Tag Archives: What to Wear

Boat shoes

What to Wear with Boat Shoes

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Boat shoes

Boat shoes are a unique shoe in the fact that they are not quite a formal shoe and they are not quite an ultra-casual shoe like the loafer. Because it is sort of in between, the boat shoe can be worn with a wide variety of outfits. They are considered to be a three season shoe and the only season that you should not wear them in is winter.

About the only thing that you can’t wear boat shoes with is a suit and tie or a tuxedo. Other than that, boat shoes go with almost anything. Here are some examples of what to wear with boat shoes:

•    Shorts and collared shirts: Wearing a nice pair of shorts and a ‘Polo style’ collared shirt will give you the casual preppy look. You can choose to tuck your shirt in if you desire or you can look equally as good leaving it untucked. Typically with this look you will not want to wear socks. You can complete the ultimate preppy look if you drape a sweater over your shoulders. Finish the look with a designer pair of sun glasses and you are dressed nice enough for just about any occasion.
•    Jeans and button down shirts: Some will argue that boat shoes don’t look good with jeans and a button down shirt, but some will argue otherwise. If you decide to go with this look be sure to wear a looser fit of jeans as tight jeans will not look right at all. The shirt should be long sleeved and more of a casual button down as opposed to a dressier one. Leaving a few of the top buttons of the shirt undone will give the casual look that will look good with the boat shoes. With this look socks are optional.
•    Slacks and button down shirts: This is the perfect outfit for the boat shoe. A nice pair of khaki pants with a long sleeved button down shirt looks very natural. Like with shorts, you can drape a sweater around your shoulders to get the preppy look. The nice thing with khakis is that you can wear a wide variety of colors in relation to your button down shirt. Your boat shoes and khakis will look equally as well with a white button down or even a darker color button down like maroon or black. As with jeans, socks are optional with this look.
•    Socks: For two of the three styles it is totally up to you on whether or not you want to wear socks but you should stick to a specific style of socks if you decide to wear them. Go with ankle socks that are barely noticeable if you do wear socks as this kind will come off the closest to no socks which is the traditional look for boat shoes.

Quality boat shoes will not come to you cheaply, but if properly taken care of you can enjoy these versatile shoes for several seasons before they need to be replaced.

Bowling

What to Wear Bowling

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Bowling

Possibly one of the best ways to enjoy an evening out is to go bowling. Bowling can make for a great family night or can even make a great date night. If you really get into bowling you can join a league and enhance the fun you have by participating on a weekly basis. To fully enjoy your bowling time you should dress the right way but how is that?

No there is not a rule book on what you have to wear while bowling but there are some garments that will allow you to look the part and be comfortable as well. Here’s what you need:

•    Shoes: You will have to wear special bowling shoes when you bowl. You can either buy yourself a pair that you like or you can rent them for a couple of dollars at any alley you like. Be sure that you are wearing socks when you bowl, especially if you are renting shoes as you never know who wore the shoes before you. If you do buy your own pair have fun with this. Bowling shoes are known to be hideous looking but these days they come in all sorts of fun fashions and designs. Choose a pair that will compliment your personality.
•    Pants: Relaxed fit are the operative words here. If you are wearing pants that are too tight you will no doubt be uncomfortable and that may lead to a lousy game and a lousy time. Save the tight jeans for another night. If you like you can also wear shorts. The point is to wear something that is going to be easy to move around in. It’s hard to bowl strikes when you are as stiff in the pants as Frankenstein.
•    Shirts: Ah the ever popular bowling shirt. These can be picked up at almost any bowling alley or a specialty store that deals in bowling apparel. The great thing about bowling shirts is that you can get them custom made with your name on it in almost any design imaginable. Like the pants you wear, you also want your shirt to fit rather loosely. If you are going to join a league you may want to hold off on buying your own bowling shirt as league members are usually required to wear matching shirts so you will end up with one after you get onto a team. A word of warning; bowling shirts can be uncomfortable to sensitive skin so you may want to wear an undershirt underneath your bowling shirt.
•    Accessories: Aside of a bowling ball, which you may eventually want to buy for yourself, there really isn’t much that can be added to your bowling attire. You can wear a wrist guard if you like to help stabilize your wrist for a trickier shot and some people like to wear sweat bands around their wrists as well.

Now at least you can look the part of a bowler. As for the gutter balls, you’ll have to get lessons to help with that.

Mountain biking

What to Wear Mountain Biking

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Mountain biking

Riding through a pristine forest on a mountain bike is a lot of fun! However, it’s only a good time if you dress the part. The difference between an exciting time or a miserable experience that you may never want to do again is all in how you dress. Here are some basics to make your outing as fun as it can possibly be.

1) Helmet. First and foremost you must wear a helmet. This is a safety precaution that cannot be overlooked. Helmets come in many different shapes and range in price from 20 to 150 dollars. Helmets of all prices meet the same safety standards, it’s just that those on the low end of the price range have less ventilation openings so they may feel hotter. Now just be sure to wear your helmet at all times as it’s probably the most critical safety element.

2)  Shorts. Many people wear Lycra cycling shorts. Most Lycra shorts have a pad on the inside which can add protection from a hard bike seat. An added benefit of Lycra shorts is that they hold the large leg muscle groups in stabilized position and can cause you to be less tired at the end of a long ride. It’s usually best to wear a pair of Lycra shorts close to the skin and then a nylon type of outer shorts on top. The outer shorts can be made of nylon and are often resistant to stickers or any other small branches as you ride along a trail.

3)  Shirt. Typically the best shirts for mountain biking are those that are very breathable and are known to wick the sweat away. Cotton is very absorbent and can literally make you feel like you’ve been out in the rain after a long ride. Many riders wear a backpack to hold water and bike repair items and find that their backs become overheated when wearing cotton shirts.

