The pea coat has a rich history of badass. Taking its original roots from use as a protective garment worn by the legendary Arab horsemen of the Muslim armies, it was later popularized by European navies because of its unique protective features. Made of heavy high quality wool it is identified by the double-breasted front, slash pockets, and large, bold in your face buttons. The lapels are always broad, with a large collar. If there was ever a collar that was made to be popped, this is it gentlemen! Unlike the Gino lack lustre polos, popping the collar on one of these bad boys will protect you from the elements such as rain, wind and heavy snow. A good quality pea coat is made of durable wool which is water-repellent and designed to protect you in the high seas. The modern name pea coat originates from the fact that the Dutch navy had manufactured their coats for naval officers out of a heavy duty fabric called a “P-cloth” (pijjekker in Dutch). They make this style staple for all budgets from $100 coats at H&M to $5000 pieces of art by Tom Ford, so if you want to bring presence to your outfit, rock the classic pea coat this winter.

For some excellent advice about fashion visit the Metropolitan.

When first conceived sneakers were designed for the gym, athletes, and children under the age of ten, however, today many people from all walks of life can be seen donning these comfortable shoes. So how does one select a stylish pair that is more suited to the streets as opposed to the courts? Let us take a look at some basic guidelines that are sure to put a spring in your step.

Certain shoes such as the Nike Shocks pictured above were clearly designed for athletic use only and are only suited as such because use on the streets will only make you appear to be extremely fashion inept. So   stay clear of any sneaker with tacky colours, obscene amounts of plastic, or gimmicks such as the pump on "Reebok Pumps". As a general rule the trendy person would never pair cross trainers or basketball shoes with their street clothes, however, the Converse "Chuck Taylor" pictured below is an exemption as it pairs nicely with a pair of skinny jeans. So unless you are planning to be extremely physically active, leave the athletic shoes in the locker room.

Opt for classic designs, i.e. anything low-cut and simplistic. When it comes to pairing sneakers with jeans the understated shoes are much more attractive to something ostentatious such as a pair of Air Force Ones.

The "Run DMC" model by Adidas pictured above is a perfect example of a pair of shoes that fits all of the mentioned criteria. Also steer clear of hybrid shoes such as the one from Aldo Shoes pictured below. You aren't fooling anybody with shoes like that, they are neither sneakers, nor dress shoes. They are extremely chunky and unfashionable....sort of like wearing a pair of leather clogs on your feet!

One thing that most people often overlook is the socks that they wear. Nothing ruins a nice pair of shoes like white sport socks. Sport socks should be relegated to gym use only, rather opt for ankle socks such as the ones pictured below. It will lead to a much cleaner look.