Whether they say they need it or not, your man may need a closet update! I’ve been styling men and women for over 20 years and want to share the top 10 styling mistakes men make everyday and how to fix them. How to fix the mistakes not the man 🙂
The Fashion Police may not be handing out citations but there are a few faux pas that many men make which can result in looking dated and less modern. These trends and easy pointers will not only amp up his look but also will boost his confidence.
Father’s day is around the corner so it’s time to spruce up our guys. Let’s get shopping and give some love to the men in our lives! All my shopping links can be found at Nordstrom.
*Make sure to scroll all the way to the end to discover my most controversial top mistake that men make and my number one pet peeve!
MISTAKE 10: BUTTON BOTH BUTTONS ON JACKETS
I was watching the Bachelor (I don’t want to embarrass him so won’t mention his name) and was surprised when I saw this styling pet peeve that many men are not aware of.
This tall, dark and handsome young man was wearing a very nice blue suit however both buttons were buttoned on his 2 button suit jacket! In case you also don’t know, read on to learn the right way for men to button jackets.
–For two-button jackets, button only the top button. The two buttons create a deep V shape with the longer lapels.
-For three-button jackets, you can button the middle button, or sometimes button the top and middle buttons, but never button the bottom button. This is sometimes called the “sometimes, always, never” rule.
-For double-breasted jackets, button every button except for the bottom button, but you can also button the bottom button instead of the top one. Double-breasted jackets are considered more formal than single-breasted jackets and usually have four, six, or eight buttons. You can keep your double-breasted blazer unbuttoned and open when you sit.
Shop this look here.
Nothing says sophistication more than a summer seersucker suit. This one comes as separates so you can wear the jacket with white shorts or white jeans. And conversely, the pants can be worn without the jacket. Try a linen shirt with sleeves rolled up and also tucked in.
MISTAKE 9: WEARING SHORTS TOO LONG
Men’s fashion trends don’t change nearly as fast as womens, however there are a few worth noting. You’ll notice the younger guys know this trend to be true, but mid to older guys are slow to catch on and adapt to this new length.
If you’re 5’10 or under, shorter shorts have always looked more proportionate on you. However right now, mens shorts shorts should hit approximately 2 inches from the knee minimum. Same is true for swim trunks too. So look for inseams between 7 and 8.5 depending on how long your legs are.
Shop this look above here.
Shop more mens shorts here:
MISTAKE 8: GYM SNEAKERS WORN OUTSIDE OF THE GYM
This is sooooo common. I’ll ask a guy what kinds of sneakers he owns. Almost always they will say they have sneakers :/ only to find out they are the same kind that you would run a marathon or lift weights in!!
No, no and no to that kind of sneaker when you’re wearing jeans, dress pants, or nice shorts. Luckily there are so many great options that will not break the bank! You do not have to invest in a designer sneaker to get the right look. In fact, my hubs has these by Cole Haan and they look great every time he needs a shoe thats not a loafer.
Shop the right sneaker to wear with suits, jeans, shorts and more here:
MISTAKE 7: JUST A SPLASH OF THE RIGHT SCENT
Shop above Huarache sandal board here.
It’s off putting when a man hasn’t taken the time to groom properly. That can mean showering more often, wearing deoderant and maybe adding a spritz of an elevated scent.
Investing in a small bottle of a great sexy scent will not only make you feel attractive but will also convey the same to others. Men’s cologne also makes a great gift! Here are some of my favs:
Shop my fav mens fragrances here.
MISTAKE 6: TOO MUCH BREAK IN PANT LENGTHS
European men have always had a jump on the everything fashionable so it’s no wonder they set the latest trends.
When you’re getting your pants or suits hemmed, pay attention to the break and length of the pant. This will vary depending on the fullness of the leg. To get that more narrow European sexy fit, opt for less break and a shorter length that shows a little skin and ankle. However, if the pant is pleated or full, go with more of a break and slightly longer length.
