, while the hoodie protects your head in case you forgot to bring a hat.
The shiny fabric of the jacket is great for adding texture, but to keep things balanced make sure your legwear isn’t fighting for attention. It’s best to go for something simple, black and baggy.
Patta
Wear a parka with wide-leg trousers and chunky sneakers
A heavy-duty parka is the perfect solution when temperatures begin to plummet. The king of winter coats is this thick, insulated garment that can be worn over a t-shirt to keep you warm on even the coldest days.
Its puffy appearance makes it impossible to wear skinny legwear unless you’re looking like a Christmas Turkey. To balance things out, choose a pair wide-leg pants.
These exaggerated dimensions extend to your feet as well. The trendiest chunky sneakers will keep you in style no matter how slippery the roads are.
Zara
Overcoat + Logo Hoodie + Joggers
When you think about clothing that goes with a wool coat, your mind immediately jumps to tailoring. However, in spite of all the ripped denim and white contact lenses, Kanye West’s wardrobe habits circa 2015 did teach us one valuable lesson: the overcoat works surprisingly well with a hoodie and casual clothing in place of a suit.
To balance the formality of the coat, choose a hoodie with a logo in a color that contrasts. If you can’t find a similar shade, choose one that is close to it to create a toned look. Or even all black.
If worn without the wool topcoat, the combination of joggers and hoodie would look unintentional. However, the wool topcoat brings it all together. In terms of footwear, it’s trainers or bust.
Noah
Gilet + Windbreaker and Cross-Body bag
This modular combination is simple, stylish and functional. It’s like having several outfits all in one. The layers can be added or removed as the temperature changes. Plus, if the heavens decide to open, the gilet can be worn under the jacket to keep the down out of harm’s way.
The cross-body will literally add an extra layer to your outfit. Not to mention it’s a handy place to stash some gloves and a beanie for when that chill starts to bite.
The ultimate in all-weather gear, this outfit is perfect for battling any weather.
Palace
Quilted Jacket + Hoodie + Cross-Body Bag
Colder weather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing street cred by shrouding yourself in an overly cumbersome winter coat. Layering is key.
This combo of a quilted jacket with hoodie is a great alternative to a heavier outerwear piece, maintaining an elegant silhouette without sacrificing insulation.
Use earthy tones like browns, reds and greens. Add a crossbody bag of a different color to break up the look. It might feel alien at first, but once you get a taste of carrying your wallet and keys in something other than your back pockets, you’ll never go back.
Patta