It’s cold outside. How do I know? Today we’ve seen the South’s first snowfall. Here are 12 winter clothing essentials for every Southern man.

If you’re looking for some new items to supplement your existing threads, or you’re looking to replace a few of last year’s favorite pieces, you’ve landed on the right page though. Below are some items that will complete your seasonal wardrobe.

RELATED: Fall Vests Add Comfort and Style

A warm down-filled parka, a pair of weather-resistant boots, and a couple of accessories to help your body retain heat for when you’re outside — there’s nothing exceedingly revelatory here.

Scoop them up now; winter is here!


1. Weather-Ready Parka

Men's heavy parka coat.

Men’s heavy parka for extreme cold weather.

East Dane; Uniqlo

It’s going to get really cold outside, really soon. Don’t be left out in it. Leading the charge for your closet should be a down-filled parka that’ll keep you warm, if not stylish at the same time.

The luxury option: Penfield Hoosac Hooded Mountain Parka, $380-408.76. (Left)

The affordable one: Uniqlo Warm Tech Down Coat, $149.90.(Right)


2. Snow boots

Pair of snow boots.

Two examples of winter snow boots.

Amazon

The weather forecast is about as predictable as, well, the weather. This winter (and every winter), you should have a reliable pair of snow boots on your shoe rack — to combat freezing rain, snow, sub-zero wind chills, and whatever else Mother Nature churns out.

RELATED: Men’s Guide to Formal & Semi-Formal Attire

The luxury option: Woolrich Packer Winter Boot, $81.73-$225.(Left)

The affordable one: Steve Madden M-Cornel Winter Boot, $21-$56.25. (Right)


3. Flannel shirt jacket

Men's Flannel Shirt Jackets

Men’s flannel shirt jackts are comfortable and warm.

Patagonia; Amazon

Flannel shirts are a lot softer and thicker than regular button-front shirts, making them a favorite choice for colder months. For something not plaid, albeit expensive, check out Banana Republic sharp-looking shirt jacket in military green.

You can check out more fall shirts here.

The luxury option: Patagonia Fjord Flannel Shirt Jacket, $169.Also available in solid blue. (Left)

The affordable one: Legendary Whitetails Archer Shirt Jacket, $49.99-$54.99. (Right)


4. Pair of dark-wash jeans

Man wearing dark, washed jeans.

Dark-washed jeans are perfect for winter.

Neiman Marcus; Amazon

No closet is complete without a couple of pairs of jeans. For winter, we tend to stick with heavier fabrics and deeper colors. In this vein, darker denim rinses will feel most appropriate for the season.

The luxury option: Citizens of Humanity Core Slim Straight Fit Jeans, $184. (Left)

The affordable one: Levi’s 513 Slim Straight Jean (Bastion), $49.99. (Right)


5. Puffer vest

Man modeling a puffer vest.

Puffer vest can be worn over a shirt or layered under an outer jacket.

MR PORTER; J.Crew

Vests are great layering pieces. They will look sharp layered over a sweater or a flannel button-down shirt. They’ll also work layered under a heavier coat when it’s especially brutal outside.

The luxury option: Canada Goose Freestyle Shell Down Gilet, $345. (Left)

The affordable one: J.Crew Sussex Quilted Vest, $138. (Right)


6. Wool beanie

Man's wool beanie.

Wool beanie’s keep a man’s head warm on cold, winter days.

East Dane; Uniqlo

It’s an old wives’ tale to say that we lose 80% of our body heat through our head, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t cover it up when single-digit weather strikes. Wearing a hat or a pair of earmuffs is just plain practical. And sometimes the beanie in question is pretty stylish, too.

The luxury option: Mr. Kim Dylan Beanie, $129. (Left)

The affordable one: Uniqlo Heattech Knitted Cap, $14.90. (Right)


7.  Tech-friendly leather gloves

Pair of men's tech-friendly gloves.

Tech-friendly gloves are a necessity on extremely cold, winter days.

UGG Australia; Macy’s

The same goes for gloves. Just wear them. If you’re one of the many people who are constantly glued to their smartphone, grab a leather pair with tech-friendly fingertips — they’re as professional-looking as they are practical.

The luxury option: UGG Australia Darin Leather Tech Gloves, $135. (Left)

The affordable one: Isonter THERMAflex Smart Touch Faux Leather Glove, $21.99. (Right)


8. Proper wool overcoat

Man modeling a wool overcoat.

Every man should invest in a top-quality, wool overcoat.

Reiss; Amazon

All-weather parkas and puffer jackets are best suited for inclement weather. Wool peacoats and topcoats, on the other hand, are best suited for slightly nicer winter days when you’re commuting to the office or attending more formal events. As a general rule: Wear the latter when it’s cold, but not blizzarding outside.

The luxury option: Reiss Roberts Melange Weave Coat (Charcoal), $225. Also available in black and rose. (Right)

The affordable one: Kenneth Cole Walker Coat with Knit Bib, $129.95. (Left)


9. A scarf that can stand up to the elements

Man's wool scarf

Purchase at least two wool scarf’s for winter.

Nordstrom; Banana Republic

Bundle up your neck in style this season. Simple navy’s and neutrals will do the job just fine, though, we’re preferential to Paul Smith’s more colorful, striped option.

The luxury option: Paul Smith Stripe Wool Scarf, $93.75. (Left)

The affordable one: Banana Republic Quilted PrimaLoft Scarf, $44.70 with the promo code “BR40”. (Right)


10. Layering Sweater

Man modeling a wool sweater.

Heavy wool sweater’s help retain warmth on cold winter days.

Huckberry; Frank & Oak

Like we said earlier, winter is all about layering your clothes, then layering them some more.

Sweaters are essential layers for keeping warm this winter. There are tons of styles and materials to choose among, too — from Donegal wool cardigans to cashmere pullovers. The shawl-collar sweater is definitely one of the most popular right now though.

The luxury option: Fjällräven Lada Sweater, $101.59. (Left)

The affordable one: Frank & Oak Herringbone Shawl Pullover in Navy, $72. (Right)


11. Suede loafers

Men's light brown suede loafers.

Suede loaders are perfect for fall and winter.

Need Supply Co.; ALDO

Materials like suede and shoes like loafers go hand-in-hand with winter. These suede loafers from Quoddy or ALDO will go with virtually everything you own: You can pair them with jeans or chinos. Or you can pair them with your dressier trousers to give them a more relaxed vibe.

The luxury option: Quoddy Toast Suede Penny Loafer with Gum Camp Soles, $275. (Left)

The affordable one: ALDO Agliano Suede Penny Loafer, $60. (Right)


12. A suit made in a heavier fabric 

Two men modeling heavy wool suits.

Add at least one heavy wool suit to your winter wardrobe.

Club Monaco; Amazon

Like the rest of your closet, suits should transition for the season. If you like classic tailoring and fabrics like tweed, flannel, and wool, the jackets and trousers featured here are easy (and relatively affordable) recommendations for fall and winter.

The luxury option: Club Monaco Grant Flannel Suit Jacket, $425; Suit Trouser, $225. (Left)

The affordable one: Calvin Klein Michael Two-Piece Wool-Blend Suit, $170.44-$299.99. (Right)