Fellows, the truth is we don’t always get it right with our style. Dressing well isn’t just about the outfit but also steering clear of those common fashion pitfalls that catch us off guard!
Choosing the wrong style of shirt


Source: freerangestock
A lot of men mix up dress shirts with sports shirts, which can derail the whole look of an ensemble. Dress shirts are the pillars of formal attire with their refined cuts, rigid collars, and longer lengths that are meant to be tucked in. Sports shirts, on the other hand, are designed for a relaxed feel with vibrant patterns, varied textures, and shorter hems ideal for a loose, untucked vibe. Correction Strategy: Master the art of distinguishing between the two. Reserve the crisp dress shirt for formal gatherings, business meetings, or weddings, ensuring it’s neatly tucked in. Sports shirts are your go-to for informal occasions or casual days at the office, offering the flexibility to wear them untucked.
Belt and suspenders
Doubling up with both suspenders and a belt is a confusing style blunder since each serves the same purpose of holding up your pants. Piling on both is redundant and muddles your outfit. Correction Strategy: Choose just one—suspenders for a touch of old-school elegance or a belt for a contemporary and tidy look. Avoid cluttering your ensemble with unnecessary accessories; simplicity often leads to sophistication.
Don’t forget collar stays
Collars that are unkempt or drooping can undermine the formality you’re aiming for, leaving your outfit looking neglected. Correction Strategy: Invest in collar stays. They’re an inexpensive, easy fix that ensures your collar looks sharp and structured. Available at most men’s formalwear stores, these small tools are worth using whenever you don a shirt with a collar.
Not learning how to tie a tie
Struggling with tie knots can spoil the sophisticated impact of your attire, with knots that might be too bulky, tiny, or asymmetrical. Correction Strategy: Learn the proper knot for the occasion—like the versatile Half Windsor for daily wear or the elegant Full Windsor for formal events. Practice tying your tie with precise steps to ensure a balanced and stylish look that boosts your confidence.
Male earrings? No.
Earrings on men, popular in the ’80s, haven’t made a significant comeback and often don’t align with modern masculine styles. Correction Strategy: Rather than earrings, consider other accessories like necklaces, bracelets, or rings. These can add character to your outfit without reverting to past fashion trends.
Men and Uggs don’t mix
Wearing Ugg boots, though comfortable, is not a forward-thinking style choice for men and is best kept inside the home. Correction Strategy: It’s best to leave Ugg boots out of your public ensemble. Opt for shoes that enhance rather than diminish the sleekness of your attire.
Forgetting the hems
Overlooking the proper length of your trousers can disrupt an otherwise impeccable look, with pants that might drag or appear too short. Correction Strategy: Tailoring is crucial. Adjust the length of your pants according to your height and the style you aim to achieve, from no-break for a modern edge to a full break for taller men, ensuring a neat and proportionate appearance.


Filthy shoes
Clean sneakers but dirty laces can spoil the look of your footwear. Correction Strategy: Regularly replace your laces to match the cleanliness of your sneakers, a small but effective step to keep your shoes looking pristine.
The male midriff
Showing your stomach with a shirt that’s too short can detract from a neat appearance. Correction Strategy: Stick to shirts that fit well and cover appropriately. A proper fit enhances your style far more than a cropped look.
Buttoning the wrong jacket buttons
Incorrectly buttoning a jacket can alter its intended shape and disrupt its silhouette, detracting from its style. Correction Strategy: Learn the basics of jacket buttoning, like always leaving the bottom button of a two-button jacket undone, to ensure the garment sits properly and complements your movement.
Tucking in the shirt
Tucking in your shirt can sometimes appear dated and overly formal, especially in casual settings. Correction Strategy: Reserve tucking in for formal occasions and opt for an untucked shirt in casual environments to maintain a youthful and modern look.
Square-toed shoes
Square-toed shoes are a fashion faux pas that can ruin an outfit’s aesthetics. Correction Strategy: Choose shoes with more traditional, rounded shapes to maintain a timeless and stylish look, avoiding the clunky feel of square toes.
Staying stagnant with your uniform
Sticking to a too comfortable style routine can make your wardrobe feel stale and uninspiring. Correction Strategy: Refresh your look by incorporating new textures, patterns, and sophisticated accessories to add depth and interest to your outfits without sacrificing comfort.
