This morning, I witnessed an outfit that left me bewildered: a guy zoomed past in an FC Barcelona away jersey, neatly creased gray trousers, white sports socks, and black dress shoes. Maybe he doesn’t care about fashion, grabbed whatever was available in a hurry, or simply thinks it looks good. Regardless, it was an off-putting sight not just for me but likely for many others as well.
To my readers, I trust you have some sense of style, or at least you're working toward dressing well and looking sharp. Such fashion blunders might make you chuckle and think, "I would never do that." But what about those small mistakes that can completely "destroy" the sophisticated, polished image you’re trying to project? Are you confident you know enough to steer clear of them? I won’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m here to share what I know so we can all navigate these pitfalls together.
Gentlemen, don't rush headlong into trends, getting wrapped up in flashy items that lead to basic fashion missteps. Take a moment to assess your appearance - both literally and figuratively - to ensure you avoid these common blunders:
Don't "Forget" the Collar
I've seen many guys who dress sharply, only to reveal a dull yellow collar when I catch a glimpse inside their shirt. This can lead others to form negative opinions about your lifestyle and self-care. It's perfectly fine to wear an old shirt, but pay attention to its condition. If it's white, consider hand-washing the collar before tossing it in the washing machine. When ironing, make sure to smooth out the collar as meticulously as the rest of the shirt.
The Length of Dress Pants
Pant legs that are so long they get stepped on are a common sight. Unlike jeans, which come in various lengths and styles, dress pants follow standard guidelines. There are four types of dress pant lengths:
Full break: Long pant legs that pool down over the shoe.
Half break: Long pant legs that slightly cover the shoe.
Quarter break: Long pant legs that are straight, still covering the shoe.
No break: Straight pant legs that sit just above the shoe without pooling.
Underwear Lines
Wearing underwear that’s too tight or too loose can lead to issues. Tight underwear under thin fabric dress pants creates unflattering lines, and we all know the health implications of tight-fitting undergarments. If you prefer trunks (a blend of briefs and boxers), loose ones can be disastrous when paired with tight jeans, leading to unwanted bulges.
Overusing Shirt Pockets
This applies to all shirt pockets, but especially the chest pocket on a blazer. If you view pockets merely as storage spaces, think again. Filling your chest pocket with keys, a wallet, a phone, or loose change will distort the blazer’s shape and, over time, may even tear the pocket. Distributing these items among your bag or pants pockets can keep your blazer looking sharp. Remember, a blazer’s chest pocket looks best when it holds a stylish pocket square or a pair of glasses.
Buying the Wrong Size Belt
Though it's just an accessory, the belt plays a significant role in reflecting a man’s attention to detail. Instead of punching extra holes into a long belt, have it adjusted by a tailor for a perfect fit. A properly fitting belt ensures comfort whether worn tucked or untucked.
Using Too Many Accessories
I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. Limit yourself to two types of accessories (like bracelets or rings) and one carrying accessory (such as a bag or briefcase) at any given time. A watch is a great addition, and one or two simple bracelets are fine, but avoid wearing a dozen bracelets at once.
Not Pulling Up Your Pant Legs When Sitting Down
Dress pants wrinkle easily at the hips and knees when you sit. Make it a habit to pull up the thigh area a bit before sitting; this will prevent fabric stretching, reducing wear and prolonging durability. Remember to have decent socks on, as you’ll inevitably "show off" your choice when you sit.
Choosing Socks Wisely
Socks, much like underwear, should complement your outfit rather than detract from it. When wearing a sharp suit, opt for thin socks that are long enough to cover your legs while seated. If in doubt, choose dark socks that match your pants for easy coordination. And please, say NO to white socks! Consider subtle accents like burgundy socks with blue jeans and white sneakers, or dark gray socks with navy chinos and brown brogues.
Comments