12 Style Mistakes Men Should Never Make

Whether you’re a trend follower, a trend setter or men’s fashion isn’t really your thing everyone likes to feel put together. However, sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with all the latest style tips and fashion ‘rules’ which is why we’ve comprised a  list of twelve must-avoid fashion faux pas. So, As long as you’re not doing any of the below, you should be good to go!  

Bad Tan

OK, so this one isn’t tech technically a ‘style’ mistake but It certainly falls under the category of personal grooming. A bad tan, whether that’s a farmers tan, obvious tan lines around your eyes, wrist or ankles…bad tans just scream unkempt and can distract from even the sharpest outfit. In fact, when it comes to good looking skin, the only thing worse than a bad tan is a bad sunburn, so make sure to slather on the SPF to avoid looking like a peeling, scaly monster.
mens sunburn
Novelty Ties

Unless it’s a Christmas party, a charity fundraiser or a kid’s birthday party a novelty tie should be something avoided at all costs. Having said that, there’s nothing wrong with being bold in your style choices (loud colours and sophisticated prints welcome) but leave the piano keys in 1985!

Square-Toed Shoes

Unfortunately, this once business-wardrobe staple is now something that is universally seen as outdated and frumpy. The square toed shoe does nothing to complement a man’s physique, nor his wardrobe, so stick to rounded and pointed-toe styles if you want to avoid a serious fashion faux pas.
mens square toed shoes
Athletic Socks with Suit Trousers

Whether you’re dressed in a full suit or you’re going smart casual with suit trousers and a button-up shirt, the key to looking well put together is paying attention to detail. This means leaving the athletic socks for the gym and sticking to dress socks whenever you wear trousers

Dungarees (Not for Manual Labour)

Dungarees were invented in the 17th century as a form of protective, practical clothing for manual work. Since then, they have evolved to become part of everyday fashion. Dungarees can look great on the right person but it’s certainly a look that’s hard to pull off. So, unless you want to look like an oversized toddler, it’s best to leave the dungarees for their indented purpose: manual work.

Baggy Dress Shirts

No matter what your size, your dress shirt should still be form-fitting and not too long. When you’re uncomfortable with your size or shape, it can be tempting to cover up all your insecurities with a big, draping shirt, but that will only make you look larger. Contrary to what many believe, baggy clothes do nothing to make you look slimmer, it is in fact tailored clothing that should be your best friend. Choose a dress shirt that sits close to your skin but isn’t too tight; it should lightly skim over your chest and stomach and taper in slightly at your waist. Your dress shirt should also not be too long. Just below the waist is fine and if you decide to tuck it in, make sure the fabric over your stomach does not billow out.
baggy big mens shirt
Extra Long Ties

An extra long tie is a great way to take a sharp, formal outfit and make it look sloppy. If your tie is all the way down to your fly, it’s too long. Ideal tie length should see the tip of the tie touching (or slightly above) your belt. So, if you want to avoid looking like a frumpy politician, make sure to keep your tie at an appropriate length.

Extra Short Ties

Just as a tie that’s too long can ruin your outfit, so can a tie that’s too short. If the tip of your tie is above, or just reaching your belly button it needs to be longer.

Dragging Trousers

If you want to look like a kid on his first day of school, extra long trousers are the way to go, but if you want to look like a smart, sophisticated gentleman then its important to choose the correct length. Where a trouser sits on the shoe is called a ‘break’ and some men prefer different break lengths to others. No break means the end of your trouser floats just slightly above your shoe, a half break sits at the top of the laces and a full break sits about half way down the tongue of your shoe. All these lengths are generally considered acceptable for formal attire. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t let your trouser hang over your ankle.
big mens jeans long
Wrinkled clothing

This is one style faux pas that there really is no excuse for, even on casual days. Whether you’re popping to the supermarket or heading out on a date make sure you iron out those creases!

Cheap Cologne

A signature scent is the sign of a sophisticated and well adapted gent. If you want to smell as good as you look stop wearing that cheap, 3 year old cologne that Aunt Linda gave you 3 Christmas’ ago. Instead, spend some time and effort in seeking out a signature scent that matches your personality and taste instead.
man putting on cologne
Wrinkled clothing

This is one style faux pas that there really is no excuse for, even on casual days. Whether you’re popping to the supermarket or heading out on a date make sure you iron out those creases!

Faded Whites

If you’re going to wear white, you need to do it right. White clothing should be fresh, crisp and free of stains. Whites should never be washed with anything apart from other whites. This will prevent dye running from other garments and turning your whites that dirty, slightly grey colour. As soon as your whites show signs of fading, it’s either time to toss them, or use a whitening treatment. Check your shirts frequently for armpit stains and discolouration around the collars and cuffs and use stain treatments as necessary.