The correct ways to wrap up in winter on the US East Coast.

For the first post-holiday style question, we’re heading to New York in the depths of winter to investigate a question posited by a reader who wants to know how to battle the elements while still keeping his cool. To make sure we give the best answer possible, we asked our US Editor (and NY local) for his expert tips.

I’m going to New York this month. How do I stay smart and sophisticated in the cold?

**@jackfjford, via Instagram **

This has become a very great concern for us – at least in New York, where we went straight from something like summer a few months ago to fingernail-cracking deep freeze. WTH? We seemed to emerge, almost overnight, into the depths of winter, and it won’t let up any time soon. And, I don’t know about you, but who can be bothered about getting fresh, or even looking decent (I write this in a cashmere hoodie and jeans with a sad soup on my knees), let alone dressing to impress? We’re well beyond the lacking-in-optimism phase of the season, when putting on a good look, like simply opening a bottle of champagne, makes any old day an occasion. We are in wear-every-item-of-clothing-you-possess-just-to-get-to-work time. And, yet, life – it goes on. One must encounter people, professionally, and, let us hope, sociably. So, how on Earth are we meant to get from here to there, across frozen tundra and through The Day After Tomorrow? Well, stylishly, obviously.

So let us begin at the beginning, with the coat. I imagine you’d like to go to nice places when you are in New York. Maybe some cosy and classy restaurants where you will probably check your coat or throw it on a hook somewhere once you arrive, but, one still needs to make an entrance, no? Here, a hefty dark double-breasted overcoat, like this stunner from The Row will do wonders both in keeping you warm and keeping a polished silhouette. A nicely tailored topcoat will also compliment your main event attire if you are wearing a nicely-cut dark suit, or blazer and jeans.

I seem to be stuck in perpetual casual-dom, wearing my sweaters from Mr Rick Owens with tailored jeans or slacks and boots to work and out and about alike. This time of year is a great opportunity to throw on a tactical turtleneck, to look like the dependable heroes in movies, and free yourself up to wear a sportier, if still slim, down coat (I have my eye on this sleek Canada Goose jam).

Nothing will make you feel more comfortable, and comfortably warm than the right boots, maybe boots that can dress up with you, like these fantastic shearling-lined numbers from Mr P. I have a pair of cashmere lined gloves that I have lived in every winter for nearly 10 years, but a fresh cashmere beanie, a nice Drake’s scarf, and socks! – I cannot stress this enough; I’ve become a raving maniac about warm socks – will go a long way to keeping you smart and warm when you need to be both.

Keep up to date with The Daily by signing up to our weekly email roundup. Click here to update your email preferences.