4)  Socks. Socks are important and can be made of cotton or other sweat-wicking material. Dark socks are best at hiding the inevitable mud and dirt that will be splashed on the rider.

5)  Gloves. Gloves are necessary addition to any mountain biker’s wardrobe. They serve two main purposes. First, should you fall off of your bike they will protect your hands from the ground. Second, gloves will protect your hands from branches and stickers that may overhang onto the trail.

6)  Shoes. Mountain biking shoes are known to be very stiff so that they can’t bend easily. This means that energy is not lost and transferred directly to the pedals. Shoes come in a variety of price ranges but most function in the same way.

During cold weather, don’t forget about the wind chill that’s caused by simply riding down the trail. Even somewhat warm days while walking a trail can seem cold with the rushing air against your skin when riding a bike. Take precautions by wearing long sleeves and longer Lycra outfits that cover your entire legs. Many mountain bikers have found that dressing like a surfer, who must battle cold waves yet be nimble enough to maneuver on a board, is a great way to prepare. Have fun on your ride!

Paintball

What to Wear to Play Paintball

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Paintball

Paintball is an ultra aggressive sport that is mostly played by the younger generations. Despite what you may hear about how paintball is safer than bowling or tennis the fact is that the people that play paintball are usually very competitive and that can mean for some serious competition. If you are not properly dresses for paintball all that aggressive competition can spell injuries.

When it comes to what you wear for a game paintball your first concern should be safety. That said you will need more than just plain clothing to keep you safe. Here is how you need to gear up for paintball:

•    Clothes: You can really wear anything you like as far as clothes go but you should be in a long sleeved shirt and pants as opposed to shorts and a t-shirt. You can certainly brave the battle field with little to nothing on but all that exposed skin will be easily welted should a paintball strike you. Obviously you will want to wear darker colors and camouflage is great for hiding your location. If you wear light and bright colors on the paintball field then you might as well scream out your location.
•    Shoes: You need to have your feet fully covered. That means you need to leave the flip-flops and sandals at your house. An uncovered foot is not a good idea while running around in the woods, especially when those woods contain paintballs whizzing by.
•    Head gear: You will need to have on a helmet that has a face guard either attached or that can slip over. The face guard should never be taken off in the middle of a game, not even to de-fog it. If it is too foggy then you need to declare yourself out and have a referee escort you to the ‘dead box.’
•    Goggles: Along with the headgear you need to wear goggles. You should never play a game of paintball without your goggles on and if you see someone not wearing their goggles then immediately report them to a referee.
•    Gloves: A bare hand getting hit by a paintball is no fun. You can lessen the pain significantly by wearing a pair of lightweight gloves.
•    Other optional equipment: You can also opt for other safety equipment if you like. One piece of safety equipment that is vital for guys is a groin cup. It may be a little uncomfortable to wear but if you get hit there with a paintball traveling at 250 feet per second, think about how much that will hurt. You can also obtain a chest guard to help absorb a hit to your torso and elbow pads and knee pads will help with all the jumping and diving you will be doing.

Paintball can be an extreme amount of fun but that fun can be cut drastically short if you are not properly dressed for the occasion. So remember, throw style out the window and focus on safety and the rest will just fall into place.

Skydiving

What to Wear Skydiving

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Skydiving

There is little that can compare to the rush you feel when you are free falling down to earth just before you open up your parachute and float blissfully down. Skydiving is a thrill that is certainly tough to match and to enjoy it properly you must wear the right apparel.

It is important to note that skydiving is not a fashion contest and anything that is worn should be in the line of function over fashion. Here is what you should wear when you get ready to go skydiving:

•    Pants: Depending on the time of year it is will depend on the type of pants you will wear. If it is warm out it is certainly acceptable to wear shorts and if it is cool out then a nice pair of jeans does the trick.
•    Shirts: The same weather rule applies with shirts. If it is hot out then you can go with a short sleeved shirt or tank top. Just be sure that the shirt is not collared. If it is cold out then wear a long sleeved shirt and again be sure there is no collar on it.
•    Jumpsuit: If you are a pro then you will have your own jumpsuit but if you are like most novices that don’t have one you can obtain one from the jump center that you will go through when going on your skydiving adventure. These jumpsuits will fit over any clothing that you have on which is why you can pretty much wear what you want underneath.
•    Shoes: Any pair of sneakers will do for skydiving so long as they lace up. A pair of high tops will give a bit more support on landing but for the most part any old pair will do.
•    Gloves and goggles: Again, you pros will have your own but for the rest of you the jump center will provide these as well. Usually you only need to wear gloves if it is on the chilly side.
•    Helmet: Again pros have them everyone else will get them from the jump center. If you have long hair it is best to put it up especially if you are doing a tandem jump where there is someone right behind you.

Along with knowing what to wear you should also know what not to wear:

•    Dresses: Girls should leave the dresses at home. Wearing one will not be very comfortable when you put the jumpsuit on.
•    Jewelry: This is for guys and girls. Leave all you jewelry at home as you don’t want anything to get caught up while you are in a free fall.
•    Shoes: As stated above you need lace up sneakers. No slip on shoes, flip-flops, or heels.

Again, skydiving is a great rush and you will get maximum enjoyment out of it when you wear the proper clothing. Remember that when you dress for your skydiving adventure you will want to go with functionality instead of style. No one will see what you are wearing under the jumpsuit anyway.

Atlantic City

What To Wear in Atlantic City

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Atlantic City

Atlantic City is virtually a gambler’s paradise. Located on the Atlantic Ocean it offers beautiful scenery, a great beach, the world’s longest boardwalk, exciting casinos, fabulous restaurants and so much more. People of all ages and all walks of life are attracted to Atlantic City. Because of this you will see an eclectic display of fashion in the city, especially in the tourist areas.

