Tips And Advice To Stay Warm And Dress for Success
Brrrr. Winter’s here in Canada and the northern U.S.
How do you choose a winter coat that suits your suit or sports jacket?
Not Suitable for a Suit
A few winters ago I saw a young man who I assumed was going to a job interview and just starting out in business. How was I able to make this Sherlock Holmes type deduction? He was wearing a very short bomber style jacket over his suit. When I say over, I mean almost over. The bottom of his suit jacket stuck out like a sore thumb.
Advice for Business Outerwear
- One of the major criteria for choosing business outerwear is that it should be long enough to cover the bottom of your sports jacket.
- The coat styling should be fairly classic and not too casual or it won’t go with your business look.
- Muted colours are more business-like for men.
Nowadays there are lots of choices.
Overcoat style
This is classic (read classy). It can be in wool, cashmere or blend look-a-likes and comes almost to the knee. Flap pockets are more casual but they keep the snow out.
Trench coat
The trench coat usually comes below the knee and has a belt. A warmer length of outerwear for cold and damp.
Car coat
This style is back in fashion with a vengeance but the “car coat” term is considered “old school” (maybe people will think it’s a coat for your car to wear) but it means a coat which comes to mid-thigh or a three-quarter length coat.
Now each designer or retailer has their own term “modern city coat”, “post-modern city coat” etc. Terry’s Tip: They are getting shorter all the time, make sure they cover the hem of your sports coat to look right.
Parka
While parkas are often seen here in Canada (with a fur or more PC, a faux fur trim hood) I find them a little too casual for my suits.
Terry’s Tip: For Arctic business wear (read winters in Edmonton, Calgary or anywhere in Alberta) I prefer a down lined (but not puffy) trench coat. Not as easy to get out of a car but it keeps your you know what, warmer, if you have to push out of a snow drift.
Hope these dress for success tips and advice help you keep warm, wealthy and business wise.
P.S. Make sure your gloves look as sharp as your coat.
Other Articles:
The Ultimate Business Dress for Success Guide