Outfit Of The Week 1/7/24 – 1/13/24
The outfit I chose to showcase today for this week’s edition of “OOTW” is a stark departure from last week’s full black-tie rig.
The reason why I chose this ultra-casual ensemble is because it FINALLY snowed and my wife and I were able to take the kids out sledding and exploring.
There are a couple different reasons why I felt this outfit, in particular, was important to write about. One, it shows that, for the most part, we don’t really need techy, performance gear. Other than my snowpants, the rest of my outfit was solidly low-tech. Two, I wanted to point out how it’s important to not be too stingy and how splurging a little bit can vastly improve overall enjoyment.
Let’s get into it…
Per my point about not needing high-performance gear… I’ve written before about how normal people like us don’t need stuff like that and how savvy marketing departments prey on men’s psyches to get them to buy it. My outfit here shows you don’t need it.
My coat was my thick, wool, hunting jacket from Woolrich (via Orvis). This thing is long enough to cover my butt. It has ample pocket space (including a game pocket across the back). It also has a very tall collar, which is perfect for keeping out the wind. This jacket is essentially a heavy, wool blanket. It’s the warmest jacket I own and my go-to for when the weather is really harsh.
My shirt was my new, wool, Filson overshirt (which is hard to see in these pics). Ironically, right after I posted my article about how I just don’t understand Filson my wife bought me a Filson shirt for Christmas! Well, like I said in the article, their products seem first rate. I just don’t get their pricing model. Anyway, the shirt is awesome! I love using it outside. It keeps me warm even when I have sweat through it, as I did immediately after the boys and I started sledding.
Now, let’s move on to the pants, because here is where I will expand on my second point from earlier about not being stingy. In the past, when I went out to play in the snow with my kids, I would throw on a pair of flannel-lined jeans. Sure, they were warm, but they got soaked pretty quickly. It never REALLY bothered me too much because I wasn’t out there for very long, so I was ok being a little uncomfortable for an hour or two.
Honestly, I just didn’t feel like shelling out money for a pair of snowpants. I thought to myself, “I’m an adult! What do I need snowpants for?!”
And it’s true. I don’t need snowpants nearly as often as my sons do. But I always thought it would be a little more enjoyable for me to not be cold and wet immediately upon stepping outside.
Well, this year my wife went ahead and bought me some snowpants from Lands’ End, and they are great! Being able to flop down in the snow while I waited for my sons to ascend the sledding hill was a Godsend. I’ve also been using the snowpants for when I chop wood and when I sit by the firepit (if the chairs are a little damp).
I had spent so long telling myself that this small expense wasn’t worth it, when in reality, I should have just paid the two dollars and not worried about it so much.
Moving on down, my boots were my fur-lined, waterproof Uggs that have sustained me for many years of harsh winters.
As far as accessories, my mittens were wool and cashmere and made by a woman in my community. It’s important to support the local economy. My scarf was a red, plaid, lambswool scarf from Blarney Woollen Mills. I purchased it when I worked at the National Museum of Ireland and it has a great deal of sentimental value. My hat was my Akubra Federation IV, which is no stranger to the snow.
The boys had a ball playing outside in the snow, and honestly, so did I, thanks, in large part, to my clothing choices that day.
Have a wonderful weekend!