Because Atlantic City is a total resort town, many people wear resort wear. You see lots of light clothes in bright colors and patterns. Men often wear Hawaiian shirts, while women favor sundresses. Shorts and T-shirts are also commonly seen. Due to the beach being right there you will often see people wearing a bathing suit and a cover-up. Those who use the world famous boardwalk are most typically dressed in sports clothes and sneakers.

Certain casinos have dress codes for those arriving after a certain time at night. This includes bans on work clothes, T-shirts, some sports clothes, work shoes and baggy jeans. This is in order to make their establishments seem more high fashion. However for the most part casinos have no dress code and most people go there in casual attire.

If you are heading to Atlantic City, your choice of what to wear is endless. Pretty much anything goes. However, since it is a vacation spot, dressing like you are on vacation is a good tip. Bring a swimsuit or several for trips to the beach or the pool. Make sure you have a cover-up in case you decide to stop somewhere to shop or for a bite to eat. For the beach, flip flops or sandals are a good choice of footwear, but bring along sneakers or walking shoes also for those long walks on the boardwalk or around the shopping centers. Bring some dressy clothes for dining out or shows in the evening. Some of the chic restaurants in Atlantic City will expect you to be dressed appropriately. If you plan to hit the club scene be sure to get a hot outfit that will turn some heads.

If you visit Atlantic City in the winter, things look very different. The beach and boardwalk are still breathtaking and there is still much to do however, expect it to be cold, windy and snowy. New Jersey in winter is definitely not tropical. Be sure to bring along a winter jacket, gloves or mittens, winter boots that are suitable for walking outside and a scarf. It is also a good idea to layer when you plan to be inside as some places keep the temperature high while others do not. A dressy coat is a good choice to bring along if you are planning to take in some exciting evening events.

Clothing choices for Atlantic City depends on the weather and your agenda. A family trip to the beach in the summer will require completely different things than a work-related convention for business professionals in the winter. Make your choices accordingly with such things in mind.

Marathon

What to Wear in a Marathon

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Marathon

Running a marathon is a serious task that requires a lot of planning and attention to detail. Some of the planning of course is choosing the perfect outfit to wear during the marathon. The marathon outfit isn’t about looking great- it’s all about making yourself more comfortable and able to go the distance.

The Weather

An important component of marathon clothing is how to dress for the local weather. You should dress warmly enough that you will not be uncomfortable while running. However, you also have to remember how heated your body will get after running mile after mile. Think about the different times of day that you will be running. Even if you begin during daylight, it may be dark by the time you finish. Depending on your running time, it could be several hours before you reach the finish line, and the weather could be quite different by that time.

For cold weather, consider spandex pants that go all the way to the ankle. This will insulate you from the cold wind while not providing too much bulk during your run. If you’ll be running in hot weather, choose short spandex pants that won’t leave you overheated. There are also running skirts and skorts available that can take the place of running shorts. Wearing a short running skirt can keep air circulation to your legs in hot weather without constricting your movements.

Some women prefer to wear a short running skirt over a pair of spandex pants. This can be a way to stay warm as well as to not be uncomfortable with the amount that is revealed. In warmer weather, there are also short running skirts that come with capri-length spandex pants. This keeps you cool and provides a little extra coverage.

Hats

If your marathon will take place in cold or very windy weather, wearing a hat is extremely important. Much of the body’s heat is lost through the head, and keeping the head covered will ensure that you keep enough body heat to stay comfortable. Even if you take no other cold-weather precautions, you will need a hat. A small hat that doesn’t add bulk to your head will not adversely affect your aerodynamics. It may also help to absorb some sweat and keep it from running into your eyes.

Another option is a thick headband that goes over the ears to protect them from the cold. This will also absorb sweat same way that a hat would.

Jackets

You may want to bring a jacket for your warm-up period and then get rid of it before you start the actual marathon. In cold climates, people often wear a jacket and then remove it before they run. The easiest way to handle this is to wear a thick jacket to the race that you do not plan to keep. This can be a thrift store jacket or an old jacket that you no longer want. Some races actually collect these leftover jackets and give them to charity.

Christening

What to Wear to a Christening

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Christening

A christening is similar to the baptism ritual that is performed by Christians where water is used to give acceptance to a person in a church and is meant to protect that person’s soul from evil. The biggest difference is that a christening is lined up by the parents of an infant where a baptism can be for anyone regardless of age. Like a baptism a christening is an extremely important event for Christians and just the fact that you get invited is an honor in itself. So what should you wear to a christening?

A christening will usually take place in a church so you should dress accordingly. Just as you would not show up to a church on a Sunday morning dressed in shorts and flip-flops you should not dress down when attending a christening. Here are some tips on what to wear when you attend a christening:

•    Women: Women can wear a number of outfits similar to what they would wear to go to church. One can’t miss outfit is a nice pair of dress slacks with a blouse that is sophisticated looking and that may even have some frills on it. For shoes a nice pair of closed toe pumps will look rather nice and always accessorize moderately. Again, you are going to be in a church so dress that way.

•    Men: Men too can revert to what they would wear if they were going to church. A pair of dress slacks topped off with a nice long sleeved button down shirt is a sure fire outfit that can’t go wrong. You probably don’t want to go with a neck tie but if you think you might want to simply carry one in your pocket and see what everyone else has on. This way you will not feel out of place if you are the only one to have on a neck tie. At the same time if you see that most men are wearing a neck tie you can quickly go to the restroom and put yours on. Be sure that you are wearing black dress shoes with your outfit and leave the sneakers at home for the christening.

