This time of year, when you're just beginning to feel like a carbon-based life form again instead of a cookie-and-gravy based one, the oversized sweater holds a lot more allure than the bikini. Luckily, now is exactly the time to take advantage of that. A recent study shows that men are more attracted to women in wintertime.

Over the course of five seasons, 114 men were asked to rate the attractiveness of the same photos of women's bodies and faces. Although the ratings for the faces didn't change, the degree of perceived attractiveness went up across the board in the winter. Just in time for holiday flab!

Click here to hear why men find you sexier in cold climes!

10 Supposed Aphrodisiacs

    Avocado Avocado trees were called Ahuacuati, or "testicle tree," by the Aztecs. And they were forbidden by Catholic priests for their sex appeal (no joke).

    ulterior epicure, Flickr

    Chocolate The Aztecs worshipped this treat for its supposed aphrodisiac properties. While that's not scientifically proven, it does affect serotonin and the circulatory system. When both of those are kickin', it's definitely a lot easier to get in the mood.

    karenmcallister, Flickr

    Asparagus On top of making your pee smell funny, these phallic-shaped veggies are rich in Vitamin E, which is essential to a healthy sex drive and to producing sex hormones.

    geishaboy500, Flickr

    Cinnamon Buns Cinnamon buns are the number-one smell that turns guys on, according to research from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

    zebble, Flickr

    Eggs Eggs are a symbol of fertility (duh) dating back to ancient Greece and the Indian Kama Sutra. Choose eggs that are naturally fertilized -- many factory-laid eggs are not produced with an actual rooster, resulting in eggs with less hormones. A study showed that men who ate naturally fertilized eggs showed increased libido, sexual activity and stamina.

    aubergene, Flickr

    Epimedium grandiflorum This plant is known by many as Horny Goat Weed for its er, happy effect on goats. It's popular in Chinese medicine and has been around for over 2000 years. It's frequently found in pill form and is considered to be safe.

    halle, Flickr

    Spanish Fly The most famous of aphrodisiacs is made up of crushed beetles and more than a little is believed to be fatal.

    Muchaxo, Flickr

    Ginseng Thought to posses "aphrodisiac properties," Ginseng is also a popular Chinese medicine. It also translates as "man root." So maybe that explains it.

    GeekySpaz, Flickr

    Spicy Stuff Chilies and peppers are known to pep up the sex drive, so if your guy can handle the heat, bring it into the kitchen. Chili peppers can stimulate the nervous system and pump up the drive in girls and guys alike.

    adactio, Flickr

    Turkey If you thought you felt a little tingle on Turkey Day, you were probably not alone. Turkey is often blamed for making us sleepy, but it turns out it is the same element that causes drowsiness, tryptophan, that's actually sending us to bed for a different reason.

    Country Living




The researchers postulated that skimpy tank tops and the winter lazies are to blame. Since we go out less when it's freezing (and when we do, we tend to hide our assets in the alluring bulk of cable knit) men are exposed to fewer women and less exposed flesh -- so by January, they'll take what they can get, thanks.

So if you're on the prowl, put on a tight V-neck and use that li'l flash of flesh to the best of your advantage. (Or check out Lemondrop's guide to looking sexy without risking frostbite.) You still have plenty of time to get in shape before summer rolls around and men start getting choosy about which sundress to chase.

Also on Lemondrop: Check out these adorable winter-wonderful accessories.


Warm and One-of-a-Kind

    CLF by Claire La Faye Cashmere Arm Warmers
    Bows and cashmere... what's not to like? Also available in Lolita black or cream pearl-studded Marie Antoinette styles. ($44, Etsy)

    CLF by Claire Le Faye

    Wemustgrow Bessie Coleman Aviator HeadPeace
    Channel your inner Amelia Earheart with this bright and cozy cap. ($38, Etsy)

    Wemustgrow

    Momoca Wool Ear Flap Hat
    Go newsboy chic in this functional houndstooth number. ($42, Etsy)

    Momoca

    Sewlutions by Amo Neck Warmer Tie Scarf
    This unique item brings together two basic concepts to create something totally one of a kind. ($48, Etsy)

    Sewlutions by Amo

    Paula Deer Wool Earflap Hat
    Bring the country wherever you are with this toasty topper, made from a recycled suit jacket and decorated with little red ducks.($45, Etsy)

    Paula Deer

    Peter Jensen Rainbow Scarf
    Be honest-Rainbow Brite has never really left you. Give ROY G. BIV a sartorial shout-out with this cheery wool number. ($130, Creatures of Comfort)

    Creatures of Comfort

    Second Seed Ba Ba Black Sheep Fingerless Gloves
    Made with vintage buttons and hand-dyed yarn, this pair is totally one of a kind. ($30, Etsy)

    Secondseed

    Ilikeyourworld Reversible Hood Scarf
    Not one for hats? This cozy hooded scarf the a perfect alternative. ($85, Etsy)

    Ilikeyourworld

    Rachel Comey Fur Helmet
    Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear, fuzzy wuzzy was your hair. Save your ears from frostbite with this funky hat, made from the fur of baby alpacas who died of natural causes. ($310, Creatures of Comfort)

    Creatures of Comfort

    Aspasia Knitted Hat 157
    Stay warm in this classic chunky cap, updated with a textured boxy knit. ($29, Etsy)

    Aspasia