Avoid Common Mistakes in Men's Fashion

Even if you feel you have a good handle on what works for you in the style department, make sure you’re not committing these fashion faux pas when you walk out the front door:

• Too much jewelry: While “bling bling” may be all the rage in Hollywood, this is one trend that should stop at celebrities. A man who sports too much jewelry looks tacky. A quality watch and a wedding band are enough for the average man to wear to the office. If you want to add a bracelet for weekend outings, that’s fine, but you’ll have to choose between a necklace or a bracelet. Do not wear both at the same time.
• Baseball caps everywhere: There was a time when men wore dress hats and knew exactly when to remove them. Today, with relaxed dress codes accepted nearly everywhere, men and women sport baseball caps in many places, including inside buildings when they aren’t appropriate. Baseball caps are great at baseball games and for keeping the sun off your face, but once you enter a restaurant, home, movie theater or other establishment, the polite thing to do is remove your cap.
• Sneakers all the time: Sneakers are wonderfully comfortable, but they aren’t suitable for every occasion. A lot of guys understand that they must wear dress shoes to work, but do not know what footwear to sport on the weekends. As a result, they stick with what’s comfortable—sneakers. Instead of wearing these ultra-casual shoes all the time, consider alternatives like loafers, lace-ups and sandals. Consider how much more pulled together you’ll look when wearing easy slip-on shoes which are just as comfortable as tennis shoes but add a little extra panache to a casual outfit.
• Wrinkled clothing: Nothing says "I couldn't be bothered" like wrinkled clothes. Your shirt and pants might be impeccably clean, but if they aren’t pressed, they give off a stale, dingy image. Knowing how to iron your clothing is a necessary skill; if you don’t have the time or don’t feel you can master this skill, there are dry cleaners who will press your garments for a small fee.
• Novelty items: Ties with images of Santa Claus, tropical trees and cookies are cute but have no business in a place of business. Socks with hearts? Leave them at home. Hats with beer straws? Wear them only at a Superbowl party. Sometimes, you receive these items as gifts and you might not want to hurt the gift giver’s feelings. There’s a time and place for novelty attire and it’s usually at private parties or lounging at home.

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Think Classic and Sophisticated

Even if you’re fiercely proud of your indie style, there’s still a way to be fashionable while maintaining your individuality. You don’t have to conform to uniform rules of dressing and wear nothing but blue, gray and black all the time. However, it’s best to avoid some common mistakes in men's fashion if you want to be taken seriously. Make an effort with your first impression and you’ll go a lot further than if you show up wearing a glow-in-the-dark alien tie.

Dell Sandeen.