As men we cant possibly be expected to present ourselves flawlessly at all times, it’s just not in our genetic make up to, well…. care enough.
However, there are a few key things we can do to make ourselves not look like complete idiots in front of the fairer sex.
Below are common fashion faux pas we make when trying to mix smart/casual styles, read it, remember it and DON’T DO IT!
Collar Styling
Notice the guy in the main picture, he seems to think he looks pretty cool with his shirt collars popping out, well i’m happy to be the first say he’s NOT! Just keep it inside the jacket. You’re not Travolta in Saturday Night Fever – nor should you pretend to be. Ever.
Jacket Length
This one is pretty simple. If you decide to buy a smart/casual coat such as the ‘pea coat’ before spending your hard earned money on making yourself look strange, take your height into consideration. If you are 5′5, don’t buy an extra long coat unless you want to look like a child wearing his fathers wardrobe. And the same applies if you’re tall; don’t buy a coat that sits at your waist making you look like a head on legs. Always go for a length that complements your height.
The Half-Tucked Shirt
This doesn’t say cool or relaxed, it says messy. Has to be in or out; half done is plain sloppy.
Over-washed/distressed jeans
The wash and fabric are too casual for the top half. To be worn with a formal jacket, jeans should be one shade of a plain fabric – either a block colour or a block wash with no fading, raw edges, rips, rivets, studs, prints or badges. No place for pale dad-denim here!
Running Shoes
This type of performance trainer is only meant for exercise/sport and doesn’t work as a casual/fashion shoe or with jeans – and certainly not with a structured jacket. The chunky sole itself is enough to ruin the overall look and don’t get me started on ‘air bubbles’. City-slickers – if it’s really that important to keep your feet in good shape on your walk to work on a daily basis, then check out the Schmoove Corseasyglovs which could ease your comfort issues.
Socks With Sandals
An oldie but still a ‘baddie’; sandals on their own should be given as much free-time as they need left in your wardrobe. Wearing socks with them is just sinful. Steer clear.
Colours
This could be – and probably will be – a whole section on its own, but wearing green and red may seem like a good idea if you’re working for Santa in the North Pole, but for us mere mortals, it’s a no-no. Do not wear too many colours unless you want to look like a walking rainbow.
Colour-coordination is the key and instead of simply trying to coordinate to the timeless colour-wheel, instead, use a little common sense and work with the colours that suit your look, skintone and hair colour. Simple is often better.
“Jack-Ups”
As they are known here in England, this involves trousers that are too short. With the exception of cropped or 3/4 lengths (which can occasionally look OK, although mainly on holiday), those that look like your ankles have had an argument with your shoes are likely to make you look like a school-child at the end of the summer holidays after a growth spurt. Yes, you may see some of your so-called idols trying to sport this as a ‘trend’ but they too will look back through their photo albums in years to come and regret looking like a tit.
Crazy Ties
This includes ‘comic’ cartoon ties or those akin to carpets from the 1960’s. They all look shit and detract onlookers from what may be a very eye-catching outfit. Keep it simple with either plain block-colours or bold stripes with colours that match. Again, common-sense prevails and if you have even an inkling that the tie is too precarious – it most likely is.
UGG's
We know some of you already do it and there is definitely a second-wind on its way. The fad for UGG boots – no matter how comfy – is already borderline lynch-worthy on the ladies (ie. who they are intended for) so what makes you think it’ll work on you? If you love the comfort of the fleece-lining, then save the look for your house and combine them with your velour dressing gown.
I’ve even found blogs like this promoting the same awful tat – what is going on? Base winning FHM Brand Of The Year! Hilarious.
Guys, get your act together and buy nice shoes. Use our guide, get an image consultant (read: stylist) or ask a girl. Do whatever it takes.
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