Wednesday, January 12, 2011

How to Be Hot in the Winter: For Guys

As promised, here's Part Two of the Hot series....this time, for all your gents! C'mon, you know you want to read this and find out how to look your hottest and NOT freeze your butt off. I will assure you, even though I am female, I did make sure all of these suggestions were as manly as possible. ;)

Head
Solid or patched, like above^
Okay, before you shoot me, hear me out completely. You can wear hats and not look like an idiot or a 8 year old. The hats that are truly in fashion are the cap-like plaid hats, which not only keep your head warm, but you also don't have to worry about your hair that day. Not that you would, but ehh, it makes dressing in the morning a lot quicker. So, even if you aren't Welsh or British, a plaid hat paired with a sexy leather jacket has a really "dapper" look to it (dapper, by the way, means classy). Only a man truly confident can rock a hat. And by definition, I'm talking about this kind of cap not those plaid baseball-style hats (plaid? Seriously? NO), or the engineer caps. (Those are for girls).

Hats to avoid are those gangster pin-striped hats and the Mad Bomber hats. They are way too overrated and actually make you look like a dork. And the bomber hats are for when you're skiing only. Just do not tie the flaps under your chin!
Also, just as a side note, beanies are cool. They really really mess up your hair, but for hunting, snowboarding, etc, they're a win-win. Plus, the ruffled hair makes you look cute. Just don't wear them inside, please. No one wants a reminder that it's 15 degrees outside.
Other things to avoid: Ear puffs, muffs, warmers, etc. Unless they are a sleek black "wrap around the back of the head" kind. Otherwise, ditch it.

Neck
"Once-around" tied scarf
Scarf. Ah, a dreaded word. I don't know why though, because scarves aren't always as girly as most guys make them out to be. As long as you have the right make/kind of scarf and you know how to tie it properly, you are still quite a man. Scarves can keep your neck from the biting wind, and also add a snazzy element to your winter outfit. (Not that you would really care, but let's not go there).
First, what kind of scarf? Preferably, a thick cotton one is ideal. Sorry, no Grandma knits in blaring stripes. Ick. It should be a cream, black, slate gray or brown scarf of medium length and width (remember, the thinner the girlier, the thicker the manlier but within reason) and no gaudy fringe. Simplistic and sleek is best.
Next, you need to know that flopping one side of the scarf over your shoulder like a Peanuts character is not hot. Learn to tie it correctly and handsomely. The key is making you look hotter not weirder. Here's a link for two acceptably hot styles of scarf-tying. (With that link I only like the first two, the last two are too girly)
AND REMEMBER: It is not completely gay to wear a scarf. (No offense to anyone gay, of course) It keeps a part of you warmer, (by preventing chilly air from going down into your coat. Oo la la) and is essential for you looking like a sexy guy who has it all together. Think "different and daring" because that's what it is.


Hands/Feet ♦
Non-bulky & sleek
The one thing that guys can get away with is wearing thick warm gloves alot. For some reason, women have a hard time finding gloves that are both warm and cute. For guys, your choices are endless and alot easier. In fact, sometimes I wish I had the guts enough to wear guys' gloves, because they are so much better than their female counterparts! Stay away from leather gloves with "knit" side expanders, because they look dorky. A classic, sleek black glove is always hot. Mittens are a no-go, obviously. Stick with having at least two pairs of gloves; one acceptably hot to wear to a wedding or formal (sleeker the better), and one for keeping your doigts toasty (bulky or whatever you need to stay warm/get the job done). The glove should reach just beyond your wrist but not any longer. And make sure you're wearing gloves that fit your hands. Tight fingered gloves are gross. But floppy gloves don't do their job either. When you put on a glove, clench your fist. If there is too much pressure on the creases of your fingers, get larger gloves.
STOMP POWAH
Okay, feet. Boots in style for guys this winter season are military style commando snow boots, and logger boots. There should be no fur, fluff, or frizz on your boots. That's reserved for girls. Find me a furry boot that looks manly, and I'll take it back. But I haven't been convinced yet. And probably won't, ever.
Good traction is key, and a steel toe option also is good for added "toe security." Also, if it's snowing outside, don't wear Etnies okay? What if your car breaks down and you have to walk ten miles to the nearest gas station? Your ankles by the time you get there will be blue and frozen = totally not good. Finding a non-clompy boot for everyday stuff is essential. And don't forget to wear sweat-resistant socks like SmartWool socks inside your boots. You'll be glad you did. :)


Outfit Inspirations
I'm not going to say alot for this, because mainly, this is wear my female-ness has to draw the line. I would like to just say something about coats/etc, though. The huge, bulky, pillow vests some guys wear are 1) not attractive and 2) they don't even keep you warm! If you wear it over a long sleeve and the armholes are as big as Kansas, how is that keeping the cold out? Ditch it, yo.

Coats. Leather ones are hot, but have them lined with flannel, down, etc. By themselves, leather isn't really that warm (even though it is pretty wind resistant), but do not bulk up on layers to compensate. A pea coat, military-style jacket, a trench coat, anything like that is more warmer.

So, there you go guys. :] Best of luck on staying warm and being "hot" this winter!
For you,

3 comments:

  1. btw- That hat looks strangely familiar..... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, way to tell the guys what's hot and what's NOT! :) Good job. Hopefully, they'll take some of your excellent advice and maybe find out that they'll get a few more dates to boot because of it! ;)

    ReplyDelete

i'm curious, what are your thoughts on this? thanks for sharing!
-lizzie