If you’re north of the Equator, late October is a blessing and a curse.

On one hand, men’s fashion is built around layering – whether you err towards J.Crew or Supreme, the cold weather months mean sartorial freedom.

On the other, those first frosty mornings mean only one thing: slowly, surely, winter is coming.

With snow just around the corner, brush up your seasonal style with these 9 Cold-Weather Essentials.

Wool Overcoat

The outerwear choice of both traditionalists and Hypebeasts alike. And who could blame them?

Long lines, minimal detailing, and a rakish silhouette make your standard wool overcoat a versatile, stylish choice.

Plus, thanks to the natural moisture-wicking properties of wool, an overcoat makes for a great snow-ready layer if technical coats just aren’t your style.

Selvedge Denim Jeans

For men, cold-weather style is all about texture. Case in point: selvedge denim jeans.

Compared to your standard “mall brands,” most companies producing jeans made from selvedge will forgo abrasive chemical washing processes, choosing to either lightly-wash their denim (balancing rugged looks with fabric comfort) or even leave it 100% “raw” (going full-tilt burly, break-in required).

Coupled with the sealed “self-edge” inside the hem of every pair, these sturdy selvedge jeans offer durability, style, and thick fabric to block out the coldest winter winds.

Beanie Hat

It’s a simple concept: take warm wool, knit it into a hat, and cover your head. Boom. Instant winter headgear.

Thanks to its utter clarity, tracing the singular origin of the wool beanie is difficult. Both Andean nomads and Irish fishermen alike independently developed simple wool hats centuries – and continents – apart.

This convergent evolution has left our globalized world with a kaleidoscope of beanie styles, sporting everything from ear flaps to pompoms.

However, for warmth with style, minimalism is your friend. The traditional “dock worker” beanie (thick knit, tight fit, no B.S.) is a staple for a reason.

Leather Boots

The foundation of any fall/winter wardrobe. With millennia of refinement in every stitch, the classic smooth leather boot is the perfect choice for functional (and stylish!) cold-weather footwear. And I do mean essential.

Simply put, there is no reason for men living above the Tropic of Cancer to not own a pair. With thousands of styles and brands available, there are leather boots on the market that will fit your style.

Rockstar? Chelsea Boots. Prepster? Allen Edmonds. Streetbeast? Timberlands. Ethically-opposed? Vegan leather. If you choose nothing else this season, make it boots.

More: Best Boots For Men

Weather-Ready Sweats

When the temperatures drop, it’s only natural to reach for a cozy pair of sweatpants.

If you never plan on going outside, those oversized cotton fleece sweats from college should work great! But when Cabin Fever sets in (or the gym comes calling), you’ll be happy you went for something with an ounce more tech.

Not only are they great insulation from the cold, but tapered technical sweats also provide a street-ready replacement for chinos in case your winter look calls for sneakers.

For stylish all-weather versatility, technical sweats just can’t be beat.

Our Picks $: Uniqlo Dry Stretch Sweatpants

Sweaters

It’s no surprise that Northern Europe knows how to dress for the cold. Exhibit 1: the cable-knit sweater.

First made famous by fishermen braving North Atlantic swells, these intricate sweaters (originally called “Aran” knits, after their place of birth, the Aran Islands) have become a sartorial staple for men all over the world.

While cable-knit sweaters come in a variety of forms, the iconic “fishermens sweater” of old refers to crewneck sweaters made from thick, ropy lambswool.

Our recommendation: either go for the classic, or try a shawl collar cardigan to show off your layers.

Wool Socks

Below freezing, details matter. Even through the thickest leather boots, your little piggies will be gone to market unless you’ve got some serious sock support.

While nothing beats Grandma’s crocheted stockings, chunky rag-wool socks from brands both American and Japanese will fight off frostbite with flare.

Our Picks $: Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks

Winter Jackets

No list of layers is complete without the venerable winter jacket.

Heat-reflective insulation, nylon shells, heavy parkas and puffer jackets. Everything goes this winter.

More: Best Winter Jackets For Men

Hoodies & Flannels

Last but not least: the venerable hooded sweatshirt & Flannel.

As a supplemental layer on those truly freezing days, nothing is better: a thick hoodie paired with any sort of weather-ready shell is an easy alternative to expensive and cumbersome down parkas.

A thick well-made flannel will keep even the coldest of lumberjacks warm.

To maximize versatility, stick to solid colors and heavy cotton fleece – anything below 200g/m2 is best kept for spring.

Fall / Winter Outfit Inspirations