Just recently saw an article from Yahoo! about 7 style mistakes that all guys make, and I do think that they have some great points that, thankfully, are being addressed.
The Leather Jacket
The appearance of a clothing piece should accentuate the body type of a person, and this is usually done through the tailoring of that piece. So yes, I agree that it shouldn’t be baggy or slouchy, and it should create a better form/shape of that person. The jacket should feel “snug,” as the article pointed out, but it shouldn’t restrict movement and flexibility. I do have to say that I like their choice of the bomber jacket from Dolce & Gabbana.
The Barack Obama Jeans
I haven’t owned a pair since the 80’s, and even looking at the “trends” now, the 80’s are coming back. But just because the trend is here doesn’t mean it will last. Stick with darker denim that has room for the crotch and makes your appearance straight and tall. Bootcut jeans are typically very nice for slimming down one’s physique.
And yes, get rid of the Seinfeld-esque sneakers and go for something more stylish, hip, and put together. H&M was suggested, but I can also argue for brands like Coach, Cole Haan, Armani Exchange, Kenneth Cole, and Steve Madden.
The Cheap Tie
I’ve been on a case that accessories should be invested upon as much as one can possibly afford (at a reasonable amount, of course). Why? Because accessories also accentuate your physique as well as the overall look. It helps polish your attire and oftentimes makes things “fit” together. Cheap ties, as in most things cheap, don’t possess the quality necessary to withstand the wear and tear. They feel coarse, the prints look cheap, and the threads/material feel like they’ve been made with bamboo.
Sagging Suit Pants
Ahh, yes. The sagging pants. Shameless confession: I can’t really say I haven’t done this, but I have repented and moved on long time ago. It’s easy to really get stuck in this rut, especially if you are shorter than the average person. I agree with the article: take your pants to a tailor. While it is much better to find pants that fit both vertically and horizontally, it oftentimes do not happen, especially in the sale racks. So, if you buy something on sale at Banana Republic that works on the waist, but not length-wise, take it to a good tailor, or for an extra $10 bucks or so, get the store to hem it for you.
The Pancake Collar
Honestly, if you have the money to buy a great suit, you should also have (or try to invest in) the time to take care of the suit AND its other parts: shirt, shoes, accessories. I know we all get lazy at times, and I know that a lot of guys just give up and figured a great suit will negate the sloppy shirts. Well, the suit in and of itself may be great, but again, it’s all about the whole and not just the sum of its parts. Take the time to iron your stuff if needed. Or, as the article suggested, buy shirts with firm collars and invest in collar stays (those plastic things).
Right Suit, Wrong Belt
I can even make the case for the right suit but the wrong shoes as well. I went to a friend’s wedding once where the groom (my friend) wore an awesome tux and Birkenstocks. Yes, he’s from the Pacific Northwest and he’s an outdoors kind-of-guy, but a good outfit doesn’t have to be ruined by the shoes or accessories you wear. Each piece of accessory or clothing needs to compliment the outfit. I like the article’s point of view; if you have things that don’t fit the suit or the outfit, retire it.
The Oversize Suit
Come on, people. This isn’t the 80’s with the massive shoulder pads. Today’s modern suit is form-fitting, and even if you don’t think form-fitting is going to look good for you, think again. Lots of suits are made specifically for your type of body (granted some are quite expensive), but these suits don’t just make the man, they make them look fantastic. And even if you do get a suit that looks a little big, invest in a great tailor that can help you look great for that job interview or that work-related lunch meeting. You’re not just investing in what you wear, but you’re investing in your confidence and overall appeal, both short-term and long-term.
