Bare minimums are not always the coolest stuff when it comes to dressing up, especially when a freezing weather needs to be dealt with. Warm clothing is a must in cold weathers but it also requires knowing the material it is made from. This is why the winter of 2008 saw retailers having a hard time selling cloth-coats, so knowing the answer to what works within the parameters that define being presentable can be quite hard.

For example, let’s consider the branded items at par with the current fashion or trend. These are primarily made to look good on the wearer and hence, performance is compromised to a large extent. While they are suitable for use during the onset of winter (or the time when fall gives way to winter), for a functional solution during Christmas, you need to focus on authentic survival wears, though not as heavy as garments suited for the arctic temperatures.

Performance clothing styled with an eye to fashion won’t have the padding like the ones typically stitched in the army or military fashion (e.g. the American army-issue N3B parka; a classic yet extreme-cold hooded and padded coat by Alpha Industries). No, you don’t need to be an US aircrew manning helicopters, strategic bombers or the likes; these army-styled cold weather garbs are very much suitable for even taking your dog out for a walk.

So the next time you want to shop for jackets, try looking into the army surplus stores (both online and traditional stores); if you still want to look trendy, then the Uniqlo HeatTech T-shirts and polo-necks shall add enough color and style at throwaway prices.