Is there a way to “winter-proof” formal business attire?
Brad W asked:
I am a man relocating to Boston to take a job with a formal business dress code. I will be walking to work and the T station (subway). I wear a suit and dress shoes everyday – but I’ve never had to walk to work dressed this way. Is there anything I can do help protect my clothes in inclement weather? Any recommendations for outerwear? Should I wear different shoes while I walk? Thanks for any and all suggestions.
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as someone from northern ontario i can only suggest to wear boots on your way to work and switch to your nice shoes when you get there. if you wear tall boots on extra messy days you won’t have to worry about your pants getting messed up. that’s what people do here. tattooedgemini
You’re probably going to have to invest in a nice overcoat (cold/snow) and trench coat (rain) to cover everything. Also, I’ve heard of people wearing gulashes on the subway and outside and keeping their dress shoes stored in their office to switch into when they arrive. That could probably work. You could also look into some higher-end dress shoes that have rubber soles to combat the weather. I believe Allen-Edmonds makes some good ones like this… check ebay. Gmoney
I recommend a trenchcoat (great ones at Burberry) or peacoat (Gap or Express), or if your looking for something more modern, a mac coat (Martin+Osa)
Boots are great for bad weather. I also recommend investing in a nice hat, like a fedora or flat cap (shouldn’t be less than $30) and weather proofing it as well.
You should ask your dry cleaner to waterproof your outerwear. You can buy your own waterproofer for shoes at most fine shoe retailers. Make sure to weather proof your shoes if they are leather, because water ruins them. 3dge
You could wear different shoes, yes, if there’s snow this is an especially practical idea because otherwise your shoes will have tons of white on them from the salt residue, it never looks great.
For staying warm, you can find many suits that are double lined for warmth, as the sales people they should be able to direct you to which items are made for cold climates.
I tend to prefer sticking to the outerwear because otherwise it can be uncomfortably warm when you’re indoors. Wool is excellent, go for something rather long, there are many long coats for men that are very nicely tailored and stylized, as well as designed to be very warm. Try them on, if they feel heavy and are made of wool, you should be good =o)
Gloves and scarves will help a lot as well as getting better shoes or boots depending if you’ll be dealing with snow or not. Wool scarves are excellent, and leather gloves are best for warmth.
Hope this helps =o) amandamaria1432
juts wear a coat to protect your suit from rain etc. voorhees