For men who want to look stylish and put together, following key style guidelines is essential. Certain do’s and don’ts exist when it comes to fashion and grooming for men. By being aware of these style rules, any man can avoid common pitfalls and always look his best.
Do Keep it Simple
The first rule for men’s style is to keep it simple. Stick to classic, versatile pieces that will stay in fashion season after season. Basic items like a white button-down shirt, navy blazer, gray suit, dark wash jeans, and leather Oxford shoes make up the foundation of a solid men’s wardrobe. While trends come and go, these timeless staples will always be in style. Choose quality over quantity and avoid overly trendy pieces. Investing in a few well-made basics will carry you far.
Do Pay Attention to Fit
No matter how nice a piece of clothing is, if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t look good. Many men make the mistake of wearing suits, dress shirts, and pants that are too baggy or too tight. Getting the right fit for your body type is key. Suits and dress shirts should follow your natural lines without pulling or sagging. Pants should break just above the shoe with a slight break. Don’t be afraid to get clothes tailored for the best fit. Properly fitted clothes are essential for a sharp, put-together look.
Don’t Wear Socks with Sandals
One style faux pas that should be avoided at all costs is wearing socks with sandals. Nothing says fashion blunder like this major footwear mismatch. Sandals are designed to be worn barefoot in warm weather conditions. Socks should only be worn with fully closed shoes and sneakers. If you must wear socks in the summer, opt for boat shoes, loafers, or canvas sneakers instead of sandals. Don’t let this major style offense sabotage an otherwise good look.
Do Learn to Tie a Tie
Every man should know how to properly tie a necktie. Know at least a few tie knots like the simple four-in-hand and versatile half Windsor. The half Windsor is great for spreading collar dress shirts, while the four-in-hand works well for skinny ties and smaller shirt collars. Watch YouTube tutorials and practice tying knots until you’ve mastered these essential skills. Tying your own tie results in a neatly done knot positioned at the right length. Looking crisp and polished depends on the details.
Don’t Mix Black and Brown
An easy rule to follow is to avoid mixing black and brown pieces in one outfit. Brown shoes don’t pair well with black pants or belts. The same rule applies to navy and black – don’t try to match these together. Stick to one color palette for a cohesive look. Black and brown fall into different shades on the neutral color spectrum. Mixing them together looks disjointed. Even alternating black and brown accessories like belts or watches is a style no-no.
Do Invest in a Quality Haircut
No amount of good fashion sense will matter if your haircut is outdated or just plain awful. Visit a great men’s salon or barber and pay for a fashionable, up-to-date haircut that emphasizes your facial features and suits your face shape. The linked barbershop has been in Grand Rapids since 2007 and offers the kind of styling every well-dressed man needs.
Don’t Forget to Iron
An often overlooked yet critical part of men’s style is proper ironing. Heading out the door in wrinkled, messy clothes conveys laziness. Even a high-quality suit or dress shirt looks bad if poorly ironed. Take a few extra minutes each morning to iron your clothes. For wrinkle-free pants, hang them up immediately after drying instead of leaving them balled up in the dryer. Properly ironed clothes show attention to detail and polish.
By avoiding common mistakes like socks with sandals while focusing on fit and well-made classics, men can look sharp and sophisticated. Simple changes make a big impact. Follow these fundamental guidelines and you’ll be dressed for success in no time. Good style is about being comfortable and confident in well-fitting, quality clothes.