Image via Complex Original
When colder weather comes around, it seems like only two parts of your outfit—your coat and your kicks—actually matter. Why? Because at the end of the day it’s all people actually see when you’re layered up all winter long. So, in honor of keeping it real, here are our favorite coat and sneaker combos. We’ll leave the lists about the power of a mesh panel and winter culottes to the other guys. Read along, layer up, and stay warm this season—without sacrificing your look.
The Modern Classic
A clean line is a time-honored technique for putting together a classic look. Pairing adidas' retro Stan Smith silo with J. Crew's elite Ludlow topcoat in grey keeps the tradition going without depending on a boring color palette or the overdone all-black-everything approach.
The Technical Outdoors
Loving the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your level of personal style. Today’s market is flooded with traditional silhouettes that are packed with high-tech features and finishes. Take this 800-fill goose down jacket from Patagonia for example; it’s the lightest jacket available for the amount of heat it’s packing. The same goes for Nike’s latest iteration of the duck boot. Water-repellent, high visibility, and traction, this boot will keep you on your feet during the iciest days.
The Old School Staples
Nothing says kickin’ it old school like a pair of classic skate kicks and a well-seasoned baseball jacket. Both are vintage-inspired thanks to unexpected material combos like corduroy and leather. Don’t let the retro vibes fool you though. The iconic side-stripe skate shoe from Vans is re-enforced for repeated wear, while this Ralph Lauren topper looks more authentic with each wear.
The Hypebeast Essentials
Making a statement with your ’fit is as much about balance as it is about the individual pieces you pick. We dig this Alexander Wang fishtail parka with AJ Future Lows because both go hard on the silhouette, but keep a low profile thanks to subdued hues. In place of a pattern or flashy details, the woven texture on the AJs keep this combo from looking too one-note.
The Indie Picks
Don’t dismiss the duffle. This style has come back from its former days at the Gap for an indie favorite that works, even if you don’t have a record collection and vintage car. Pair Très Bien's duffle coat with an unexpected retro shoe (like these Asics GEL-Respectors from the ’90s) for a look that doesn’t veer too far into the nostalgia lane.
The New Basics
Falling back on your go-to brands is a given, but if you’re going to do it make sure to go for SKUs with some depth. Trade in your forest green field jacket for a quilted jacket that’s more sleek than outdoorsy, like Banana Republic's Quilted Four-Pocket Jacket with a lined interior and a clean design. Looking for an NB update? Take advantage of the fall color palette with a model that fuses the traditional grey suede with something a bit more interesting, like this maroon and burnt sienna colorway.
The Unexpected Upgrade
What’s better than a pair of Chucks and a pea coat? An updated pair of the All-Star IIs (trust us, they're far more comfortable and just a little bit cooler) in an on-trend hue, paired with a quilted version of your favorite winter coat, like Zara's Quilted Flannel Coat. While classic styles and vintage looks are great for inspiration, when the weather gets harsh you’ll be reaching for these technically superior pieces.
The Streamlined Selects
For the past few years, camo and anything black-and-white have been considered wardrobe staples. We’re not mad about it, so rather than trying to move past it let’s embrace it. This super light, super warm look from Uniqlo keeps it simple with a subdued print. Worn with wavy Puma collars, it’s the go-to ’fit you wish you had yesterday.