What Men Fashion Styles to Watch Out in this Winter?

We can all try and deny it but summer is officially over and now is mid of winter. It’s time to turn out the closet and change the thin spring/summer clothes for thicker, warmer clothing. The men’s winter 2011 trends are all about smart and fashionable winter-weather dressing.

We always associate winter with dark dull colors because that is what they are; the sunny bright days is being replaced by the bitter cold weather. However, forget the usual blacks, charcoals and grey as another trend has taken over the streets. Colors are a big feature for this coming season. Everything is being revamped into a wide range of colors and prints. The usual dark ensemble is being replaced with a burst of bright daring colors. Designers such as Burberry and Vivienne Westwood have shown a lot of blues, reds and greens while daring designers such as D&G have gone for eye-catching orange.

Another fashion styles that deserve a watchful eye is the clothing’s material. This season, materials are given as much attention to as the design of an outfit. Tweeds used to be thick and itchy but now, the tweed that is currently stirring a trend in winter season is softer and lighter. It is sturdy without being too restrictive.

When deciding on a jacket to beat the cold winter, how about these cool aviator jackets? This trendy life-saver in the bitter winter has become a popular addition in runways. It made an appearance in Burberry Prorsum, Lanvin, Hermes and Trussardi 2011's shows.

Some of the prevailing trends for this season’s men’s autumn winter accessories are faux fur and leather. There is a wealthy amount of fur and sheepskin trapper hats on the high street this season. These items can make all the difference when put together with an outfit for winter.

A few years ago men hardly had the opportunity of such a large choice of gloves. But thankfully fashion is stepping forward and today a good variety of design and fabrics are being offered to the gents. Many designers such as Lanvin and Giuliano Fujiwara welcome this accessory on their runways. Gloves are not only one of the coolest fashion accessories but it also helps keep you warm and comfortable through the bitter cold season. Opt for a pair of leather gloves if you wish to portray that ‘gentlemen style’.

Just because it is winter does not mean you should abandon your fashion sense for the season. Stay up to date with trends just as how you would with summer and your winter will no longer be as dull.

Men Winter Grooming YES and NO

There is a misconception among man - an idea that is so wrongly construed that it is actually one of the greatest fallacies, well at least to me. We are referring to the term “metrosexual”. When you say metrosexual, it sort of instigates the question of a person’s sexuality. That has in turn created a stigma that a man can’t be into a lifestyle where he takes good care of himself without being coined a metrosexual. So, let us make it straight once and for all men, grooming is something that you owe to your body. So here’s some basic do’s and dont’s of grooming, especially when winter comes around.

The DO’s



1. Do moisturize



With winter comes dry skin, so it’s important to quench your skin’s thirst with a good moisturizer. An important tip though when you choose your moisturizer is to steer clear of the ones with alcohol as alcohol strip skin’s natural oils.



2. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen



You might think, it’s the winter season. What are the chances of me being exposed to sunrays? On the contrary, winter sun is even more concentrated once they reflect off white snow. So slap on a layer of sunscreen with full spectrum UVA/UVB protection before you leave the house.



3. Do drink lots of water

Did you know that we tend to not feel thirst in cold weather hence the body doesn’t send out an urge for you to drink water? Your skin might feel the effects of this, even more so during winter when it’s dry. But, fact is it can be fatal when you’ve reached the point of dehydration.



4. Do wear a hat



By that, we mean do provide some sort of warmth for your head region. It is a little known fact that the head is a primary point of heat loss. Whether it is a hooded jacket or your pick of winter headgear, make sure that your head is well-protected from the harsh elements.

5. Do hit the gym



With the holiday season upon us, it is the time of the year for family gatherings, delectable feasts, and just basically fond memories in front of a roaring fire. A gym is the last thing on anyone’s mind. But that is where you are wrong. Exercising facilitates blood circulation and keeps that glow in your face when everyone else’s is literally looking grey from the cold.

The DONT'S



1. Don’t overdo alcohol



Alcohol is one of the many methods used to keep warm during those bitterly cold days. But does it really have that effect? According to the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems, the answer is a big fat no. So, try not to take the term “drink and be merry” too literally.