•    Kids: Even the kids should be dressed as though it where a regular church service. This means cute Sunday dressed for the girls with nice church shoes. The dress can be a cheery color like yellow and a nice touch is a matching color bow in their hair. Boys can wear slacks with a long sleeved button down shirt and should be wearing black church style dress shoes. This will keep them looking as sharp as the men and they will be more than adequately dressed for the christening.

Remember that a christening is a very important day for the infant and the family and the fact that they asked you to be a part of it is something to feel good about. Show them that you are glad to share in their happy day by doing your best to dress to impress.

Tanning

What to Wear Tanning

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Tanning

When you don’t have the time or the patience to go out and tan at the beach, or the weather makes it too cold to do so, a great alternative is to go tanning at a tanning salon. These salons have you lay down in a tanning bed and instead of having to spend hours in the hot sun you can get a great looking tan with just a few 20 minute sessions in the tanning bed. But when you are getting ready to go to a tanning bed, what exactly should you wear?

The whole idea to going to a tanning salon is to get tan. That said there are a good number of people that like to tan in the nude. If you are not comfortable with tanning in your birthday suit, here is what you can wear:

•    Tanning oil: The first thing you will want to wear is tanning oil that is specifically made for indoor tanning only. If you wear sun block that is meant for outdoors you will not tan properly so you need to be sure that you are using the right type of tanning oil. The tanning oil will not have any SPF in it so it is not to be worn when you do go to the beach as it will only help the sun cook and burn you.

•    Bottoms only: If you don’t want to be nude but also don’t want tan lines on the top, one option is to tan with your bikini bottoms or panties on only. Guys of course should either wear just underwear or a Speedo.

•    Entire bikini: If you don’t mind tan line then you can wear your entire bikini and this will give you the coverage you want and still allow you to get a tan over almost all of your body.

•    Goggles: You can buy your own or the tanning salon can supply you with these. They are very small and very dark and only cover your eyes but need to be worn to ensure that your eyes are protected from the rays that the tanning bed emits. You could opt for regular sunglasses here but keep in mind that you will then have those hideous looking sunglasses tan lines.

•    Towel: While you will not wear this you will need it when you get out of the tanning bed as you will work up a pretty good sweat by laying in one. Having a towel handy will make for a quick dry down once your session is over.

Basically when it comes to tanning indoors you can wear as much as you want to. If you are comfortable going in the raw then by all means do so. Don’t let the fact that someone else before you tanned in the nude disturb you as federal law mandates that all tanning salons give a good disinfecting to the tanning beds in between each client. The only thing keeping

Seattle

What To Wear In Seattle

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Seattle

Seattle, on the Northwest coast of the United States is a city that is known for rain. It is reputed to be foggy and wet most days of the year. However, despite the fact that it is often overcast, actual rain accumulation is surprisingly not as high as you would expect. In fact there are cities in Florida which receive much more precipitation yearly than Seattle. In addition, the warm currents of the Pacific Ocean tend to protect the city from harsh winters, unlike its neighbors more inland. If you are heading to Seattle you should get some advice on how to dress.

Outerwear is essential in Seattle. If you are planning to go to Seattle in spring, winter or fall, you will want to bring along a raincoat and an umbrella. If you go in winter, plan to bring a waterproof winter coat and waterproof boots. Two pairs of gloves, two scarves and two hats are advisable also. By having the second of each, you can allow them to dry if they become wet and still be protected from the elements.

Summers are warm and relatively dry in Seattle. Bring lots of lightweight clothing, shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, summer dresses and the like. Sandals or comfortable shoes are also a good choice. Flip flops are a popular choice unless you plan to do a lot of walking. Bring along a sweater or long sleeved shirt for inside in case the air conditioning in public places makes it too cold.

Being health-conscious and environmentally concerned are two of the major passions for people in this area. You will find that many people are obsessed with eating organically and locally. Many such individuals will favor a look that is very laid back. Those who are extremely into saving the environment will often wear clothes made of hemp, organic cotton T-shirts with green messages on them or may also be advocates of shopping only for second-hand clothes. Such attitudes have an impact on the type of fashion you see locally.

The music genre “grunge” was started in Seattle. The grunge look is also very commonly seen there. If your look is best described as grunge you will find that the clothes you already own are perfect for Seattle.

Seattle is a city that offers much in terms of outdoor activities and sports. Therefore you will see a great number of people in sports gear almost everywhere you go. If you are planning to get outdoors in Seattle and get some exercise, choose appropriate sports apparel to keep you comfortable and dry.

The rather outdoorsy feel of the city, combined with the fact that there are many colleges and universities in Seattle means that the casual look is in abundance. Even many workplaces enforce a business casual guideline for dressing. This fits well with the West Coast mentality.

Pack your comfortable casual clothes and maybe a dressy outfit for a special evening for your next trip to Seattle and you’ll be all set for a great time.

French fashion

French Fashion Made Easy

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French fashion

Paris is the unquestionable fashion capital of the world. It’s no wonder that the women of Paris are some of the best dressed women on the planet. After all, they have to keep up their reputation of being beautiful and fabulous, right? Otherwise, they might have to move the fashion capital of Europe to some other, less illuminated European city. That, by French standards, would be positively tragic.

Women all over the world have spent thousands of dollars trying to look as put together and fashion-forward as a Parisian mademoiselle. For those with a little more cash at their disposal, they can go straight to the source and stock their wardrobes with one-of-a-kind pieces from French dwelling designer labels. Anyone can look French when dressed in head to toe haute couture.  But since most of us don’t have a six figure annual clothing budget, we have to get a little creative when it comes to recreating that ultra feminine look you see on the streets of Paris and in fashion magazines.

With a little bit of a padded wallet, you might even be able to hit up a consignment shop or thrift store and find an original Chanel suit or a Burberry coat. But the heart of French fashion is creativity and uniqueness. If you really want to dress like a French woman, it’s time to put a little bit of thought and originality into each ensemble.