Untailored blazers
A blazer that doesn’t fit properly can spoil the sophisticated look you’re aiming for. Correction Strategy: Ensure the blazer fits well, covering your backside and complementing your shape, and check that any overcoat worn over it extends sufficiently to cover the blazer.
Tight-fitting shirts
Shirts that are too tight can emphasize physical flaws and come across as trying too hard. Correction Strategy: Opt for shirts that fit comfortably, offering a slight allowance at the chest, arms, and waist to ensure a smooth, stylish appearance that allows easy movement.
Incorrect layering
Poor layering choices can lead to a bulky or mismatched look. Correction Strategy: Aim for balance in your layers, pairing different weights and colors thoughtfully to create a cohesive and appealing ensemble.
Overdoing it on accessories
Over-accessorizing can overwhelm your outfit and detract from its overall elegance. Correction Strategy: Limit yourself to a few well-chosen accessories that complement rather than dominate your look, keeping your style refined and consistent.
Exposed undershirts
While undershirts serve the practical purpose of protecting dress shirts from sweat and stains, letting them show is a fashion faux pas. As a rule of etiquette, undershirts, considered underwear, should remain out of sight. A visible undershirt disrupts your outfit’s proportions with awkward lines that can throw off your entire look. How to Fix It: If you’re unbuttoning your dress shirt, switch to a V-neck undershirt. This style remains hidden and continues to provide the benefits of an undershirt, ensuring your look remains clean and proportionate.
Shaving against the grain
Many men believe shaving against the grain results in a closer shave, but this method often causes skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Shaving this way can force hairs to grow back into the skin, leading to uncomfortable bumps. How to Fix It: For a smooth, irritation-free shave, always shave with the grain, following your hair’s natural direction. Prepare your skin with warm water or a hot towel, use a good shaving cream to reduce friction, and employ a sharp razor for gentle strokes. If a closer shave is necessary, make a second pass across the grain, but avoid going directly against it. Finish with a soothing balm to keep your skin healthy.
Wearing flannels the wrong way
Flannel shirts can easily be styled poorly, appearing oversized, sloppy, or too rigid when buttoned up completely, which detracts from their intended rugged charm. How to Fix It: Select a flannel shirt that fits well—neither too tight nor too loose—and pairs it with more structured bottoms like slim jeans or chinos. For a relaxed style, leave the top button undone or wear it open over a t-shirt. Consider tying it around your waist for a stylish touch. The right fit and pairing can turn flannel into a stylish staple.
Shotty watch maintenance
Leather watch straps can quickly wear out if not properly cared for, suffering from cracks, discoloration, or odors due to exposure to elements like water and sunlight. How to Fix It: Extend the life of your leather watch strap by keeping it away from moisture and harsh conditions. Remove it during activities that may involve water or excessive sweat. Clean the strap with a dry cloth regularly and apply a leather conditioner occasionally to maintain its appearance. Storing your watch in a controlled environment when not in use also prevents damage.
Wearing jeans too tightly
Tight jeans might be fashionable, but overly snug fits can be uncomfortable and unflattering, squeezing in ways that restrict movement and circulation. How to Fix It: Choose jeans that offer a snug fit without constricting. If necessary, size up for a better balance between comfort and style. The right pair of jeans should complement your physique while allowing freedom of movement.
Misfit Chinos
Selecting chinos isn’t just about color; fit is crucial, especially around the waist and hips. Relying on a belt to hold up poorly fitting chinos is a mistake. How to Fix It: Ensure chinos fit well from the start, sitting comfortably around your waist without needing a belt for support. They should flatter your hips and allow for movement without sagging or pinching. Check the fit from all angles, adjusting size or style as needed to achieve a sleek look.
Mismanaging gray beard
Managing grey in a beard can be tricky, and improper dyeing techniques can result in an unnatural appearance. How to Fix It: If covering grey, choose a dye close to your natural color or a shade lighter. Opt for semi-permanent dyes for less damage and a more natural fade. Use a beard dye brush for even application and regular touch-ups to keep the color consistent.
Simple shoes in the wardrobe
Overly detailed or eccentric footwear can limit your style options and may not always be practical for daily wear. How to Fix It: Invest in classic, versatile footwear like white sneakers or black loafers that pair well with both casual and semi-formal outfits. This approach allows you to integrate bolder pieces without sacrificing versatility or style.
