Guide to Men's Geek Chic Style

While it may seem crazy to think that someone might want to dress like a geek, there’s no denying that “geek chic” has become one of the most popular fashion trends of the past few years. This look has more to do with looking intelligent and book-smart than socially inept, and fashion-forward men the world over have used this to their advantage. While getting the girl and dressing in a nerdy way are typically not associated with one another, those who have the confidence to be able to pull off the intellectual look can expect plenty of women to pay attention. Dressing in this way doesn’t need to be difficult, and the following tips can have you well on your war to looking like you’ve read more than a few American classics in your day.

Consider Suspenders
Suspenders are a big part of the geeky intellectual look, and can look truly fantastic on the right guy. Adding suspenders to a wardrobe is actually a lot easier than most people think. Stick with those which are bold in color in order to ensure that they stand out effectively; red suspenders, for example, will certainly draw a great deal of attention to themselves. If you’re going to wear suspenders, be sure to stick with a white dress shirt underneath, which will help to highlight the suspenders even more.

Glasses Are Crucial
No one wants to have poor vision, but those who do are in luck when it comes to trying to embrace geek chic fashion. Glasses can change a person’s appearance in a number of ways, and are perhaps the most important accessory for those who are striving for the geeky look. Choose thick-framed glasses in black for best results; think Buddy Holly and Rivers Cuomo from Weezer. If you really want to take things over the top, don’t hesitate to throw a bit of white tape over the middle of the glasses; while it may be a stereotype, it’s a greats way to turn heads and makes for an excellent conversational piece.

Don’t Neglect the Tie
Ties are worn in a variety of different situations, and in and of themselves aren’t nerdy whatsoever. That said, striving towards a geeky ensemble practically requires one to wear a tie at some point or another. When going for this look, stick to skinny ties that feature dark neutral colors. Bold-colored ties are certainly applicable in many different situations, but don’t typically add to the geek chic trend. For best results, stick with solid-colored ties, which typically connote intelligence without bringing any extra attention to themselves. Also, I suggest you tie the skinny tie slightly loose with a simple Four in Hand knot.

Accessorize
Glasses and ties certainly count as two perfect accessories for this look, but you can do far more if you want to really ramp things up. If you wear a dress shirt with a pocket, for example, you can add a fun, casual element to your look by throwing a few pens in the pocket. You might even want to consider wearing a bow-tie every once in a while, which can look great when paired with thick-rimmed black glasses. The more you experiment with accessories, the quicker you’ll learn what works best for you.

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5 Men's Fashion Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

The fashion industry is rife with trends, some of which stick around for long periods of time and some of which die out mere days after appearing in the public eye. While trends are necessary in order for fashion to move in a forward direction, a great deal of those which become popular are no less than atrocious, and do nothing to make men look more attractive. Indeed, some trends should simply have died off before they ever found popularity, and the industry can only learn from past mistakes. Identifying trends that didn’t work in the past is a great way to avoid committing fashion sins in the future, and is crucial for any fashion-forward guy. The following are just five men’s fashion trends that should never have found the popularity they did.

1. Layered Polos
When setting out for the “preppy” look, polo shirts are an absolute must. That said, one of the biggest mistakes that one can make is trying to layer Polos on top of one another, a look that screams pretension and douchebaggery. If you want to look like you fit into your nearest frat house, by all means adopt this look. Otherwise, stick to a single polo like most normal people tend to do.

2. Skate Shoes
In order to get the most out of skateboarding, you’ve got to have the right shoes. Puffy skate shoes may protect your feet when getting ready to get a kick-flip in gear, but they won’t do you any favors when it comes to trying to dress fashionably. If you want to wear skate shoes, fine; just keep them in the skate park for best results, as they should never be incorporated into even the most casual of situations.

3. Wallet Chains
No one wants their wallet to get stolen. It makes sense, then, why one might want to incorporate a wallet chain into their ensemble. The fact is, however, wallet chains tend to be far less attractive than most people make them out to be. No matter how grungy you want to dress, you’ll be far better off staying away from wallet chains and just staying out of sketchy areas to avoid a robbery.

4. Popped Collars
The popped collar is synonymous with preppy dress, and has waxed and waned in popularity of the years on college campuses everywhere. Popping your collar may seem like a good idea, but it’s guaranteed to make you look pretentious and overly concerned about your image. If you want to make new friends, leave your collar down in its normal position.

5. Crocs
There are many reasons why a guy might want to own a pair of Crocs; they’re ideal for those who work in professional kitchens. That said, Crocs are never fashionable, and can actually take away from even the most attractive of outfits. If you need Crocs for functionality purposes, that’s fine - so long as you keep it that way.