Now, most of us don’t have an on-call live-in seamstress that can whip up our own personal designs at the drop of a hat. However, there are ways that every American woman can have a wardrobe full of French-inspired fashions that are all her own. Here are some tips on how to do so.

•    Make sure you invest in classic looks that are timeless. Trendy items are not typical to a French wardrobe. Choose classic styles and colors.
•    Know your body type and dress for it. If you have wide hips, downplay them by dressing the right way. If you’re a little overweight, focus on slimming techniques in your clothing choices.
•    Wear mostly solid colors, in neutral or dark shades. Bright colors do not always portray a French look, especially bright prints. However, if you want to interject some color into your outfits, do so with accessories, especially printed scarves.
•    Accessorize richly. Hats and sunglasses make for a great look. Scarves are an absolute necessity. Classic jewelry is also a chic touch. Be sure to invest in great shoes, purses and belts.
•    Classic tailored coats, A-line coats, blazers and shawls make the perfect French-inspired cover-up when things get chilly.
If you are lookin

Houston

What To Wear In Houston

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Houston

Houston is a bustling city,  and is in fact the biggest city in the state of Texas and amongst the 5 biggest in the country. It experiences nice weather year-round and those living there have the luxury of not needing to worry about snow. The temperature greatly affects the fashion styles you see there. However there are many other influences also on Houston fashion. If you are going there it is important to know what to wear.

Houston is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other American city, with the exception of New York City. This fact impacts the way people dress in the city. If you are there on business, be prepared to dress professionally or at least business casual. Be sure to research the company you are visiting to make sure you are dressed appropriately. If the company has a professional environment, the choices are obvious: a suit for men and for women a skirt or pants suit with hose and dress shoes. If it is business casual, dig a little deeper to see exactly what that means. If in doubt, err on the side of conservatism. Houston is known for its conservative dress in the workplace.

For anyone heading to Houston on vacation, you will need to check the weather before you go. The winter has typical temperatures in the 60s during the day and 40s at night. Therefore it is necessary to bring along some warm clothes and a jacket. In the summer temperatures are up in the 90s in the day and 70s at night. Shorts, T-shirts, tank shirts and anything lightweight are perfect. Just remember to bring along a long-sleeved lightweight sweater also as indoor locations are air conditioned and you may be too cold.

If you are planning to attend a wedding, shows or other special events, be prepared to dress up. Houston is a city with wealthy neighborhoods and many people who are passionate about fashion. You will see individuals in designer outfits if you happen to attend certain events. Even many Houston restaurants will require proper dress, meaning no shorts or tank tops and often even a jacket for men. Certain nightclubs are also the scenes for designer duds.

Sports are huge in Houston. Almost every type of professional sports teams is represented. This tells you that the city is made of up a large percentage of people passionate about sports. If it is game time, you can bet that the style is team clothes and things like team jerseys, T-shirts, hats and jackets can be seen in every walk of life throughout the city.

There is a distinct college influence to fashion in Houston. Home to over 60 colleges and universities, there are more than 350,000 college students in the city. This means that young fashion trends, jeans, T-shirts and casual wear are in abundance.

One simply can’t forget the influence of the state of Texas on what to wear in Houston. Cowboy hats are prominent and are an accepted accessory in many places whether the wearer is in jeans or a 3-piece suit. So grab you 10-gallon hat and head out to a city that combines sophistication and the Texas lifestyle.

Underwear

When Thongs are Wrong – Underwear Alternatives that aren’t Granny Panties

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Underwear

There are many times in a woman’s life when she may want to wear a pair of thong underwear as that is what she is used to, but a certain situation dictates otherwise. Perhaps it is inappropriate at her place of work, her place or worship, or maybe her child’s school. Whatever the case may be there are times when a thong is wrong, but what are some underwear alternatives for women that aren’t granny panties?

Just because you can’t wear a thong doesn’t mean you have to go with the fluffy white cotton granny panties. In fact there are so many alternatives these days that you never have to wear granny panties again if you don’t want too. Here are some alternatives to wearing your thong:

•    Bikini: You can always go with a nice pair of bikini panties as an alternative to a thong. Bikini panties are made to ride on the hips and fit in a snug fashion so they won’t bunch up like the traditional granny panties do. Bikini panties can be very comfortable as they will fit you, as the name implies, like your bikini bottoms would. You can even go with a string bikini cut which still sits on the hips but the sides of the panties are reduced to a string. This decreases the chance of panty lines appearing on the sides and tends to fit and feel more like a thong.

•    Hipsters: Hipsters obviously rest on your hips and are another great alternative to thongs. They tend to cover the hips a bit more than the bikini panties do and there is also a little more coverage in the rear. The only drawback to so much coverage is an increased chance of seeing panty lines. You also have the dreaded riding up of the panties that can occur which leads to the ever embarrassing wedgey pick.

•    Boyshorts: Boyshorts are a great alternative to a thong and are usually a bit more comfortable as opposed to the hipsters and bikini panties. Boyshorts sort of resemble men’s briefs but are meant to fit snuggly and offer great coverage in the rear without the hassle of riding up.

•    Cheekees: Similar to boyshorts in that they offer great coverage in the rear they are called cheekees for a reason. Usually cheekees are not as snug fitting as boyshorts and because the cut is different, cheekees tend to let, well, your cheeks begin to show.

•    Commando: Another alternative to wearing a thong is wearing nothing at all or ‘going commando’ as they say. While it is an alternative and you certainly won’t have to worry about panty lines, if a thong is inappropriate for an occasion, then going commando would be a cardinal sin.

