Style Scenario: Cool weather, cooler office style.

What are you going to wear? Sometimes there’s an easy answer. Sometimes not. Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. File this one under sneaky-flash. Not a lot of loud patterns or flashy colors here, but it’s the mixing of textures as well as some slightly unusual small details that’ll help you stand out quietly. Top Photo Credit: Ben Madeska.

The Suit: J. Crew Factory Thompson Flannel – high $200s (when on sale). Might have to sit tight on this one until they run another code. This is the latest addition to the Factory Thompson suit line. A wool/viscose blend should lead to a brushed, softer, and slightly thicker feel. Perfect for the days when the wind starts to cut through you.

The Shirt: 1901 French Cuff Trim Fit – $39.50. A trim-fit french cuff for under$40? Thanks Nordstrom. French Cuffs add an extra dash of, uh… dashing, as long as you execute the cufflinks without looking like an over-fed about to retire salesman. Ships and returns free.

The Tie: Robert Stewart Woven Cotton Tie – $29.50. The suit already has a noticeably wooly texture to it, so while a wool tie here would do fine, it’s a cotton tie with some roughness to it’s surface that lends visual contrast. Has an almost chambray look to it up close. Perfect deep navy color.

The Socks: Lorenzo Uomo striped socks – $12.50. You want to match your socks to your trousers. That makes your legs look longer. But the bold sock thing is still going strong. And what to do with Burgundy shoes? Charcoal base socks with lighter grey with some deep red. Ties it all together without going full matchy-matchy.

The Watch: Orient’s newest Bambino – $182.00 w/ dappered30 ($260). Yes indeed… Orient has put a new spin on their domed crystal Bambino Automatic, and it’s a stunner. A white, more vintage looking dial with rose gold accents and roman numerals. Onion style crown. Same domed crystal. Nice work by their design team.

The Cufflinks: Thomas Pink Woven Flower Knot Cufflinks – $15.00. Not big hunks of metal hanging off your wrists, not the standard silk knots either. Again, just slightly different, but it all adds up.

The Shoes: Zara Burgundy Wingtip Tassel Loafer – $129.00. As much visual detail as a wingtip, with the sleek profile of a European styled loafer. Tassels + brouging is a little much for most, but when the rest of the outfit is so under control, this is where you can cut a little loose with the shoes. What about a belt? It’d be ideal to match, but don’t worry too much about it. Just try and keep it dark brown. If there’s some red tones in there, all the better.

The Suggestion: Wear gloves and a scarf… and skip the coat. Much of the hemisphere has hit that time of year where a coat is a good idea one minute, and then the next it’s a little bulky. If you’re in a flannel (or tweed, or other heavier fabric) suit, take a favorite pair of gloves and a scarf with you. You’ll stay warm enough and have less to transport.