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Finding Your Perfect Winter Hat

For men who find themselves spending a lot of time outdoors during the winter, choosing the right winter hat is of the utmost importance. After all, there’s nothing worse than trudging through the streets in the freezing cold without anything to keep your head warm; especially if it’s snowing. The right winter hat will not only serve to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable, but can even help you to look better than you might without it. Choosing the perfect hat can be difficult given the amount of different styles and brands on the market. With the following tips on your side, however, you’ll have the knowledge it takes to pick the hat that is best for you and your style.

Style
The first thing you should think about when shopping for a men’s winter hat is its style. Winter hats are available in a variety of different styles, each of which brings its own unique flair to the table. Ski hats (beanies) are immensely popular amongst those who like to stay active, and are perfect for accessorizing with a casual outfit; on or off the mountain. For those who are looking for a more fashionable winter hat, however, you may want to consider Russian winter hats, which typically feature real fur and can be quite the fashion statement when worn with the right outfit. If you don’t live in an exceptionally cold area, you can easily accessorize with a fedora or cabbie cap; while neither provide excessive warmth, they can be very fashionable when worn in the right climate.

Color
Many people don’t realize just how important it is to focus on color when choosing a winter hat. Ski hats are typically available in a variety of different colors, and can actually be quite colorful at times. When pairing with ski attire, “the louder the better” is often the right model to follow. That said, those who are interested in wearing more stylish attire will do well by purchasing a hat that is neutral in color; shades of black, brown or beige come to mind, and can be very attractive. The color hat you choose should come down primarily to the type of clothing you tend to wear on a daily basis. For example, those who work in the professional sector and are looking for a great winter hat for daily wear should consider wearing a hat that is neutral in color, which can be paired with a variety of different types of clothing.

Fabric
Choosing a winter hat made out of the right fabric can drastically increase your ability to stay warm and look good during the winter. Ski hats and cabbie caps tend to be made out of wool, of which there are many different varities. Merino wool, for example, is derived from sheep, and is prized for its soft, comfortable feel. Other wools (such as Mohair, for example) tend to be less expensive, yet some find them to be relatively itchy. Avoid retro blends of wool, which tend to be excessively itchy. You may also want to consider hats that are made with fur, so long as the material is 100% natural. Natural fur and fibers are softer, more comfortable and warmer than those which are artificially produced, and should always take precedent over the competition.

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Five Stylish Winter Boots for Men

2012 is off to a rather chilly start in many parts of the country, with snow, ice and raw winds all becoming daily staples. For those who are interested in fashion, however, the winter is the perfect time for accessorizing with a new pair of boots. The best winter boots are those which are not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well. By putting in the proper amount of time and effort, you can drastically increase your chances of finding the pair of winter boots that is right for you. The following are just a few of the best pairs of men’s winter boots for 2012, all of which can help you to look good while keeping warm during the coldest months of the year.

Kenneth Cole Tie-Land (pictured above)
Kenneth Cole is well-known for their high-quality, yet inexpensive men’s clothing and accessories, and their footwear is no exception. Kenneth Cole’s Tie-Land boot is a sturdy lace-up style item that has been inspired directly by the classic work boot, and practically oozes style. Featuring a capped toe, rugged rubber sole and detailed top-stitching, it’s no wonder why this boot is so popular. The inner zipper closure ensure that your feet stay warm and comfortable no matter what the temperature, and the plush leather lining makes it feel as if you’re walking on clouds even when you’re heading down an icy sidewalk. This boot looks especially attractive when paired with boot-cut denim jeans; preferably of a dark wash.

Steve Madden Troopah
Leather lace-up boots are very much in style at the moment, and Troopah by Steve Madden is a high-quality boot at a fraction of the price of those offered by many competitors. Handsome, stylish and rugged, this boot is the perfect option for those who live in cold-weater climates, yet don’t want to sacrifice style for functionality. Inspired by classic combat boots, Steven Madden Troopahs feature a durable round toe, tongue-hugging lacing and a sturdy 1-inch heel. This boot can be worn either fully laced-up and paired with denim jeans and a v-neck sweater to make the perfect ensemble for the casual office during mid-winter, and the man-made sole means that you’re getting a product that has been truly thought through from beginning to end. Given the style of this boot, it can be very effective when paired with forest-green cargo pants and a beige/light-brown v-neck sweater for a fashionable play on military attire.

Diesel Basket Butch
Diesel is a highly-recognizable brand in men’s fashion, and happens to release some of the most attractive, yet durable footwear on the market, with their Basket Butch boot being no exception. Styled after military boots, they feature a leather upper, as well as a lace-up front complete with metal eyelets. The padded collar and smooth, lined insole make for an extremely comfortable experience whether walking on icy pavement or rugged wooded terrain. Skinny, tight-fitting grey jeans and a black leather jacket will bring out the punk in this boot and surely turn a few heads.

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