Five Cold-Weather Staples for Him This Christmas

Tired of seeing him wearing the same old sweats and thin pants he sported this summer? Well here is your chance to do something about that. Christmas is right around the corner so use it as an opportunity to update his cold-weather wardrobe. I'm not talking about trendy items either but fashion staples he can wear year after year. Here is your Fashion Gift Guide for him.

Tweed Jacket

A tweed jacket, blazer or sport coat is a fashion staple that should be in every man's closet. It is not one of those items that would be worn everyday during fall and winter. However, they are great for dressing up his more casual pieces like his darker denims or khakis. The best fiber for a tweed jacket is wool. Wool gives tweed a more refined touch as well as adding extra warmth for him.

What to Consider:

1. Wool Tweed Blazer, $245.00 at L.L. Bean
2. Stafford Black Tweed Sportcoat, original price $200.00 to $220.00 at JCPenney (This coat is currently on clearance from $39.97 to $43.97)

Selvage Jeans

While he probably has a few pairs of jeans in his closet or drawer, he probably either has one pair of old selvage jeans or none at all. Selvage or sometimes called selvedge jeans are pricier than most jeans because they are cut with the fabric selvage included in the hem, resulting in an auto-finished hem. This pricier way of cutting fabric results in a more durable jean hem that won't unravel and is hard to tear. Look for a pair preferably in a darker wash.

What to Consider:

1. Levi's Matchstick Selvedge Jeans (Ibara Wash), $148.00 at Nordstrom
2. Converse One Star Men's Straight Leg Jean - Resin Selvage, $39.99 at Target

White Dress Shirt

It's no newsflash that a white dress shirt is a fashion staple for both men and women. For men, it is a tad more essential. Honestly, he should have at least two at his disposal. There are two types of dress shirts men should own. The dress shirt made for suits, more specifically the formal and professional styles of suiting is perhaps the most critical. Then there is the business casual white dress shirt that works with a blazer and casual slack but is not dressy enough for a formal suit.

What to Consider:

1. BOSS Regular Fit Modified Point Collar 'ENZO' Dress shirt in White by Boss Black, $95.00 at Hugo Boss
2. Fitted Dress Shirt in white, $22.90 at Forever 21

Flannel Shirt

I don't know of too many men who don't appreciate the casual style and comfort of a warm flannel shirt. I know Tim used to poke fun at Al on "Home Improvement" for always sporting one on set. However, this shirt often allows a man to go sans jacket or sweater on brisk days. This is one style of shirt that you can find at more affordable prices. Yes, ladies these shirts are primarily sold in some type of plaid or check stripe.

What to Consider:

1. Men's Regular Long Sleeve Flannel Buttondown Shirt, $49.50 at Lands' End (also available in Tall)
2. Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt, $34.95 at L.L. Bean (also available in Tall)

Argyle Sweater

The argyle sweater is a fashion staple like the white dress shirt. The sweater whether long sleeve or as a vest, dresses up jeans and is appropriate for a business casual wardrobe. The vest is perhaps the most versatile for men as it can be worn over their button-down, collar shirts. You really don't have to spend a lot to get a great looking argyle sweater for him. In fact, you can spend less than $50.00 on one.

What to Consider:

1. Men's Argyle V-Neck Sweaters, $29.94 at Old Navy
2. Chaps Argyle Sweater Vest, $49.50 at Kohl's

These five fashion staples will make great gifts for him this holiday. They are also gifts that should last him a few years and still keep him in style. Now is the time to shop for these items as many can be found at reduced prices. Happy Shopping!

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