The temps dipped below 50 this week in New York, and the Rugby editors broke the seal. That’s right, we donned our winter coats for the first time.
A great coat can make or break your cold-weather look, so we’re breaking down the three basic winter styles: an iconic pea coat, a classic chesterfield or a sporty puffer. In other words, the bread and butter of outerwear choices. Check out our guide to outerwear after the jump.
The Pea Coat: Back in the day, this style coat was worn by sailors and navy officers. There have been lots of imitations since it first appeared in the 1800s, but ours keeps it pretty close to tradition and the coat’s utilitarian roots. Smooth, heavy wool in dark navy (just like the original) and carved anchors on the buttons are a nod to nautical pedigree. This should be your go-to everyday coat. This winter, pair it with your plaids.
The Chesterfield: Classic and refined, this top layer upgrades your entire look, no matter what you’ve got going on underneath. The style we see today was introduced as early as 1901, but the coat really became a men’s staple piece after WWI and through the Mad Men era. It was loved for its versatility, as it’s easily worn over suits, semi-formal looks and sport coats, alike. Today, you can of course wear it with what you want, but we suggest keeping it classy. The wool Chesterfield coat should be kept for the days when you need to impress — great for date nights or holiday dinners, don’t let it be a stranger to your bow ties.
The Puffer: Okay, so this one doesn’t have much of a romantic past, but you’ll be glad you have it in the snow and sleet. It’s the warmest of your three coats, thanks to the insulating magic of lightweight down. Offered in three colors, each with its own identifying country patch, it’s the casual, sporty jacket you can get rough in. The kicker? The sleeves zip off, turning your puffer jacket into a puffer vest. Seriously, this 2-for-1 situation could be the best investment you make this winter.
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