Why is it important to get out of your comfort zone?
It's easy to fall into a routine and get comfortable with the way things are. You've got your ‘go to' clothes, they fit and you look good.
So why change them and risk getting it wrong?
Because when you try new styles, you expand your horizons – and this is essential for growth. The most stylish guys on earth weren't born like that; at some point in their lives, they took a risk and tried something new.
Who knows? You may like your new style. You may not. But there's only one way to find out… and in this article, we're going to show you 7 stylish essentials you need to spice up your wardrobe this winter.
John Henric – the sponsor of today's article – create unique, high quality luxury shirts and accessories. John Henric's stunning printed shirts and accessories, like ties, scarves and handkerchiefs, are made in Naples, Italy and their beautiful shirt fabrics are sourced from the best suppliers in the world.
You'd expect them to be expensive, right? No – they skip the wholesale and you skip the markup. And did I mention they offer free worldwide shipping and fast delivery? Click here to discover John Henric and use discount code RMRS30 to get 30% off your first purchase!
Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone? Let's get into it.
1. Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater
The crew neck and v-neck are the two most common types of sweater but if you really want to add a touch of spice to your winter wardrobe, roll out the merino wool turtleneck sweater.
The turtleneck is a welcome change from the dress shirt; it's soft, light and warm so you'll look great and remain comfortable. The best turtleneck sweaters for men come in a high quality thread like 100% merino wool. Cheaper fabrics will stretch and bobble after a few washes.
When you start with a turtleneck, don't over complicate your outfit. Stick with neutral colors.
As long as you go for a snug fit, you can rest assured it's impossible not to look amazing in a turtleneck. This stylish, versatile piece is great to dress down a suit or dress up an outfit in place of a dress shirt. The turtleneck has an unmistakable, refined look and will make you looked distinguished and relaxed.
2. The Bow Tie
Men's bow ties are overlooked. We tend to associate them with black tie events or with intellectuals, university professors, librarians or even magicians.
But the bow tie is making a comeback.
The bow tie commands respect – there's no doubt about that – and it makes a fantastic addition to your wardrobe because it's unusual. We get it – it's a daring look. But if you want to get out of your comfort zone, it's one you need to try.
The bow tie is simple, functional and will get you attention.
Want to know where to wear a bow tie? Simple – you can wear it any place you'd wear a necktie.
You can wear a bow tie with a suit or with or without a blazer – but remember your bow tie should be sized to match your dress shirt collar measurement to keep your look in proportion.
Solid color or polka-dot bow ties create a relaxed and stylish look and will get you attention. Textured bow ties are perfect for casual wear and are best matched with course materials, like a tweed or corduroy jacket.
3. Tweed Jacket
Tweed is a rough, woolen fabric made to withstand harsh climate and is commonly worn in Scotland and Ireland for outdoor activities like shooting and hunting.
And if it can handle a Scottish winter, it can handle anything.
Tweed has a rugged but refined, gentlemanly look. A tweed blazer is a great, warm winter look and is perfect over a sweater or dress shirt.
When you buy a tweed blazer, go for a larger fit than normal so you can accommodate a thick sweater underneath, but make sure it is tapered at the sides and fits in the shoulders – and add a red pocket square for the ultimate festive look.
4. Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With Bold Patterned Shirts
It's easy to throw on a white dress shirt and be done with it but where's the fun in that? Put it back in the drawer. It's time to get out of your comfort zone with something that will make your outfit pop.
Introducing the printed patterned shirt. This winter, experiment with different patterns like dotted, floral, geometric, herringbone and paisley. Don't be afraid of patterns but be careful to pair them with subtle colors elsewhere to avoid looking like a roll of 70s wallpaper.
This is a bold look – there's no doubt about it – and you need the confidence to pull it off. Our advice is to practice wearing your patterned shirt before heading out for the first time. Put it on around the house and get comfortable with those bold, beautiful patterns. Then go out and rock it!
5. Bright Silk Scarf
A colored silk scarf is the ultimate way to dress up your outfit without making a lot of effort. Simply wrap the scarf around your neck once and let it hang down at the sides for a nonchalant, stylish look.
For maximum effect, choose a colored, patterned silk scarf which contrasts with the rest of your outfit and adds a splash of color.
6. Cashmere Wool Scarf
Cashmere is finer, stronger, softer, and approximately three times more insulating than sheep wool so it is perfect as a woolen winter scarf – and women love touching cashmere because it's so soft!
Use bolder colors like red to make your outfit pop or neutral colors like black or gray if you have brighter colors elsewhere.
Your cashmere wool scarf should be between 6 to 14 inches wide and between 50 and 90 inches long. An average height man wants a scarf at least 60 inches and a larger man should look for one in the 70 inch range.
The right knot in your scarf will make you look stylish and it can also provide greater warmth and protection from the elements. This winter, we recommend the Fake Knot – it's the perfect blend of warm and classy and gives the impression of an elaborate knot across the front of your neck, leaving the right end of your scarf longer.
7. Corduroy Blazer
Cord material has a texture of ‘wales’ that run vertically along the fabric. It has a tufted top and a fuzzy, soft appearance making it a durable and tactile fabric.
We love the corduroy blazer because it's great for adding texture and interest to your outfit. It's also thick and locks in heat.
Simply wear it in place of a normal blazer or over a cashmere sweater wool for a great layered look.
Bonus – Winter Colors
We've given you 7 ways you can spice up your winter wardrobe. But what about color? And how can color help you get out of your comfort zone?
Unless you're lucky enough to live in the Canary Islands, winter weather is dreary.
Spice up the gray, overcast weather with high contrast, bold colors. When other men are sticking to dull grays and blues – you need to make your outfit pop.
The best winter colors for men are red, emerald green, cobalt blue and high contrast black and white.
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With Red
Red is a hot color which invokes passion and desire so it's ideal for Christmas time – in fact, just wearing red makes you more desirable to women.
In a study by the Journal of Experimental Psychology, women ranked men in a red t-shirt as more kissable and dateable.
Find your skin undertone with our color guide and choose the shade of red that suits you. You can also bring red in with accessories like a silk scarf or bow tie, chinos or a knitted cashmere sweater.
And there we have it.
It's always important to try new things and to get out of your comfort zone. You never know, you may try one of these 7 winter essentials and never look back. Or maybe you won't take to it.
Either way – you tried!
John Henric – the sponsor of today's article – create unique, high quality luxury shirts and accessories at a low price. John Henric's stunning printed shirts and accessories are made in Naples, Italy and their beautiful shirt fabrics are sourced from the best suppliers in the world.
You'd expect them to be expensive, right? No – they skip the wholesale and you skip the markup. And did I mention they offer free worldwide shipping and fast delivery? Click here to discover John Henric and use discount code RMRS30 to get 30% off your first purchase!Â