2. Don’t overeat



We know it is hard to resist that sumptuous Christmas meal spread in front of you. And with all the office parties and New Years gatherings, you’ll be eating your way through the winter season. Let’s try to keep the fatty food and sinful desserts at a bare minimum shall we. Maybe when you find out that these foods have a detrimental effect on your skin it would be easier to say no.



3. Don’t lick lips



Next time when you’re out on the street during cold weather, try to fight the instinct of licking your chapped lips. Instead, always carry around a lip balm and whip it out whenever necessary. Pay no heed to those buddies who are giving you hell for using a “women’s product”.



4. Don’t go caveman



Yes, the tousled up, out of bed, devil may care hairdo is dominating the runways. But don’t, never overboard and throw your shaving routine out the window even if the facial hair helps in keeping your face warm in winter draft. We don’t want to end up looking like Chewbacca from Star Wars do we?



5. Don’t take hot baths/showers



When you are stuck outdoors during frigid weather, does the thought of a steaming, hot shower entice you? Fact is, the steam from a hot shower causes more damage to the skin than good. It enlarges the pores and thus allowing locked moisture inside the skin to escape. Opt for lukewarm water instead to lessen the aggravation on dry skin during winter.

Nike Sportwears Air Yeezy 2 - Black/Pink

The general aesthetics of the Nike Air Yeezy 2 hasn’t really been a mystery, having since been seen a multitude of times on the feet of Kanye West. We can thank to the hardworking paparazzi for snapping up these shots of Kanye rocking the latest creation in the streets of New York. Seen in a black/pink colorway with a glow-in-the-dark outsole, the overall silhouette is more or less unchanged, yet there is a snake skin, or similar material, used on the ankle paneling.

5 Men Fashion Styles to Avoid in Winter 2011

With Christmas and New Year’s around the corner, you know it’s that time of the year again. No, we are not talking about presents and fireworks. It’s that dreaded onslaught of bitter winter weather and a time when even the most fashion conscious men are taking a hiatus on style. You can opt for comfort but let’s not dismiss fashion entirely shall we? Consider this a guide men fashion trends for 2011 winter you can avoid in pursuit of warmth and comfort during the frigid months ahead.

1. Patterned Chunky Knits

Over-sized chunky details on sweaters are all the rage this season, making it one of the strongest trends to hit Fall/Winter 2011 runways for women and men alike. Such knits are distressed in such a way from larger than life cabling to exaggerated ribbing, leaving wearers to think that this might just be hand-knitted. But, the look can make you look bulkier than you actually are. So, err on the side of caution with this trend, for those of you who anticipate to put on some holiday weight.

2. Oversized Coats

A well lined coat is a staple during the winter, an essential to brave the cold. We’re still seeing plenty of exquisitely tailored coats for Fall/Winter 2011. But, the oversized trend has made its mark on coats. At the Acne show, coats that are way past knee length billows behind the model as they strut their way down the runway. I ask myself, are these appropriate for the winter, especially when you’re trudging through inch deep snow.

3. Men in Black Fashion?

Hues of dark color such as black have always been a frequent element for winter. Breaking free of the shackles of traditional winter palette, designers are showing an influx of bright colors in their 2011 collection. So, ditch the black ensemble and go for an outfit with a pop of color to brighten up those gloomy winter days.

4. Need flamboyant headwear?

Novelty hats have become a thing of the runway, providing necessary theatricality that elevates the collection to another level. Note, Agnes B or Alexander Mcqueen’s Fall/Winter 2011 menswear show where pirate and military head gears are heavily accentuated. At risk of looking like you’re heading for a Halloween party, let’s keep the winter hats in check and stick with your basic ski caps, fedoras, newsboy hats and bowlers.

5. Your Favorite Suede!

For those of you who receive snow during the winter, avoid suede at all cost! Be it a badass suede jacket, suede boots or chic suede pants. It’s a known fact that suede loses its integrity when worn through damp weather, i.e. rain or snow.

What else that we have miss out? Share with us those styles that you think it should not be in during this winter.