For the longest time, emphasis was put on women’s appearances, making society forget about men. Times have changed, though, and now, most guys are stepping up their game and paying attention to how they look by taking time to groom themselves and investing in clothing that makes them presentable. Even so, there are still inevitably common but avoidable fashion mistakes that fellows make, which we will highlight in this piece.
Torn Socks Are a No-No
Some men use the fact that they don’t have to take their shoes off in public places as an excuse to wear torn socks. It doesn’t matter if others will see them or not; as soon as you notice a tear on your socks, it’s time to get rid of them.
If you’re the type of person whose socks start to wear off after wearing them just a few times, then consider investing in the thicker types with more padding, which will last longer and ultimately save you money. There are plenty of affordable and good-quality socks in the market, so we’re sure telling you to get rid of socks with holes isn’t too much to ask.
Avoid Using Too Product on Your Hair
They may never say it out loud, but men care about their hair just as much as women do. So they, too, invest in shampoos, conditioners, and gels that keep their hair looking its best.
Compared to women, who go to salons regularly or are exposed to more information about hair care throughout their lifetime, some men need to be more knowledgeable about the best use of their hair care products. This is evident in some fellows' use of too much product, leading to product build-up. Whether it's mousse or styling gel, just a little applied evenly on the hair goes a long way.
Men's Denim Shorts Don't Give a Flattering Look
During hot days, we all want to dress up in something comfortable that will leave room for our skin to breathe. That explains why shorts are popular during summer, and while they may look good on kids and women, unfortunately, and we hate to be the ones to tell you this, denim shorts for men aren't as flattering.
We aren't telling you to throw away the denim shorts without giving you an alternative of what to wear during sunny days; gentlemen, that's why someone invented chino shorts. They're stylish and comfortable enough to move around in, unlike denim shorts, which are often stifling.
Don’t Wear a Fanny Pack
We get it; it’s easier to have a small bag tied to your waist that fits your phone and car keys than having to walk around with a full-sized bag that can be misplaced. And although they are trendy, fanny packs look hideous. They did when they were first introduced into the fashion world, and they still do even after many years of being around.
Put on pants with large enough pockets to fit everything you need if you must, but please, gentlemen, avoid this “fashion” piece. No one may be bold enough to comment on how ridiculous you look when you wear it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you do.
Sunglasses Do More Than Protect the Eye
The main reason sunglasses were invented was to protect our eyes. Even so, these pieces have become a way to make a bold fashion statement, which is why we recommend you get rid of sports sunglasses if at all you own them. Just like the name suggests, sports sunglasses are to be used by sports people and during sporting activities.
Don’t know where to start when finding the right pair of sunnies? Before purchasing, visit an optical shop where you can get help from an expert at a low or minimal cost on what sunnies are flattering for your face shape and complexion.
Skip the Colors and Patterns
Whatever you do in this world as a man, avoid wearing too many patterns and colors simultaneously. You might have heard somewhere that it was a trendy look, but that's just wrong. Wearing an outfit with so many bright colors and patterns is a fashion blunder, and it's easy to write you off as unfashionable.
If you love bright-colored shades and patterns, then you should stick with mixing one or two. Anything more than that, and you'd be looking like a character straight out of a kid's cartoon. Either that or people might think you're going for a costume party.
Leave Them for the Game
They are called Sports jerseys for a reason; you need to wear them when watching a game at home or going to a live game to show your support. Anything other than that is a fashion mistake, and this one is common these days.
Men would wear these jerseys and walk around like they haven't just committed a crime. Yes, they have, and we're here to let them know that jerseys are for the game and not for daily wear. Get a regular T-shirt or something_-anything, but the Sports jerseys, please, especially when it's not game night.
Jewelry Cluster Is for Women
Nowadays, more men place layers of chains around their necks and decorate their fingers and hands with several rings and bangles. While this is something that ladies can pull off with enthusiasm, the same can't be said about men.
