Everyone knows the winters in Cleveland are twice as long and extra brutal. So if there’s one thing local shops, brands and designers know a thing or two about is warm clothing that keep you warm, dry and fashionable. Here’s six items from local stores, designers and boutiques to get you through the rest of the winter in style.
Barbour Women’s Riva Ankle Boots, available at Geiger’s, $250
If there’s one item in your winter closet that’s not worth skimping out on, is a good pair of winter boots. Geiger’s, which has store locations in Lakewood, Chagrin Falls and downtown Cleveland has no shortage of good footwear to get you through the snow, sleet and slush. This cozy pair of boots is a chic twist on a hiking boot, styled in a gray faux-fur lining but still having a thick leather sole to keep your socks dry. 14710 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-1771, 50 Shopping Plaza Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-247-4900, shopgeigers.com
Black Coat from William Frederick, $725
William Frederick’s newest line had a distinct theme of wool materials both in its jackets, pants and shirts. Inspired by French new wave films, this simple black coat from his collection features a wrap-around belt that makes it versatile and winter-ready. Made from deadstock material, the coat was made to withstand the Cleveland winter, with a wool and nylon blend that makes the piece water-resistant for those days you get caught in a snowy rain. “The fact it's a solid black makes it easily approachable. It’s not overwhelming in terms of color or style,” says McNicol. “I think the fact that it can be worn multiple ways is something that kind of elevates it from a traditional black coat into a more statement piece.” williamfrederickclothing.com
Mt. Legend Knit from Legend Headwear, $25
Let’s be honest, you’re not from Cleveland if you don’t have a signature beanie you live in during the winter. Beyond being the perfect headwear for the cold seasons, the soft house-spun acrylic beanies made by local company Legend Headwear have some distinct patches that give them a cool style and personality to them. No matter the design you choose, all of the beanies have thick insulation of a winter coat, but this one features a polar bear and igloo on the front in an all too perfect ode to surviving the Ohio snow. “That's just kind of something that we thought would look cool or fun that people would like,” says CEO Jake Miller. legendheadwear.com
Zip Up fleece from Everarbor, $69
This local outdoor brand has everything you need for your next cold-weather hike or road trip, and Cleveland Magazine has recognized it in the past as a great go-to outdoors brand. Above all else, its pieces are made to withstand the cold and keep you comfortable for any outdoor activities you’ll want to take on. Made with 100% polyester, this zip-up fleece provides a lot of warmth, while still has a design that works perfectly as a layering piece under thicker jackets or sweaters. “You're still going to be able to walk, hike, bike or even if you're backpacking and you need something that you can take off at night, and it'll be dry for you by the time the morning comes," says owner Derek Skapes. “So that's how we go about trying to narrow in on the details of the textiles and the garments.” 2617 Scranton Road, Cleveland, 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 730, Woodmere, 440-823-7945, everarborco.com
Mocha Cardigan available at Shoppe Flora, $132
Although Shoppe Flora’s owner Abigail Kennedy hails from more tropical climates, her shop still has a wide choice of knitwear for you to wrap yourself up in for the rest of the winter season. You can find everything from shapely cardigans or cozy pullovers in her Parma-based store, but if you’re looking for an easy piece to keep you warm every day, this beige cashmere cardigan has a relaxed silhouette that pairs well with dresses, high-waisted jeans and even sweatpants. 5957 State Road, Suite 2, Parma, 216-421-6855, shoppeflora.com
Polyester Fur Scarf from No Basis, $22
Located in North Olmsted, this local clothing company is all about comfortable pieces that have an edge, whether it’s the spiked fabric masks or T-shirts with hilarious sayings. For the winter, pick up one of its thick and durable faux fur scarves that keep you warm around the neck and add a bit of drama to your outfit. The scarf features the company’s logo patch and can be wrapped around or draped on the shoulders. 4954 Great Northern Mall, 4954 Great Northern Blvd., North Olmsted, 440-782-1549, nobasis.co
