Blizzards are no time for boat shoes, drivers, canvas sneakers, loafers, etc. From late December to early March, I probably wear boots about 75% of the time.

A boot is not just a boot, there are different styles for different occasions and it’s important to have the right pairs in your winter rotation.

Here, five different styles, with five different aesthetics.

1. Rugged/Alpine

For those unexpected blizards that can bring 13 inches of snow overnight, you need at least one pair of trudging-through-the-sh-t boots. I lace these things up and don’t have to think twice about what I’m steeping in or on - they’re insulated, completely waterproof and have a virtually indestructible beefy rubber sole.

Where I wore this: Class – “History of Menswear”

Bonus Tip: Red laces? Why not? Winter outfits are generally darker and more muted, allowing an unepected dash of red to be the sole “pop” (no pun intended). Matching stripe on gloves was a coincidence.

Bonus Tip II: Looking for a timeless but inexpensive outerwear piece? Official Navy-issued peacoats are abundant in vintage stores. Try-on a handful of them until you find a proper fit (or at least one that needs minimal alterations). For $50-$100 these classic built-to-last  jackets are a no-brainer.

Bonus Tip III: An accesorry, particularly a lapel pin, can be made of just about anything. It’s a great place to be innovative and add a personal touch. More on unique/unusual acceorries (including the anticapated lapel acceorries) coming soon. (We can only work so fast! We are juggling several projects at once).