It can be hard for a man today when it comes to fashion.
On one hand, you are expected to keep on-trend and not seem dated in your clothing choices, but on the other, you can't afford to follow every fad that comes out. The result is that most get lazy and stick to what they know and feel comfortable in.
This however doesn't excuse most men from committing these men's fashion mistakes. There are many, but we will focus on 7 common cardinal sins that will keep you in good stead if you try your best to avoid them.
1. Holding Onto Worn Clothes
We get it.
Maybe it's your favorite t-shirt from college or your go-to sweater in the winter. But be honest with yourself, if the color has worn or it has lost its shape then, no matter how good you think it looks, it's time for the item to claim its pension.
More often than not, when we hold onto personal favorites we are looking at them with the same eyes as when we first bought them. Unfortunately, the rest of the world only sees how it looks now, so do yourself a favor and keep your wardrobe modern by throwing them out at the right time.
2. Make Correct Use of Suit Accessories
In an effort to look smart, it is easy to get lazy and pick up one of those matching tie and pocket square combos and think you are set. In reality, this is the equivalent of trying to buy a used car and kicking the tires. For anyone in the know, it's clear that you don't know what you are doing even though you want it to look like you do.
There are not as many men's fashion accessories, so get it right when you do decide to wear them.
Use the pocket square to accent one color in your suit or tie and you will look great. Wearing a matching set just makes you look like you need a stylist.
3. Backpacks and Suits
Always practical but not always appropriate, backpacks have their uses. However, there is a reason that they make our list of men's fashion mistakes.
Wearing one with a suit gives an air of unprofessionalism, a concern if you are someone who needs to make an impression at the office.
Stylewise they only tend to crease up your suit, and is there anyone who is a fan of the inevitable summertime back sweat patch that goes hand in hand with sporting one?
Take the time to invest in a briefcase or an appropriate laptop bag instead.
3. Not Taking Care of Your Shoes
Given that they are on the ground and take a pounding all day it is so easy for us to not pay attention to shoe care.
But remember that shoes have an amazing ability to complete a look, so stylish men always take care of their shoes. You may spend a lot on great quality footwear but if you don't use a shoe tree and polish them regularly then it can end up being a wasted investment.
4. Square Toe Shoes
Staying on the topic of shoes, just type the words "square toe shoes" on the internet and you will see they don't exactly have a fan club. However, there are some more fashionable options for those with wider feet who benefit for practical reasons.
But if you have no reason to wear them, don't. On the whole, they are not fashionable and indicate to the world that you are not either!
5. Not Paying Attention to What Your Shirt Is Telling You
While different men's styles will mean that the design and pattern of items will vary from person to person, how they should be worn isn't up for debate.
A great example is shirts.
Get familiar with the difference between a dress shirt and a casual one so that you can avoid wearing them inappropriately.
A dress shirt has a longer back and front and comes up at the hips, shouting out to you that they want to be tucked in. On the other hand, casual shirts are either the same length all the way around or will have button-down collars, giving all the indications of a more relaxed look.
Believe us when we say that there is nothing worse than seeing a dress shirt hanging out, so avoid this fashion mistake at all costs.
6. To Button or Not to Button
A suit is one of the quintessential outfits for work, so there is no excuse for not getting it right. Yet countless men make men's fashion mistakes related to how to wear suit jackets every day.
To get it right you need to know one thing. Buttons are used for when you are standing, so unbutton when sitting down. In addition, the bottom button should never be buttoned up, and if you have a three-button jacket, the top button is optional.
Knowing how to wear one will lead to a much sleeker silhouette and keep you looking sharp.
7. Not Making Use of Your Iron
The last of our men's fashion mistakes is one that is easy to remedy.
If you have gone to all the effort to buy good quality men's shirts and pants, then the least that can be done is get them looking at their best. And there is nothing better than wearing an ironed shirt or pressed pants.
Wearing wrinkled and creased clothing gives off an incompetent impression. If you are not able to make an effort to get your clothes looking presentable, then the idea that you could be trusted with other people's tasks is laughable.
Even though we are in the zoom era where it may seem less important as they won't show up on the screen, remember that good fashion habits are done for you and you alone!
Stay Stylish by Avoiding These Men’s Fashion Mistakes
Our insight into the most common men's fashion mistakes has hopefully given you the confidence you need in getting your fashion choices right.
To further accentuate your style check out the amazing clothes that we have on our site, and for more great fashion advice then head to our blog!