When it comes to men's jewelry, simplicity is key. So, it makes more sense to ditch the oversized jewelry for petite pieces, let go of the many chains, rings, and bracelets, and stick with a few. Anything more than that, and you'd look messy and crook-like. Similarly, stick to silver jewelry, as they're classier than gold.
No, Not the Fur
It may have been fashionable for men to wear fur back in the day, but not anymore. So whenever we see men add fluff to their outfits, we're almost tempted to think that they time-traveled and are people living in the past.
If you don't want to be seen as weird, we suggest you lock the fur somewhere far away. Well, maybe not too far away if you need to wear it if you're camping in winter—which is a great idea, by the way. Besides that, avoid being seen in public with a fur coat.
The Wrong Combo Deal
Where did men even get the idea that socks and sandals go together? It sounds wrong in our heads, and it's even worse to see. There's no other way to say it, but wearing socks with sandals is ugly and downright unacceptable. If you want to wear socks, you should pair them with sneakers, and if it's bare feet, sandals are just right.
Suppose you want to wear socks with sandals, you can do that at home. But once it's time to step out, please replace the sandals with sneakers.
Don't Tie Your Style to Brands
Even though we are solely focused on men's fashion today, here's a fashion secret that most men and women may not know; there's a difference between trends, fashion, and style. Trends are popular at a particular time, and fashionable people follow the latest and popular trends, while style isn't tied to time or trends but to one's aesthetics.
Not to say that you can't wear designer brands and be stylish, but the real flex is being able to pull off anything. Part of mastering your style is knowing that not every brand style will work for you, and the price tag alone doesn't always cut it.
Have a Shoe Game Mister
If no one told you before, you can tell a man's commitment to their appearance by their shoe game. So whatever you are going through, don't pull up anywhere with beaten-up shoes. Instead, you'd go low with your clothes and put on some clean shoes because when it comes to men's fashion, the world knows to first look at the man's feet going up.
So this is your sign to invest in a pair or two of great shoes because it really doesn't matter how good the rest of your outfit is; your shoes are where we make our verdict.
The Uncertainty of Monochromatic Menswear
The monochromatic menswear trend has been around for a while, with celebrities like Chadwick Boseman, Henry Golding, and Seth Rogen bringing this one-color fashion movement from the movies onto the red carpet. Nonetheless, while it is a good choice when you've gotten your colors right, monochromatic outfits can be challenging to execute and may best be left for villains in movies such as The Matrix.
It would be best to contrast your monochromatic outfits with a bit of texture or silhouette if you are thinking of hopping onto the monochromatic wear train. Still, you risk looking like you're wearing a jumpsuit.
You Can't Go With Both, Sir
Nothing beats a man in a crisp suit, but some men go overboard when putting together their suit outfits. Even though rules are made to be broken, there's one we will not be breaking anytime soon when it comes to menswear, and that is it's unacceptable to wear a tie bar with a vest.
The waistcoat does a fine job of holding your tie in place; thus, if you choose to wear it, forego the tie clip. On the other hand, if you want to have the pin on, leave your waistcoat at home, sir. You can't have a bite at both worlds, sorry.
Suspenders Are Best Without a Belt
If you ever find yourself attaching suspenders to your trousers with a belt on, feel free to call the fashion police immediately! Jokes aside, though, suspenders and belts serve the same purpose, so it totally beats logic to wear both simultaneously.
Unless you don't trust your belt to hold your pants up, there is no point wearing it along with suspenders, which in all honesty, haven't been that much in the fashion scene lately. Maybe folks figured their belts alone were enough to secure their pants, or suspenders have gone under only to resurface in the future as most fashion trends do.
Don't Let the Collar Droop Down
Most of the time, men focus on wearing a perfectly ironed shirt and the right shoes and pants to go with it. Nonetheless, there is one area where they miss checking before stepping out of the house or rather ignore it completely. We are talking about aligning the collar of a shirt correctly.
The collar of your attire must stand upright to give you that perfect look, and a bending neckband only means you are too lousy to fix it. You can always buy an item called the collar stay to keep the band in place. It is cheap, available, and easy to use, so what's stopping you from buying it?
