Women’s fashion continues to make headlines year after year everywhere from E! News’ “Fashion Police” to the New York Times’ fashion column. But the winter season calls for much needed attention to the men’s street style of Chicago.
“It’s never too cold to be stylish,” David Ketelhut, junior business major, said. “I get my inspiration from all the students on campus because everyone’s pretty chic.”
Ketelhut wears his Alfani black trench coat with a gray, knit scarf and cream colored wool knit gloves, showing how staying classy is still cool. Windbreakers and puffy coats are old news. The trench coat is practical for Chicago winters and it’s meant to highlight a man’s body from the wingspan of the shoulders to the smaller width of the waist, making Ketelhut appear stronger and slimmer.
“I dress for my mood,” Chris Aldana, another junior, said. “If I’m angry, I wear all black. If I’m happy, I tend to wear more patterns and colors, but if I’m just trying to do me, I wear really cool coats.”
If the trench coat doesn’t work for you “fellas,” try this olive green military jacket with antique gold buttons that Aldana wears as his winter coat. He toned it down in all black, drawing attention to his jacket. He proved that thrift shopping is the best way to find vintage clothing and that one key piece can complete the entire outfit.
“I bought this green military jacket from a thrift store in Germany, and I wear it almost everyday. I made it a winter coat, but I always wear a hoodie underneath, fingerless gloves, my tan scarf and some shades,” Aldana said.
James Ragen, freshman, prefers corduroys over jeans. Not only do corduroys keep him warm, but the texture of his pants adds appeal to the eye against his suede taupe colored Timberland boots. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t show off your shades. Ragen rocks his Oakley purple lens sunglasses, paired with a brown beanie, completing his neutral colored outfit.
“Nice pants and a nice jacket is essential for men,” Ragen said. “I always wear a flannel in the winter. It’s an extra layer and it keeps me warm. The key thing is to not wear Sperry’s.”
Pick one piece in your closet that is unbearable to live without – a blazer, coat, button down, flannel or pants – and highlight it. Men for the most part are simple, so keep it simple but edgy. Don’t be afraid to add the essentials like hats, gloves or scarves. The accessories will set you apart from the guy wearing his North Face fleece. Let’s be real, a nice coat on a man makes a woman look twice.
