MEN's STYLE GUIDE : Do's & Don'ts of WINTER FASHION

Bracing for the onslaught of wild winter weather with hats, gloves, sweaters, and scarves is rough stuff. And it’s a particularly treacherous time of year for letting your style take a nasty slip and fall. However, wearing a homemade hat with a pom-pom is no easier than sliding on a sleek ski cap. Consider this seasonal survival guide of dos and don’ts of winter fashion a timely present for navigating through the inclement conditions in style.

The Do's of Winter Fashion

Stick With a Classic Winter Hat

The cottage creations may be warm, but they are far from fashion-friendly. Fortunately, simple solutions exist: Basic ski caps, fedoras, newsboy hats, and bowlers keep heat in and foolishness out.

Avoid: Ear muffs,ear warmers,pom-pom hats anything made by so-called friend or family member.

Wear And Takecare of your Leather

Here's how to keep you looking sharp in leather during the winter — and how to keep your leathers from looking like hell. Water-repellent sprays for leather goods help provide preventative action against potentially damaging moisture. Once indoors, dry shoes off and use a damp cloth to stop the formation of pesky salt lines. If it’s already too late, a simple mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar will do the trick. As for suede, kneadable erasers and toothbrushes can help wipe away scuffs and stains as well as restore the fabric’s lofty texture.

Avoid : Cheap leather, drying radiator heat, salt-wielding neighbors.

Layer With a Vest

Vests are the ultimate layering piece. In its infinitely strange if not genius arm-amputated design, the vest can be one extra barrier against the cold or act as a final finishing piece on slightly warmer days. Throw it over the typically untoppable sweater to keep your limbs covered and core toasty. The key here is to keep everything equal. Pair chunkier sweaters with similarly sturdy vests and finer gauge knits with leaner, lightweight ones.

Avoid : Oversize vests,sweaters with reindeer or Douglas firs.

Learn to tie your scarf

Scarves were meant to be wrapped around the neck, one of the primary places the body releases heat. And there are three simple ways to wear them. The Parisian — obviously the most fussy of the family — is created by folding the scarf lengthwise and pulling the two ends through the loop created on the opposite side. It’s the snuggest fitting method for maximum warmth. The more casual once-around knot works by placing the scarf on the neck with one side slightly longer than the other and then wrapping it around and through the loop. And if it’s not quite that cold yet, keep the once-around loose and limber. Caution: This route only works with longer scarves.

Avoid : Throwing one end over your shoulder like a christmas -clad Peanuts cartoon character.

The Don'ts of Winter Fashion

Wear an oversize puffer jacket

Big, beefy jackets had their heyday years ago — and they didn’t get any second looks back then either. Intuitively, it makes sense that thicker means warmer. However, toting yourself around town with more rolls than a pack of hot dogs isn’t the way to do it. You’re better off layering with several well-fitted pieces than a single jacked-up jacket. And for those who just can’t resist puffing up, there are more sensible and slimmer options these days.

Solution : Insulate-lined peacoats,padded and quilted jackets.

Trek around in UGG boots

A phenomenon occurred in the footwear world circa 2004, and it wasn’t pretty. UGG boots traveled half way around the world from their native Australia and landed Stateside on the famous feet of Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Simpson. The line of unisex booties from the land down under is still trying to gain ground among men. But, as much as the clunky yet oddly feminine footwear has been kicked curbside by most discerning dressers, they still present a threat to the male foot come cold weather time.

Solution: Sorel boots.

Bundling up for wintry weather can make looking good a dangerously difficult task. But with these dos and don’ts of winter fashion, there won’t be any room for emergencies.