Matching footwear with shirts
Focusing solely on matching shoes with pants can result in disjointed outfits. An overlooked styling trick is coordinating shoes with your top for a balanced look. How to Fix It: Match your shoes with the color or tone of your top to create a cohesive outfit. This can add a sophisticated touch and ensure your style appears intentional and polished.
Beaded Bracelets
Overdoing it with beaded bracelets can overwhelm your look, appearing as though you’re trying too hard. How to Fix It: Limit yourself to one or two meaningful bracelets that enhance rather than overpower your outfit. This subtle approach keeps your style refined and focused.
High-waters
Wearing pants that are too short can leave an awkward gap above your shoes, disrupting an otherwise sharp ensemble. How to Fix It: Ensure pants are the proper length, touching the tops of your shoes with a slight break. Opt for a tailored look with minimal break to maintain modern style without appearing sloppy.
Pattern-lined Chinos
Colorful pocket linings and waistbands on chinos can appear unprofessional or juvenile, especially in more formal settings. How to Fix It: Stick to chinos with neutral details to keep them versatile. Express personality through subtle accessories like belts or socks for a pop of color that doesn’t compromise the refined look of your outfit.
Black socks with brown shoes
Pairing black socks with brown shoes disrupts the visual flow of an outfit, clashing with the warmer tones typically paired with brown footwear. How to Fix It: Choose socks in shades that complement or match your brown shoes to maintain a cohesive look from pants to shoes. This enhances overall harmony and allows for a more polished appearance.
Suit Jackets with Skinny Jeans
Combining skinny jeans with suit jackets often results in a mismatched, unprofessional look due to the contrasting styles. How to Fix It: Pair suit jackets with trousers that match in fabric and cut for a unified, elegant look. For a less formal style, opt for slim-fit jeans with casual blazers instead of full suit jackets.
Awkward ankle socks
Pairing thick, dark socks with shorts and bright athletic shoes creates a jarring contrast that can distract from an athletic outfit. How to Fix It: Opt for low-profile socks that match the tone of your shoes and shorts, maintaining a streamlined, cohesive look that doesn’t draw undue attention to your ankles.
Mixing flannel with formal
Mixing a casual flannel shirt with formal dress trousers results in a style clash due to the differing levels of formality. How to Fix It: Keep flannel shirts within casual contexts, pairing them with jeans or chinos. If you must wear dress trousers, choose a more formal shirt to match the trousers’ level of sophistication.
Overdoing the do
Overusing hair products can leave your hair looking greasy and overly styled, which might not be suitable for every setting. How to Fix It: Use a minimal amount of product to achieve a natural look. Choose formulations appropriate for your hair type and apply them to damp hair for a controlled yet flexible hold.
Dramatic beard lines
Crafting an overly sharp beard line can make your facial hair look artificial and unbalanced. How to Fix It: Follow the natural contours of your face when trimming your beard. Blend the edges softly into your skin and consult a barber for tips on maintaining a natural, well-groomed beard appearance.
Mismatching suits
Mixing non-coordinating suit jackets and trousers can disrupt the sleek, unified look essential for formal attire. How to Fix It: Preferably purchase suits as complete sets. If mixing, carefully match the color and texture of separates. Use accessories like ties and pocket squares to bridge slight variations, ensuring a polished, cohesive look.


Cuffed jeans
Incorrectly cuffing pants without considering the pant style or footwear can lead to disproportionate and awkward looks. How to Fix It: Match the cuff style and width to the type of shoes worn. For slim pants, opt for a narrow cuff that complements the footwear, ensuring a balanced and stylish appearance.
Failing to fit jeans by body type
Choosing jeans that don’t fit your body type can result in an unflattering silhouette, whether they’re too loose or too tight. How to Fix It: Select jeans that suit your body shape, opting for styles that enhance your physique while offering comfort. Consider different fits like slim or relaxed, depending on your build, for the best overall look.


Graphic Tees
Overloading on graphic tees can overwhelm your outfit, making it seem chaotic and unfocused. How to Fix It: Choose a single graphic tee as a statement piece and keep the rest of your outfit simple. This allows the tee to stand out without clashing with other elements, maintaining a stylish and coherent look.
Baggy jeans
Clinging to baggy jeans from the past can date your style and detract from a polished look. How to Fix It: Transition to more contemporary fits like slim or skinny jeans that showcase your silhouette in a flattering way, keeping your style up-to-date and tailored.
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