Keeping Your Tie Length in Check
The wrong tie length is an absolute fashion blunder and certainly avoidable, but only a few pay attention to it. Many fashion critics have repeated that the necktie needs to be of a certain length, and we are again emphasizing it can neither be above nor below the belt level but aligned with it.
Also, a tie above your waistline will attract unwanted attention and a few laughs, and if below the waist will interfere with your regular bathroom functions. So even if it goes unnoticed by people due to your jacket covering it, a tie should always be resting on your belt unless it's a bow tie.
The Curious Case of Suit Buttons
There is a never-ending debate about whether to button your suit jacket or leave it unbuttoned. It is advisable to put the buttons, leaving the last one untouched while one is standing. In addition, when you sit, better to keep them all open, and it is so that the fabric does not suffer any wear and tear and so that you get enough space to breathe.
Nonetheless, do not forget to button up once you stroll around to avoid looking unclassy. It is one of the most basic suit etiquettes that can draw attention for all the right reasons. We hope there is no more confusion about how to carry your formal jackets.
Not All Sneakers Are Meant for Suits
Everyone likes to wear comfortable shoes, and most of you would agree sneakers are perfect. Nonetheless, it is not always possible to wear those sneaks with every outfit, especially when you get dressed for a formal evening party, then the right shoes are the key to completing your look.
Still, if you insist on donning cleats over a suit, we recommend keeping it simple. Instead of opting for a funky pair of sneakers for the occasion, wear plain white ones. We know it will not look as good as formal shoes, but it will complete your overall look for the event. Any other type or color is a strict no-no from us.
Your Socks Don't Go Unnoticed
It is the unspoken rule that you have to match your socks to the outfit you are wearing. There is no exception to it, and the color of your socks can affect your entire look. Many may believe that no one will notice what they are wearing inside their shoes, but trust us, you can't get away with it.
Also, there's another thing to keep in mind avoid wearing white socks, as it is because they tend to get dirty often, and no one likes a shabby look. Moreover, we recommend not buying anything with any patterns over it as plain ones look best for any occasion.
Pay Attention to the Length of the Pants
Regardless of the type of pants someone wears, their length plays an essential role in the overall look. So, the size of the pants should be exact. If your pants are too long, it will make you look shabby. Moreover, if it is too small, you will look like a baby.
As far as the length of pants goes, the rule is that they should either sit on top of the shoes or only long enough to sit over them. So if your own size pants come in longer lengths, it is a good idea to get a hem alteration.
The Length of Sleeves Should Be Exact
Another thing people take lightly when sporting a look is the arm length of the shirt. A shirt with oversized sleeves that extend over your hands screams laziness. No matter how good a suit you wear, if the sleeves are not sitting just over your wrists, you will appear sloppy.
Even though the length of sleeves usually is fine for people if they buy their own size of shirt. Yet, if you ever find out that your sleeves are a bit longer than required, a simple hemming job would fix it. Just walk into an alteration shop and have it fitted.
The Suit Is Not One’s Size
Suits are probably the only expensive item for men’s clothing lines. Elegant and sophisticated suits are undoubtedly steeply-priced and could be worn to virtually anything. Moreover, there is very little that could go wrong with a suit.
One of the mistakes men make with suits is not getting the correct size. Unfortunately, it is a common practice that people tend to buy a more oversized suit that flows around them and ruins the look. So always strive to get the right-sized suit that fits perfectly on your body. As far as the suits go, the rule is that it either fits perfectly or does not.
Bold Slogans on T-Shirts Are a No
There has been increased popularity around getting a t-shirt with a message written. Most of the time, it is a humorous line that is supposed to be funny. Yet, the reality is quite the opposite since people tend to see it as stupidity instead of something laughable. Moreover, these messages do not add anything to the overall look.
So leave such clothing for your home and wear something stylish for the outdoors. Instead of flashy writing, look for t-shirts with only small logos. Not only would it look decent, but it would also tell people a whole lot more about you as a person if adequately paired.