Just because a thong is not in order it doesn’t mean that you can’t still wear a comfortable pair of panties. With all the options that are available these days, the death of the every hated granny panties are only a matter of time.

Anchorage

What To Wear in Anchorage

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Anchorage

Anchorage is the biggest city in the United States’ most northern and coldest state, Alaska. Its citizens make up over 40% of the state’s population. This beautiful city offers amazing scenery, parks, wildlife and outdoor activities that are unparalleled in many other parts of the country. Anchorage is considered to have a sub arctic climate, which can be witnessed by its long winters and short summers. Winter days are very short and very cold with the sun appearing very little, while summer days are characterized by very little darkness and a cool temperature.

Visiting Anchorage during their very long winter definitely requires preparation. Heavy winter coats are a must. Thermal gloves or mittens, hats, scarves and lined winter boots are also necessary. In fact the temperature can get so low that winter clothes that would prove to be fine in many other places does little to protect you from the cold. If you live in the Southern portion of the United States and are planning a winter expedition to Alaska, be prepared to purchase outerwear that may be hard to find in your part of the country.

Visiting Anchorage in summer for most people will require fall or spring outfits. For Southerners, summer in Anchorage means wearing winter in the south clothes. Long pants and shirts, light jackets and even a warm sweater for chilly days and nights are ideal. There is very little occasion for tank tops, shorts, swimsuits (unless your hotel has a pool) or flip flops. That is not to say that you won’t see Alaskan residents wearing such things but if you are unfamiliar with such tepid summer temperatures, chances are you won’t be comfortable scantily dressed in 60 degree weather.

Much of the attraction of visiting Alaska is exploring the unique geography of the area. In order to do so it is important to wear appropriate footwear, such as newer lightweight hiking shoes or good sturdy sneakers. Wear several layers of clothing, including a synthetic layer closest to the skin to keep you dry, comfortable and warm. A waterproof exterior layer is also a very good choice. A hat and sunglasses are very important, especially during the long periods of daylight in the summer. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin also.

Even though Anchorage is a city, due to the temperature and the lifestyle in Alaska, high fashion is not commonly seen. It is much more important for people to dress according to the temperature than to be on the cutting edge of fashion. The predominance of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and hiking that people spend their free time doing are not typically activities that one tends to dress up for. Casual dress for both men and women is acceptable. Jeans and a sweater can take you most places. Business casual is the norm for most work environments, however be sure to check how a company defines business casual before showing up overdressed or even worse, underdressed.

No matter when you go to Anchorage, you can be sure that you will need some warm clothes, how warm exactly will depend on the season. Relax and forget about fashion while you enjoy the unspoiled nature around Anchorage.

Jacksonville

What To Wear In Jacksonville Florida

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Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in the South. Geographically it is very spread out and while it is on the ocean, one may drive more than a half hour to get from one point in Jacksonville to the beach. Because of this it is not the typical beach town. In fact the city is becoming more and more of a study in contrasts, as there are many different styles and influences in this Northeast Florida city. Big business, a busy downtown, a relaxed beach environment, a small town feel in certain areas, an inner city and wealthy neighborhoods all combine to make up the diversity there.

Where you are in the city and what you are doing will have a huge influence on what you wear in Jacksonville. However one thing is the same citywide. The number one rule of dressing in Jacksonville is layering. Regardless of the season or the occasion, it is important to layer or at least bring an extra layer of clothes with you. In winter, toasty warm days lead to evenings that demand a coat. Brisk winter mornings lead to warm midday sunshine that leaves you too hot if you are wearing the same thing you started the day with. Even in summer, it is important to bring something long-sleeved with you any time you will be inside for an extended period of time because many places have air conditioners running at full capacity when it’s hot outside.

For most of the year, Jacksonville is hot and humid. Therefore your wardrobe should be made up of lightweight fabrics. Even if you are choosing business wear, there are always lightweight options available. It’ll make for much more comfortable days. If you plan to be outside, consider opting for light colored clothes also. It’ll attract less heat than black or other dark colors.

In Jacksonville, winter is short and greatly resembles Indian Summer, for those who are not lucky enough to live in a snow-free zone. You will need a light jacket for a few winter days and for most winter evenings. However, for much of the winter, long sleeved shirts and long pants will keep you comfortably warm. Heavy jackets and winter boots are never needed, much to the pleasure of those who have moved to Jacksonville from colder climates.

For a casual look, shorts and capris are always a hit. You’ll be comfortable in the heat wearing either. In fact, a dressy pair of capris can take you almost anywhere: out to dinner, to work, to church or on a date. When it comes to shorts, where you are going will determine the shorts you wear. Short shorts are great for the beach and some of the open air Jacksonville nightspots, however they are not appropriate for most other places. Long shorts like Bermudas or cargo shorts are much more versatile and can be seen in almost all locales. However, a good portion of businesses still have a no shorts at work rule.

Jacksonville is a very outdoorsy city, with a multitude of parks and beaches that are perfect for playing outside. Casual clothing and lightweight sports clothes are the items of choice for a day outside. In fact, the city overall has a very laid back feeling. Certain restaurants, churches and special events like weddings and charity fundraisers tend to call for dressy outfits, but in most neighborhoods on most days, fashion is very relaxed.

Pretty much anything goes for Jacksonville outfits, as long as it’s not too heavy. Remember that sweater and you’ll be ready for just about anything.

Boxers or briefs

The Age Old Question – Boxers or Briefs

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Boxers or briefs

It is the timeless question that is asked to so many, ‘boxers or briefs?’ This seems to be a loaded question these days as now there are many different types of underwear that a man can choose from. Today’s underwear world has the likes of:

•    Thongs: Yes for guys too, but really, are you concerned about your ‘panty lines?’
•    Bikini briefs: Again, sounds like it are for the ladies and they really don’t appear to be all that cozy.
•    Edible: If this is your bag, keep it to yourself.

