Form Meets Function
Winter fashion is equal parts form and function—a combo The North Face knows very well.
Fashion can often be more form than function, but the scale begins to even out when the cooler months arrive. Our attire during this season must not only exude style but also deliver functionality—winter's chill is formidable, and you’ll need features like waterproof and windproof overlays to provide protection from the the cold elements. Any clotheshorse worth their salt knows it's all about layers, and the outermost one is the most important of all.
So as you look at your winter closet, consider all the situations awaiting you throughout the season. Outdoor sport? Busy days that will see you going from outdoors to in? Don't forget travel, either: Whether it's long-distance to escape the routine or something closer to home, you're likely going to spend some time buckled up and hunkered down. Heading somewhere with predictably unpredictable weather? An insulated carry-on-friendly item is a must.
Let all of these factors affect how you approach your outerwear, and consider what's worth upgrading this season. The good news is that The North Face has an answer for all of it—and makes for a smart gifting idea to pop on your wish list, too...
When it comes to selecting a versatile and timeless puffer, there are a few design elements you'll never go wrong with. Look for a silhouette that hits mid-thigh with a hood, elastic cuffs, and zips at the top and bottom. This classic has all that and more (the "more" in this case being wind-resistant and water-repellent material).
When outfitting for a day in the frosty snow or otherwise enjoying the winter sun, a sport-inspired parka is a good bet aesthetically and functionally. This one is made with the label's recycled and waterproof DryVent fabric, and designed with space to spare—so you can pile on the layers underneath (and peel off as you fit in run after run).
Speaking of those layers, the coziest winter outfits always include a good vest. A mixed fill of down and synthetic fibers is warm but not too bulky. Style this over or under everything in your cold-weather closet; it's sporty by nature but equally chic over cashmere or a classic button-down.
Gift this to the guy in your life—or pull it on yourself for a stylishly oversized fit. Ribbing at the cuffs and hem speaks to an old-school varsity fit while also keeping the chill at bay. Add welted hand pockets, recycled-down fill, and a faux-fur accent, and you have warmth personified.
Jetting off somewhere fabulous where the weather is unpredictable? The smartest topper is something warm but slim, and this ultra-thin zip-up is that in spades. It's designed with four-way stretch, and it tucks into an envelope-size pouch that will fit in the tightest of carry-ons.
Remember those biting days in the past when you stole that bigger, heavier coat hanging in the closet? Well, why not invest in one of your own? Designed for men, this warm pick looks good on slimmer frames, too, and is more than ready for the cold. It's windproof and waterproof with pockets galore, including two front patch pockets that can stash necessities for whatever run you're on.
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