Deep V-Necks Are a Big No
V-necks are a tricky piece of clothing. While women can easily sport a really deep V-neck and look fabulous in it, men should avoid those at all costs. Don't get us wrong, small V-necks are fine and look amazing on guys; however, anything more than that should be avoided.
Firstly, with a few exceptions, nobody wants to peek at a chest full of hair. Secondly, they are more gym wear. So even if you own such pieces of clothing, restrict them to your workout sessions and stick to safer options when going out for a cup of coffee or running errands.
Sleeveless Top and a Pair of Shorts
This may look like an ideal outfit for the hot summer months, and it may even be the favorite style among some people in the past. However, we can all agree that it is not fashionable anymore. Whoever came up with this style had it all wrong from the onset.
This design can't be classified as gym wear or proper clothing for casual outings, and it may only be suitable for indoor activities like playing with the kids or enjoying a glass of wine in the garden. So, the next time you see someone advertising this, remind yourself that it's not for you.
Leave the Hats Behind
There was a time when bowler hats were the in thing. Today, people barely remember to wear them. It can make you conspicuous in a crowd for the wrong reasons and make you the subject of people's fashion criticism.
While a nice sun hat may be perfect for a hot day, they're not the ideal accessory if you want to look fashionable. So kindly consider putting on something else. A matching bowler hat can do the trick if you want to look sporty. Yet, that's as far as it should go. In any case, avoid wearing a bowler hat, no matter the condition.
Sunglasses Don't Look Good on Everyone
Many people have faulty notions about sunglasses. Some believe that they make them look tough and bold, and others believe that sunglasses make them appear unpredictable and in control. Some people think they can't do without a pair of sunglasses because they simply look good on them.
These, however, are not always the case. Sunglasses don't look good on everybody; some people would even look better without them. So be very selective when deciding to put them on; if you're not using them as sun shades, don't bother putting them on. You'll look better without them.
Using Too Much Hair Products
Hair products are an essential fashion accessory for men. However, the only problem most men have is using too much at a time. Too much of everything can be harmful, and hair products aren't an exception. Large amounts of gel and spray can make the hair look stiff and greasy, which is not fashionable.
The best thing to do is to stick to the minimum amount of gel that will give the required result. Also, remember to use the right product for the particular job. For example, stick to the gel if you want spiking hair and avoid the spray. This way, you'll maintain a handsome appearance without looking awkward.
Bushy Beards and Unkempt Hair
When men fail to groom correctly, it can be noticed almost immediately. Grown hair in the nostrils, untrimmed beards and bushy hair are all signs that one is overdue for a shave. Sometimes, they don't get to notice these easily until it is too late. A regular grooming schedule should be implemented to avoid looking unkempt.
It's been observed that whenever a man gets a nice haircut, a proper shave, and a good wash, he takes ten years off his appearance. So, get regular haircuts and shaves unless you want to look way older than your age.
What a Strange Matching
We have yet to learn what's going on here and what look this man is going for. Obviously, with the black leather jacket, if he wanted to come off like a rocker or go for biker chic. There's nothing wrong with wearing this black sheath, especially when they never go out of style and can be paired with just about anything.
Unfortunately, the inner shirt's design does not work. If the rocker or biker look is what he was going for, choosing that t-shirt pattern was completely wrong. Oh, and don't get us started with that Pokemon necklace. A fashion crime was committed, and this man is both the perpetrator and the victim!
Put Only a Few Rings On It
Even though it's true that accessories elevate outfits, we should learn how to keep them at a minimum. Rings are not uncommon to see on the fingers of men, especially wedding bands, and sometimes they also wear a pinky or a signet ring. Then, you'll see many fingers on both hands adorned with accessories, such as the one in this photo.
When it comes to rings, the less you see on someone's hand, the better. Putting them on display takes the attention off more important outfit components like dresses or suits. This look doesn't work for us unless you are a rapper or musician who projects an image for entertainment purposes.
The Whole Look Isn't Working
We know that times have changed; what we thought wasn't possible is now being done today. One of which is younger men embracing the use of lace in their outfits. Before, the fabric was only used for women in their lingerie and bridal gowns.
