Winter is here, are you ready.
Fashion can be one of the most polarizing topics among people all over the world. Who truly decides what becomes the next trendy winter hat? Is it celebrities? Could it be fashion designers? Do you just follow what the advertisers tell you? If you are just a regular Joe like myself, wading through the noise to get a simple yet striking style, can be a monumental undertaking. I have scoured the internet to put together a simple layman's guide for busy men and women so you can stay ahead of the fashion trends that matter to you.
Number One: Slouchy Beanie
There is a style of beanies out there that has been around for a very long time but is still somehow relatively unknown. That is the slouchy beanie. A slouchy beanie is not worn like a traditional beanie but has more space in the crown and is also worn more towards the back of your head. This beanie is great to wear in more temperate climates like California where "cold", really isn't that cold. This is a great new take on the traditional beanie. Check out some of the great ways to wear this versatile beanie below.
Number 2: The Infinity Scarf
The "infinity scarf" also known as a snood scarf is a style that I only recently became aware of. The best way to describe this style is that it is a super long scarf that is wrapped around your neck repeatedly. It has a bunched up but stylish look that has been worn by both men and women, and stars and starlets. If you are looking to turn heads while staying warm this winter, then this is the scarf for you. It can be worn with a wide variety of outfits and can be found in several different styles. Take a look here at some awesome infinity scarves available.
Number 3: Flip Top Gloves
Sometimes you want your fingers protected and other times you want to let those fingers roam. That is the beauty of flip top gloves. These versatile gloves can be worn as mittens but can also be converted into fingerless gloves. Like most men, I really hate making simple decisions. While they won't help me decide what food to eat for dinner, or what to do on a Saturday night, they can help be decide between gloves and mittens. It truly is the best of both hand accessory worlds.
Number 4: Santa Hats
The Santa hat. One of the most iconic hats worn in December since the birth of Christ(Slight embellishment) is still as popular as ever. You can't walk a block without seeing somebody sporting one of these fun hats. They are not just fun for kids. Casually wearing Santa hats has actually been widely accepted for adults both at work and at play.
Number 5: The Ugly Sweater
Ahhh, the ugly sweater, one of my most favorite things about the holiday season. Gone are the days of flipping through the racks at the Goodwill to find the most perfect ugly sweater. The ugly sweaters of today are actually designed to be ugly, on purpose. I don't know if they are hipster, or fashionable or what have you, I just love them. You better shop for one soon before they only have the pretty ones left.
Number 6: Trooper and Trapper Hats
The next one on the list is the trooper and trapper hat. This is my personal favorite on this list. If you have not ever worn a trooper hat it is easily the most comfortable hat in existence today. With the fur lining and the long ear flaps, it is an integral part of the winter wardrobe. Not many outdoor excursions should take place without this trusted cranial companion.
Number 7: Animal Beanie Hats
Animal beanie hats is a style that really picked up steam last year and continues to be a fun way to stay warm and have fun for both kids and adults alike. That trend looks like it will continue, as you can even find these types of hats on the shelf of your local 7 Eleven stores. When you see it at 7 Eleven you know it has hit the mainstream. These hats also come with mitten paws attached for added warmth and whimsy. Most of the MVP's of the animal kingdom can be found including pandas, monkeys, dogs, tigers, and even frogs.
Number 8: Ski Mask
Ski and snow season is here. Now skiing and snowboarding is nothing new, and people have been hitting the slopes for decades now, but the gear has changed. Enter the neoprene ski mask. There are hundreds of cool designs out there for every person and every personality. Whether you are a winter bad boy and skulls are your thing you can find that. If you are more on the nerdy side you will find Transformers, and Hannibal designs. For the hipster (most might never admit it) you can find mustache designed face masks all across god's green internet.
Number 9: Corduroy Everything
Corduroy is making a comeback (I never thought I would ever write that). Believe I was just as surprised as you, in finding out. Alas, the Prince of texture, the sultan of swag, and the king of casual is making it's triumphant return to the world of fashion. Corduroy hats, pants, bags, purses, children's clothes, high fashion apparel, and so many other bits of fashion are creeping back in style. Corduroy has always been the "Little Engine that Could" but it not only can it is, and it can be found all throughout popular fashion today.
Number 10: The Watch is Back in Style
Many people have a love, hate relationship with a watch. Believe me, for the first 24 years of my life, the last thing I would ever be asking for this Christmas would be a watch. Flash forward to today, the watch has become an integral part of my daily fashion repertoire. It seems like I am not only in my new found appreciation for the watch. Both men and women are wearing watches more and more, and most are doing for for the fashion benefits and not to become more punctual.