Outerwear Checklist
As we start the descent into fall, winter, and all-around colder temperatures, there should be one word on your mind: outerwear.
The first line of defense may be a quilted vest. Quilted vests, which are made from a cotton-poly blend, feature a corduroy-lined inside collar and an insulating interlining that provides extra warmth. When the weather starts to dip but isn’t yet in full-on-coat territory, you can wear your quilted vest over a button-up shirt. It’s an easy way to add an extra layer of warmth without reaching for something more casual, like a fleece vest or a hooded sweatshirt.
As the season goes by, your quilted vest can play the role of a sweater, too. Just wear it between your button-up shirt and a piece of outerwear during your commute. And when you reach the office, you can easily zip it off if you find the thermostat set a bit high.
A quilted vest might be a great choice if you:
Are looking for a lighter piece of outerwear.
Want something to layer over button-front shirts.
Desire an extra layer between your shirt and jacket.
Now, it’s true that you could just throw a fleece jacket or parka over your suit. But the problem with most coats and jackets is that they don’t account for the suit jacket you’ll be wearing underneath. This can lead to an awkward fit that feels constricting and may cause extra wrinkling to the suit jacket.
The solution to this problem is the topcoat. Topcoats are specifically made with suit jackets in mind. And if you get yours custom made, it will come with a little extra room in the shoulders to account for the suit being worn below. Aside from offering a better fit with your tailored clothing, topcoats also provide a more formal appearance. Just imagine the difference between showing up to a meeting with a single-breasted topcoat in a herringbone wool tweed versus attending the same meeting with a bright orange parka.
A topcoat might be a great choice if you:
Typically wear a suit during the work week.
Work in an office with a more professional dress code.
Want a piece of outerwear that looks more elevated than the average parka.