Even though there are several other types of underwear these days, these two styles remain the most popular and which type of underwear you wear can say a lot about you. While it really all comes down to comfort, the following breaks down the main differences between boxers and briefs and what it says about you:

•    Boxers: The old boxer style underwear seems to be the underwear of choice by most men. Not that it is a hard fast rule, but it seems that men that are in their early 20s to mid 30s wear boxers as opposed to briefs. This could be because the women in their lives prefer it them or it may just boil down to peer pressure. Boxers wear more like shorts than they do underwear and it may be this feeling of freedom that sways many of the younger generation to wear them.

•    Briefs: These are also known as tighty-whiteys. As far as men go, these are typically worn by those in their late 30s and beyond. This could be that they are just used to their women and simply don’t care about peer pressure anymore but it is really probably because they are more comfortable for them. Briefs do after all ‘hold’ everything in much better than the boxers do. Briefs have really received a bad rap as the ‘boring’ underwear but many brands these days are anything but white and cotton or boring. They now come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics so if you haven’t considered wearing briefs in a while, you may want to take another look as the times have definitely changed.

•    Boxer briefs: Ah, least you forget about the boxer briefs. If you are on the fence about what type of underwear to get check these out as they offer the best of both worlds. Boxer briefs wear like boxer shorts, but hold like briefs. This type of underwear seems to be preferred by athletes, but with such a variety of colors and styles, they are quickly gaining popularity among all men.

Whatever type of underwear you prefer, you should always make sure to have clean ones with no holes. There is really no excuse to have either boxers or briefs or any other type for that matter that are stained and full of holes. It is also unacceptable if you are a grown man to have underwear featuring super heroes or Sponge Bob, leave those types of Under Roos for the kids, you had your turn.

Again, it all comes down to what is the most comfortable for you. One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. So which is it, boxers or briefs?

Japan

What To Wear In Japan

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Japan

Japan is a country on an archipelago, made up of almost 7000 islands, in the Pacific Ocean. It is an Asian country, rich in heritage, tradition and culture. It is an exciting country to visit or live in. However, if you are going there for the first time you need to know a few things about what to wear in Japan. The Japanese tend to be a well-dressed culture. Opt for mix and match outfits in classic styles. Women should avoid shorts, even in the summer, if they do not want to stand out. Cover up all visible tattoos if possible.

Knowing what to wear when you go to Japan is largely a matter of the weather and the part of the country that you go to. There are 6 different areas on the islands of Japan and the climate is very different in each. Some parts receive heavy snowfalls, others light winter snowfalls while other parts have warm winters with no snow. Summers are equally diverse with some areas having mild summers and others with very hot summer temperatures. Check the forecast for the specific region before choosing your wardrobe.

While casual clothing is fine for tourists, one thing to remember is that in the Japanese tradition, you remove your shoes when you go in many places. This includes in homes, temples, traditional inns and even certain hotels. It is important to make sure that your socks are without holes and are clean when you remove your shoes. You may also want to choose footwear that is easy to take on and put off because of doing it so often.

When you are in Japan you will likely be doing a fair amount of walking. Because of this you should choose a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers for maximum comfort. If you are there in the winter, opt for lined winter shoes or waterproof boots with good traction for added security.

If you are visiting most of the country you will need to bring along a jacket for the evenings in the summer. In spring and fall a jacket or raincoat is a good choice to bring. In winter a heavier coat is usually needed, along with gloves and a scarf unless you happen to be in the part of the country that experiences warm winters.

In terms of accessories, a hat and sunglasses are good choices if it is sunny outside, as well as sunscreen for protection. Tote an umbrella all year round as you never know when it might rain. An extra layer like a sweater in case a building is overly air conditioned in the summer is a good choice also. By bringing an oversized bag along, you will be able to carry these extra items comfortably and have a place to put anything you may take off as the day warms up. Before you go to Japan it is advised to purchase these items because many things are overpriced there.

If you are in Japan on business opt for business professional dress. Men should wear dark suits and be clean shaven. Women should also wear dress suits, hose, closed toe shoes and blouses with sleeves. Avoid wearing all black or black ties, as this is a look reserved for funerals.

Choose your clothes carefully and be ready for a truly different cultural experience when you get to Japan.

Boston

What To Wear in Boston

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Boston

Boston is a beautiful historic city that offers much to those who live there and much to those who visit. The harbor is breathtaking year-round. The old buildings are a testimony to days gone by and give a feeling of permanence, unlike many other American cities. The humid continental climate means that Boston enjoys 4 very distinct seasons. It is snowy and cold in winter, warm and humid in the summer and quite comfortable and scenic in both the fall and spring.

Boston is very much “The Walking City”. Traffic is generally heavy and parking is at a premium, therefore it is much more expedient to get around on foot or by bus, water shuttles, trains or the subway system referred to as the T. What this translates to for fashion is the fact that typically people need to truly dress appropriately for the seasons Also, you will more often see sneakers and comfortable walking shoes on the streets of Boston than other more fashionable footwear.

Winter in Boston dictates warm clothes. Drafty old buildings mean that even if you are inside you will want the advantage of a warm sweater and long pants or tights. If you venture outside, a heavy winter coat is a necessity. Waterproof outerwear is also highly recommended especially during snow storms. Remember gloves, hats, earmuffs and scarves, as well as insulated winter boots with a good rubber sole for traction when walking.

Summer in Boston is perfect for shorts and T-shirts, Capri pants, summer dresses or any lightweight ensemble. Expect warm temperatures but be prepared for air conditioning inside with a light sweater. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if walking.

