I recently gave a ride home to a co-worker and couldn’t resist commenting on her long, quilted, down coat. “Did anyone ever tell you that looks a little like a sleeping bag with a hood?” I asked. “It’s warm, and I’m taking the bus since I got rid of my car!” she replied. Well, I guess she told me.
Although some of these coats have a dubious role in fashion, they are practical. When we wear it, what we wear and why we wear it is a good mantra for strategic winter styling. Urban dwellers who use public transportation definitely get a pass in the ugly coat department, for instance. I even broke down and bought a down jacket this season after the nightmare that was last winter. Upon further reflection, I decided to get to the nitty gritty on how the fashion conscious survive extreme temps in our fair city. I started by asking locals about their essential winter wear and came up with a list of dos and don’ts for winter dressing. Staying warm and looking fashionable can go together.
So what’s your essential winter item?
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David Todd Ratkowski, sponsorship director for Public Allies and Bay View resident: “I bought my faux Uggs (Fuggs) when I was living in California because when the temps hit 40, it’s winter there.”
Julie German, programmer/analyst at Hatco Corporation and Riverwest resident: “My long, puffy, Juicy Couture coat.”
Marianne Szymanski, president and founder of Toy Tips Inc., Grafton resident: “My dad’s Russian hat.”
Jackie Barutha, owner Jaxie, shopjaxie.com, Milwaukee resident: “My Mukluks!”
Noelle Charyce, hairstylist at Beauty Downtown, Third Ward resident: “My hand-knitted A&F mittens.”
Lisa Grabowski, wardrobe stylist, ugotsomewickedstyle.com, Milwaukee resident: “My Report Signature Faux Fur, knee-high suede boots. I get complements where I go.”
Matt Barber, personal trainer and Milwaukee resident: “Cashmere-lined, leather, Coach gloves.”
Kelly Fortier, lawyer, Milwaukee East Side resident: “Silk long underwear.”
Lisa Gildehaus, documentary filmmaker for Riveting Pictures and Bay View resident: “A scarf. The bigger, the better. I cannot stand cold air blowing down my neck. I’d rather go pant-less than go without a scarf.”
Ashley Brooks, wardrobe stylist for Urban Darling LLC and Fox Point resident: “I can’t possibly live without 
my Oscar Sport apres-ski boots from Italy. Shearling lined with fur outside. I have had my black ones four years now, and I just got an ivory pair. They are hands down the best money I’ve ever spent on being warm since I moved to Wisconsin.”
Joshua Long, Bjorn’s nephew, Riverwest: “That stained, black hoodie you hate so much.”
You can see by the responses that everyone has an idea of what is not only warm but, in their minds, is also appropriately fashionable given the weather. But as is my wont, I have to say there are some rules for winter wear.
DO find some accessories that have a bit of punch. Nothing is worse than the head-to-toe black, gray or brown that so many people sport. Try a red cashmere scarf or funky colorful hat. At least it will add a bright spot of color to the dreary days and nights here in Mil-Town.
DON’T have only one type of outerwear coat. Remember that not every occasion requires a sporty down coat or, worse yet, one of those North Face-type coats. They are fine but definitely not for every occasion.
DO layer your clothing instead of wearing the head-to-toe sleeping bag coat. A leather jacket with a wool sweater underneath is just as warm and a lot less utilitarian looking.
DO find some stylish warm boots that make a statement. I really hate the snowmobile-type boots; they belong to the realm of winter sports and should stay there.
DO get some cashmere, wool or other knit socks, scarves, sweaters and hats that can be worn with many different ensembles as a base layer or accent to a nice coat.
DON’T dress in head-to-toe fleece and microfiber outerwear. It is resilient and definitely has its place, but a good wool coat in the closet is worth multiple synthetic pieces.
So what are my go-to pieces when the weather outside is frightful? A wool, hand-knit cap made by a dear friend, a vintage, yellow, leather trench coat with shearling collar and flannel plaid lining that can be worn over any number of other clothes. I also have a couple pairs of flannel-lined black leather gloves and, of course, a variety of wool or cashmere scarves in various plaids, colors and textures. Remember the sleeping bag is not the most flattering look on most folks, and neither is the Michelin man. No matter what, wear what will protect you from the elements, but keep an eye on the proportion.
Let me know what your winter survival strategies are clothing wise by sending an e-mail to bjorn@milwaukeemagazine.com or commenting below. Keep warm until next week, Milwaukee!
