9 Fashion Disasters Men Must Avoid

July 06, 2011, By 4 comments

9 Fashion Disasters Men Must Avoid

I recently bumped into an old friend at a tavern while out with my significant other. He told me he was looking to score with some single woman. I bid him good luck but didn't give him much of a chance, not with the clothes he was wearing—sort of Florida retirement home chic.

It was only one among many fashion disasters I see men wearing, but it was the worst I can recall. Not only are sweater vests outdated, but wearing them underneath a sports coat has never been in style, anywhere.

It's easy to go astray in the world of male fashion, usually because guys are willing to wear just about anything, and instead of keeping it simple (which keeps you in style) they go for daring, which is almost always a bad idea.

Here are nine fashion disasters men must avoid:

1. Your clothes are too loose

This is one of the biggest fashion faux pas for men, as it makes them look like boys. Ill-fitting pants that are falling down or oversized shirts are a common fashion disaster. Some men seem to think loose-fitting clothes will hide their belly and waist, but this look actually makes you appear heavier. Unless you are about to go on a tour to support your hip-hop record, make sure your clothes fit.

2. Your clothes are too tight

Just the opposite of the previous mistake—some guys prefer to ignore their growing waistline by packing themselves into pants that no longer fit. Better to buy larger pants than to hang out with a muffin top hanging over your belt.  

3. Out-of-date clothes

Men's fashions don't change as often as women's, but they do change. And because a lot of guys are averse to throwing out anything, they persist in wearing clothes that recall a bygone era.You might remember when that wide-collar shirt turned heads and those clunky shoes were quite the rage, but it's time to let them go—maybe to the Smithsonian Museum. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to make sure your arms and legs are covered by clothes of recent vintage.

4. Wearing white socks with dress slacks or shoes

White athletic socks are to be worn with gym shoes, and that's it. They do NOT go with boat shoes, dress casual loafers or any kind of dress shoes.

5. Wearing gym shoes with dress pants 

Speaking of gym shoes, save them for the gym. You might be able to get by pairing them with jeans, but even that look has pretty well left the station. A handy reminder: if you're not wearing gym clothes don't wear your gym shoes. 

6. Wearing novelty clothes and logo apparel in business and social settings

Your Pittsburgh Steelers jersey or Simpsons T-shirt is fine for weekends on the couch, when only your wife and kids will see you. But wearing novelty or logo clothing to work or to social events is a huge fashion faux pas. Nothing looks tackier than resembling a billboard in front of your co-workers or friends. Drawing attention to yourself through a brand, sports team or cartoon is a no-no. Save the novelty Tees for indoor TV watching, please.

 

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Comments (4):

Jesse H. Ordinarily, I don't comment on sites (as I Ph. D. I find them rather shallow in content but entertaining nonetheless) but this one really needed to be addressed. Where are the low slung jeans with your boxers hanging out, or the I have so many tattoos I am a billboard for all to see? I was amazed at the pinkie ring reference (which is where my class ring is worn), since there were no mention of earhoops, tongue rings and other outlandish jewelry. I wear my ring there because in my office there is a photo of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and guess what finger his ring was worn? So perhaps the decision of what's fashionable should be left to the individual as what is acceptable in one realm may be just the opposite in another, I think that in our attempt to find what is hip and trendy we lose relevance and classy in the balance. perhaps we need to worry less about clothing and more about the content of character. That being said; I found the article well written, a bit limited in scope, and in need of proofreading and spell check. Thanks for letting me chime in. --Dr. JJH - 10/24/2011
Paul M. Admonitions against "out-of-date clothes" only make sense if you've sold out to the social and political establishment. Keep in mind that not all men are out-of-touch "squares" who've bought consumerist America's invitation hook, line, and sinker... - 10/06/2011
Thomas M. Thanks for the pinky ring observation. You occasionally see one and wonder, "Gee, what was it like growing up in Vegas?" It's a totally unnecessary affectation, like a medallion or earring. Yes, all you guys who think earrings are cool...do you want to be a pirate when you grow up? Trick or treat. - 09/20/2011
Xander S. Number 7. only applies to insecure straight men working for the U.S. government. Boring, boring, boring. - 07/26/2011

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