Level Up Your Layers: Smart Casual Winter Outfits for Men

If you’re the kind of guy who likes to step out in style, no matter the event, you probably face the same conundrum every winter: what do you wear when you’re trying to stay warm and look polished at the same time?

The good news is, there’s a whole lot of options in between cosy loungewear and a three-piece suit. Once you know how to bring laidback looks and formal pieces together, you’ll have everything you need to pull together a sharp ensemble every day.

To give you some inspiration, here’s our guide to smart casual winter outfits for men.

When you’re looking for a way to give your layers an upgrade without looking too dressy, a smart coat is a stylish yet effortless option.

To master this smart casual look, choose a structured jacket, complete with all the details of a blazer, such as lapels, epaulettes, and embossed buttons, but with the relaxed shape of a casual coat. Materials, like suede, will keep you warm and details, like faux fur linings, add a hint of winter luxury.

Layer your smart coat over your jeans and henley top or t-shirt, and you’ll make an impression whether you’re headed to the office or the bar.

Though cardigans are a cornerstone of informal styling, they fit right in with smart winter outfits too. In fact, knitwear can bring a cool, devil-may-care feel to your formal wear, truly levelling up your look for the season.

One of our favourite ways to introduce knits to smart casual winter styling, is by wearing a cable knit cardigan over a plain white shirt, then layering with a tailored jacket. Though neutral colours are full of sophistication, you can take your look a step further with a cardigan in bold shades, like blue, green, or orange.

This is a classic old-money style that’s sure to make you feel casually cool, whether you’re flaunting it at the office Christmas party or for your Bonfire Night adventures.

Endlessly versatile, you can style a shirt with just about any trousers and jacket, and you’ll strike the balance between sophistication and comfort.

If you want your outfit to stand out, look for a shirt with a point of difference – think unexpected materials, like denim and corduroy, or funky prints, like florals and paisley.

Style the shirt under a cardigan or a sleek jacket, and finish the outfit off with a statement scarf, and you’ve got a smart winter look that can swing from office days to date night.

No dashing winter outfit is complete without some standout accessories and footwear for the final flourish.

Footwear is a great way to set the tone of your outfit. If your smart casual combo is feeling a little too prim, here’s your chance to dress it down with a pair of aztec trainers. If the day calls for a look that’s a little more formal, leather brogues can elevate the outfit in an instant.

A belt can work wonders to give your outfit more structure, and a unique lapel pin will create an occasion-ready style whilst allowing your personality to shine.