MISTAKE 5: FORGETTING THE 3RD PIECE RULE
I have to admit I get a lot of pushback on this from own husband! I’ll tell you a funny story that wasn’t funny for him at the time.
We were invited to special celebrity concert featuring Peter Frampton (who sounded amazing btw). The venue was outside at a beautiful estate in the middle of summer. I insisted that Darin wear a light blazer with his white jeans. He fought me because it was hot, but the invitation came from a client and he needed to look the part of a stylist husband. When we got there, most guys were wearing dressy shirts without a blazer and he has not let me forget that to this day!
My point telling you that story is that a blazer with jeans can 100% level up a man’s look. I love the look of a blazer with a t shirt and jeans. Simple but polished! This look doesn’t have to be reserved for country club events or dressy occasions. Again look at European well- dressed men and you’ll see them in their linen blazers looking so sharp day and evening.
Shop this look here.
MISTAKE 4: NOT ROLLING UP THOSE SLEEVES
If you’ve worked with me in a styling appointment, you know one of the first things I’ll do is roll up those sleeves! Unless you’re wearing a blazer or sweater on top, a long sleeve shirt looks stiff and awkward if it’s not rolled up. Pushing up a sleeve always looks cool too. Whether you prefer 1 to 3 neat folds or just pushing up those sleeves like above, you will look instantly more comfortable and stylish. There is just something about showing a little skin!
Here are a few good looking summer shirts:
MISTAKE 3: NOT WEARING ACCESSORIES
Accessories polish off anyones look. As women we know this is true. For the men, accessories can be a belt, a hat, sunglasses or my personal favorite accessory on my own husband – bracelets! Darin has a nice selection of David Yurman that I’ve gifted him over the years. Sometimes he will wear just one and other times two together. A rolled up sleeve on a guy with a great cuff bracelet is a very sexy look 🙂
Shop a few of my fav accessories here:
MISTAKE 2: WEARING OLD MAN JEANS
I might risk ruffling a few feathers but here is the honest truth.
So many times a guy will say ‘I have lots of jeans and don’t need any more’. Trust me, you need to ignore that because he may not have bought new jeans in years! This offense applies to women too.
Generally if jeans are 2-3 several years old, they are no longer in style! The exception is a classic pair of Levi’s. These might have wear and tear from over the years and get better with age. In reality, not many guys can pull that look off tho. So update your guys jeans!
Shop this look here.
Denim for men can be tricky but once a pair fits properly, it will change everything! For most guys, the fit should not be too loose but also not too skinny either. Lately, I’ve been styling guys with colored denim or 5 pocket pants. Many professions are okay with these for wear to work pants as well.
Shop updated denim and 5 pocket pants here:
MISTAKE 1: NOT TUCKING IN SHIRTS
Men stop wearing shirts untucked! I told you this might be controversial lol. As a Personal Stylist, sometimes I have the uncomfortable job of telling a guy like it is, blunt and to the point! And the blunt honest truth is that often times untucked equals sloppy and more importantly, disproportionate! This isn’t a hard rule as it depends on the guy, the type of shirt, the proportions, the situation etc.
I have encountered too many men around my age that think by ‘untucking’, they look cool and younger. However sadly, this makes them look stereotypically like an older man trying to stay hip. All this to say, guys please don’t automatically go untucked! Try your shirt tucked-in and add a nice belt. So often, this looks much better.
TO TUCK OR NOT TO TUCK?
The photo above is a casual front pocket almost western inspired shirt and looks good untucked. To wear a shirt untucked, look at the length of the tails. They should not be any longer than mid-fly. The proportions are so important otherwise you could be making your legs look much shorter than they actually are.
HERE IS A GREAT SHIRT THAT IS BETTER NOT TUCKED.
Side note, men often take style guidance more seriously from me than their own wives so make that styling appointment for your man. Thank you for reading and make sure to share this post with everyone!
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XX,