Now, men wear lace-adorned suits like the one in the photo. We are all for this new trend, but this one is too much. Lil Nas X and Jared Leto pulled off wearing the fabric on the red carpet because it was styled appropriately. If this guy only wore the lace jacket and ditched the coordinating pants, this might not have made it to this list.
There's a Special Time and Place
It's sad, but many people who wear shark teeth as a necklace pendant don't know what it symbolizes. The accessory is more than just a trend but carries a powerful meaning. Surfers mostly wore the pendant during the '70s, then became extremely popular when the movie Jaws came out.
Wave riders don't wear them to look cool and project their hobby (or profession) but because they symbolize protection. There's this superstitious belief in the surfing community that if they have that on their necks, sharks won't attack them. With that said, the piece of jewelry doesn't fall in the "all occasions" category—wearing it constantly, especially with formal wear, is a fashion faux pas.
Unless You Can Pull It Off…
You either love them or hate Crocs—one of the few well-known retail businesses to successfully sail through covid is the foam plastic footwear, which are noted for being comfortable on the feet but not on the eyes. When no one can see you wearing them, Crocs are, for some, the ideal footwear, and others consider wearing a pair of vibrant clogs a fashion statement.
Safe to say, unless you are fashionable and can pull off looks paired with somewhat unattractive plastic footwear, don't buy them. See how this example is not working? If there's a fashion police, officers are probably on the lookout for this person.
Time for a Shoe Change
Canvas slip-ons are the go-to for everyone at some point, and they can go with everything and are pretty affordable. That being said, these shoes are a fashion atrocity and should be reserved for unsavory activities. Yes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it, but come on!
It's about time we started researching better shoe options and put this pair in the rear-view mirror. In our book, canvas shoes and crocs are in the same box. Consequently, they need a lot of attention and care to maintain. Additionally, they aren't stylish, so why would you subject yourself to such torture? It may be time your shoe collection got a revamp.
Those Are a Tad Too High
There's a reason high-waisted pants are reserved for women. This style is meant to accentuate the hips and show those curves. So, when men put on these pants, we have an unflattering image in our heads. Instead of something classy, we are stuck with a guy looking like they're rocking their sibling's outfit.
Of course, we can't dictate your taste, but we must call it how we see it. If you belong to the rare team of people that can't live without these pants, we recommend untucking your shirt. Not everyone has to know you're rocking your pants at the belly. Some fashion trends need to go.
Just Walk Barefoot Instead
After fighting crocs and canvas shoes, the next shoe boss is the despicable toe shoe. We have no idea why this design made it out of the cutting room. Toe socks are bearable, but this is taking things to a whole new level.
If you want to walk around barefoot, please go for it; don't rock these items. They might be comfortable, but how do you pair these shoes? What outfit goes well with these machinations? Honestly, there's no excuse to own a pair of toe shoes. It isn't easy to let go but trust us when we say you need to toss these shoes in the bin.
Leave Some for the Ladies
This opinion will probably catch a ton of backlash but here goes. Men have no business rocking earrings. The trend was popular in the 80s, but it's almost a century now, and some guys are still fighting for this piece of jewelry.
Luckily, there are other alternatives. If you need to rock some jewelry, we suggest putting on necklaces or rings. These are more manly and complement almost every outfit you can think of. So, gentlemen, let's leave the earrings to the ladies. It may not make any sense now, but give it a few more years, and you'll thank us for the fashion tip.
Some Shoes Are Not for Men
Let's start by saying there's a reason some designs are predominantly feminine. This is to deter men from picking them off the shelf. Sadly, some men don't catch the message, and you'll find them rocking Ugg boots. What happened to fuzzy loafers or a ball of mismatched socks?
To make matters worse, some men wear these boots to the store or while running errands around town. As a man, you should be ashamed of yourself. If it's not leather, it should never touch your skin. Even your boxers should be leather; comfort is for sissies. Come on, guys, we can do better.