Fall and spring are well-loved seasons in Boston. The temperatures are typically comfortable enough to not need to worry about needing extra layers of clothes. It is also not uncomfortably warm. Both seasons are great for getting outside and enjoying the changing scenes of nature, while in comfortable jeans and a T-shirt or sweater. A light jacket on windy days or a rain coat on rainy days is all you’ll need.

Sports are huge in Boston and the city is home to a variety of professional sports teams. What this means for fashion is that it is fashionable to wear any Boston team clothes for any casual event. In fact when home games are being played, team colors are seen everywhere throughout the city.

Boston is very much a hub for post-secondary education and medicine. Some of the best hospitals in the country are there, as well as top colleges and universities. The abundance of college students living in the Boston area means that fashion in the city is greatly influenced by that demographic. Casual fun looks, jeans and the hot trends of the moment are commonly sported by Boston students. Preppy looks and business casual is also very popular amongst faculty and young professionals in New England’s biggest city.

Heading to Boston? Check the local forecast before you pack your suitcase.

Seasons

Tips for Dressing Fashionably Between Seasons

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Seasons

There is perhaps no better time to dress up than in between seasons. When you think about it, what could be better? Unlike the winter or summer months, in that in between time you are not confined to a certain part of your wardrobe due to the weather. It is for this reason that the time between seasons should be the time were you decide to dress a little bit riskier and take some chances that you may not otherwise take.

Dressing in between the seasons can offer you a whole host of options that you may not otherwise have. Here are a few tips for dressing in the off-season so to speak:

•    Combine the seasons: Because it is not winter the days and nights will be cool but not freezing and because it is not summer the days and nights will be warm but not hot. This is the perfect opportunity to combine the fashions of the different seasons. While it may be cold enough for you to still wear a jacket, it may not be so cold that you can’t wear a nice summer top underneath of that jacket. If it’s too hot for a jacket, you can break out some cool sweaters and wear those. No matter what the weather, a nice looking leather jacket is almost always a great compliment to any outfit and can easily be removed if the weather so dictates.
•    Mix it up with skirts: If you ladies find that it is still a little too cold for just a skirt, you can mix it up by wearing a really hip pair of leggings. This will allow you the warmth you need and still let you wear that sexy skirt you’ve been dying to break out. If you don’t like leggings, try wearing some hosiery provided it isn’t too cold.
•    Use layers: This is for that time where the weather doesn’t know if it wants to be hot or cold. Start off the morning by wearing great looking tops that can be layered and pair them off with a really nice pair of jeans or pants. As the weather heats up, if it does, you can begin to ‘peel off’ layers. This technique will keep you cooler and will also have you constantly changing your look throughout the day. If the weather begins to cool as the day goes on, add the layers back in any fashionable way you like.
•    Get funky with accessories: There is not a lot of times during the year were you can wear light and fancy scarves, leggings, and gloves that have the fingers cut away, but the off-season is the perfect time. Wear things that you normally don’t get a chance to wear and remember to get funky with it an experiment a little bit. Who knows, you may actually start a new trend.

When the off-season comes, enjoy it. There are too many other times of the year where you are forced to dress one way or another. When your opportunity comes to let loose, go for it, you only live once.

Canada

What To Wear In Canada

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Canada

Canada is a beautiful country with a wide variety of ethnic influences on the fashion styles found there. Because of its geographic vastness, the weather is very different from one province or territory to another. Whether you are the city or the country will also impact the choice of clothing you should make. These general guidelines will help you in choosing what to wear in Canada.

Your choices of clothes for Canada will depend greatly on the season and the weather forecast. Unfortunately many parts of Canada have unreliable summer temperatures, meaning that the weather may require summer clothes or you may need fall or spring outfits. Canada definitely has 4 distinct seasons and the choice of clothing differs from one season to the next with few items being appropriate for year-round wear. Jeans are definitely a year-round favorite.

Fall in Canada means long-sleeved shirts and pants. For dressing up, tights and pantyhose are needed with skirts and dresses. Dress boots will keep you fashionably in style. For guys layering a T-shirt and a regular shirt is a great fall look. You absolutely need to have a fall jacket, which is a light to medium weight jacket, to keep you warm until the snow flies. In fact, jackets that have a removable lining are perfect for this season, as they can adapt to warmer fall days or colder ones.

In winter, you will need to have a heavy jacket in most parts of Canada. A waterproof winter jacket is even better. This will provide you with the protection you need every time you go outside. Even your interior clothes should be chosen with care. Many buildings are not as warm as you would like in the winter and therefore extra clothing adds up to comfort. Layer as much as possible to ensure your comfort. Wool is a great choice to keep you toasty.

Spring clothing varies greatly, especially from one part of the country to another. Some places in Canada still get snow in May and occasionally early June. Others have experienced some very warm weather by the same point. While fall clothes may be logically a good choice, many people tend to gravitate towards lighter, more summery clothes backed up with a warm spring coat or cardigan. Canadians tend to be so excited about summer coming after the long winter that their wardrobe makes it to the season before the thermometer does.

Summer clothes for Canada are similar to other places, with the exception that nights still remain pretty cold for much of the summer in many places. This means a light jacket like a windbreaker is always good to have on hand. Canadians enjoy their short summer and like to get outside and soak up the sun, so you will often see them out in summer outfits long before you feel that it is warm enough to do so.

The province of Quebec is very unique. It is the only completely French province in the country and as such, takes much of its influences from France. Fashion is very important in Quebec and both genders take it very seriously. Quebecers dress up for everything. Whether they go shopping, to a restaurant, to work or just out with friends, they are always well-dressed, accessorized, coiffed and styled. The latest styles are what you will find on display in Quebec by people from all walks of life.

With these things in mind, you will be well-equipped about what to wear in Canada or as some refer to it, the Great White North.