What our friends are wearing this winter
We asked the homies what they're wearing right now, and they delivered.
Winter is a looonnngggg season, so remember: this whole outerwear thing is a marathon, not a sprint.
If you haven’t gotten around to wearing your high-pile fleece under your GORE-TEX bubble coat yet, don’t fret, you’ve still got a solid three months to make it happen (if you’re in the US, that is).
Today we tap some homies from around the world to see how they survive the chill.
From Northern Europe, where the sun barely shows its face this time of year, to the East Coast, where the weather is so unpredictable that even Al Roker couldn’t give you an honest seven-day forecast, we’ve got something for everyone.
So, welcome to the winter edition of what the homies are wearing.
Brooks Reitz - Charleston, South Carolina
Restaurateur, designer, and entrepreneur
What’s the one item you’re most excited to wear this winter?
We got a sample of our next fabric release for RIVER, our men’s style for E.M. Reitz. It’s a dense navy twill, and I can’t take it off. The fabric feels great on the skin and has just enough weight to feel right for the season.
How would you describe your go-to cold-weather look?
Warm. I’m channeling Tom Cruise walking the risky streets of NYC in Eyes Wide Shut. And accessories are a must: a good scarf, proper gloves, and a beanie (or sock cap) if it’s cold enough.
What does your footwear rotation look like for the season?
Always Chuck Taylor All Stars, Tracksmith Eliot Trainers for runs and gym days, Belgian Shoes for holiday parties and dressier affairs, and a black Alden blucher for everyday wear when I want to look smart.
Any must-have jackets you recommend for layering in the winter?
Drake’s makes a superlative chore jacket, and I have it in two different fabrics—it’s a great transitional piece or perfect layered under an overcoat. I also have a Norse Projects zip-up vest that gets a lot of action this season, layered under my overcoat.
Brian Davis - New York, NY
Founder of Wooden Sleepers
What’s the one item you’re most excited to wear this winter?
Since we’ve officially settled into the post-holiday doldrums, getting dressed each day is an opportunity to be uplifting. I love a little color on a dreary winter day. I recently picked up a bright red vintage Eddie Bauer Kara Koram parka from the 1960s that checks all the boxes.
First and foremost, it’s warm as hell—originally designed for explorers and mountaineering adventurer types like Edmund Hillary. Granted, I’m not traversing the Antarctic, but it’s nice to know I could!
As an added bonus, it looks cool and is a personal vintage grail of mine.
How would you describe your go-to cold-weather look?
New York winters are very unpredictable. One day it’s below freezing; the next it’s raining or snowing, and then, out of nowhere, an unseasonably warm day. It makes getting dressed almost like a sport. I usually check the forecast first thing in the morning, and that helps dictate the fit.
Since I pretty much do the same thing every day (slinging impeccable vintage garms, for those who may not be aware), my go-to winter fit is basically variations on a theme.
Starting from the bottom (Drake voice), I usually wear these ’80s low work boots from Red Wing that I found NOS. For pants, it’s vintage Carhartt double knees or ’60s U.S. military cargos.
There’s almost always a vintage hoodie and/or cotton flannel involved, and one of dozens of pieces of outerwear from my collection—but most days, it’s a vintage Eddie Bauer Skyliner or Kara Koram parka.
What does your footwear rotation look like for the season?
I mentioned the NOS low work boots from Red Wing, but I also have some 6-inch versions that are in regular rotation. I always keep a pair of New Balance 990s or Salomons in the mix if I need something extra comfy.
When the snow hits, I reach for some vintage Danner Mountain Lights. I also have a vintage pair of Russell Moccasin chukka boots that might be my favorite shoes to grab on a mild day.
Any must-have jackets you recommend for layering in the winter?
Really depends on the temperature and what’s in store for the day. If it’s below freezing, down is a must. I like vintage Eddie Bauer for this.
Recently, I picked up a Mountain Hardwear down jacket that I love—it’s unassuming but warm and works well with a variety of fits. For milder days, I’ll reach for my vintage Brown’s Beach or a 1950s-era L.L.Bean field coat that I miraculously found in NOS condition.
If it’s rainy, I love a vintage L.L.Bean or Sierra Designs 60/40 parka. It’s always handy to have a down vest for added warmth; again, vintage Eddie Bauer is great for this.
Are there any new pieces or trends catching your eye this season?
You know, I’m kind of trend-averse, but I do have a genuine interest in gorpcore—or more outdoorsy-leaning stuff—so I’m happy to see a lot of new independent brands leaning into that aesthetic.
I’m particularly into the low hiking boot/sneaker hybrid thing. Brands like Creek, South2 West 8, and 18 East are really killing it in this space.
Do you follow any personal style do’s or don’ts for winter dressing?
Never sacrifice style for comfort, and never sacrifice comfort for style. The two can happily coexist.
Eric Nordstedt - Stockholm, Sweden
Head of Design at Nitty Gritty Worldwide
What’s the one item you’re most excited to wear this winter?
On my recent trip to New York, I bought a vintage canvas jacket with a wool lining that will take a nice winter beating. I’ll probably freeze to death in January, but at least I’ll look good.
Salon c Lundman has made a really nice ribbed cardigan with self-fabric buttons that’s on my list.
How would you describe your go-to cold-weather look?
Layered up, I wish I were the kind of guy who invests in a nice, warm down jacket, but like an idiot, I’ll go for a coat or a wool jacket with warm layers I can fit underneath.
To keep my ears warm, I have over-ear headphones playing Stephen Malkmus's "Church in White" to cheer me up. Stockholm only had about 30 minutes of sunshine in December, so the cheering up is definitely needed.
What does your footwear rotation look like for the season?
Stockholm is mostly wet in the winter, so I wear fully rubberized garden shoes from Bogs. I have a dog, so walking in areas that involve mud is pretty common.
But if it dries up, I’ll go for our moss-green collab shoe we did with Blackbird Spyplane and Tarvas, or the split-toe pair Adsum did with Sanders.
Any must-have jackets you recommend for layering in the winter?
I really like Evan Kinori’s peacoat in herringbone and the Kaptain Sunshine Cotton-Hemp Hoody Jacket with its super-soft wool lining.
If you’re a brighter person living in a sunnier, warmer climate, I would highly recommend the Nitty Gritty Worldwide garment-dyed baby-cord swing jacket.
Are there any new pieces or trends catching your eye this season?
Showing off the brands that make the fabric, like Magee or Fox Brothers & Co., is really a thing again this season.
Do you follow any personal style do’s or don’ts for winter dressing?
I just do my very best to keep my feet warm and dry.
Lots of great links to check out, from a variety of climates. Brian’s racks are always stocked with killer items! Thanks for sharing.
Brian's Russell Moccasin chukkas as a mild day choice is kinda genius. Those boots have this unique hand-sewn construction that breaks in totally diferent than normal boots. I've found they work way better in that weird 45-55 degree zone where everyhing else feels either too heavy or too light.