Six Menswear Pieces For Easy Wintertime Travel

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We had our first true cold snap this weekend, which means one thing: it's time to take out the winter gear (hats, mittens, and all.) To prevent area men from becoming marshmallows this season, we asked Jason Smith, vice president of merchandising at Trunk Club, to give us some advice on bundling up in style—even during a hectic travel week. Here's his six-part style primer:

"I am actually writing this from 36,000 feet on my way to California to visit my brother. It got me thinking about other guys like myself who will not only be traveling over the holiday season, but will be experiencing massive changes in climate on those trips. A good portion of my family lives in California, and I often need to dress in such a way as to be comfortable on the flight, and equally as comfortable when I touch down in San Francisco or Chicago. I also don't want to weigh myself down with unnecessary bulk, or have to worry about checking a bag because my winter gear is taking up too much room. I focus on versatile layering, and when I head to the airport in Chicago, the outfit is composed of the same six items every time."

Oh, you want to see the six items? Read on.

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• "Gloves: Given that they take up no space whatsoever and can fit into any briefcase, I tend to always carry a pair of gloves and hat just in case it is really cold, or if I am going to be outside for an extended period of time." Photos: Courtesy of Trunk
• A good winter hat.
• "Dress Scarf: I am not referring to the big wooly scarf that your mother used to wrap around you five times before you went out in the snow. I'm talking about a thin scarf made out of quality fabric that is light and worn loose around the neck. Sometimes
• "Button-down sportshirt: I prefer Eton Red Ribbon shirts due to their anti-wrinkle character. Given the quality of the fabrics and the design, the shirts can either be worn casually or in a business environment."
• "Vest: This is my favorite piece of outerwear, given its functionality in various climates. A lot of brands are making some really elegant vests right now that perform really well, but don't make it look like you just stepped off of the ski slopes."
• "V-neck cashmere sweater: Very breathable, lightweight and warm fabric. Takes up virtually no room, and again, can be dressed up or down."

· Trunk Club [Official Site]
· Inside Trunk Club's Swank Penthouse [Racked Chicago]