Great style begins with subtraction.
What do I mean?
To look great is not about buying new clothes.
You first need to get rid of:
- Outdated trends.
- Novelty clothing items.
- Habits that repel instead of attract people.
Clothes that are strictly functional or overly flamboyant are not considered stylish.
Sometimes, it's difficult to spot a fashion mistake when everybody else seems to adopt it as a trend.
Which is why we created this list:
20+ Outdated Fashion Things Men Shouldn't Wear
#1 Too Much Fragrance
You've often heard me say that fragrance must be discovered, never announced.
Too much fragrance is not only a turnoff, it can cause migraines and allergic reactions.
Most men have a poor sense of smell and become desensitized to their every day cologne. As a result, they end up using too much and announcing their presence with a strong scent.
Develop the habit of wearing the right amount of perfume, applied in the right places. Selectively spray once on your wrists, neck and chest while holding the bottle 10 inches away from your body. Subtlety is the key to impressing while using generous amounts of fragrance reeks of trying too hard.
Whether you are using a stronger perfume or a weaker concentraion cologne, the number of sprays does not change. A weaker scent evaporates quicker, requiring another application during the day. Find the proper balance and your scent will draw people closer rather than repel them.
#2 Large Logos On Clothing
Clothing that displays brand logos is a smart marketing move for the company selling
You are not a walking billboard for a brand advertisement. Advertisers would love this but unless you're getting paid, why would you want to promote a huge logo or brand on your shirt?
Branding has become synonymous with status. People natually equate labels with quality.
You should never buy designer clothing just for the branding. Your clothes should fit well and suit your lifestyle.
I'm not saying you should never buy designer clothing or have visible branding on your clothes. It is acceptable to purchase a polo shirt with a small Ralph Lauren or Lacoste logo on your left chest.
The key is to ensure the branding is minimal and almost invisible. It should never detract attention from the clothing item.
Keep it simple. There is no need for a fancy brand shirt with big logos.
#3 Logo Embroidered Trousers
Despite the best intentions of top designers, emobroidered pants are best left to sophisticated Italian women who have the attitude to match their fancy pants.
Avoid wearing pants that are covered with preppy shapes, designer logos, little whales (or lobsters), flags and motifs.
#4 Side-Cut Tank Tops
This is not how you show off the body you're working so hard for in the gym.
This is not your greatest DIY project.
If you have a good build, people are bound to notice. Showing off your side boob is not going to excite the opposite sex – you may as well go shirtless if that is your intention. It's better to leave things to the imagination, anyway.
#5 Pointy Toe Shoes
Despite the protests against oddly shaped shoes, men continue to wear them. Shoes with a pointy toe make small feet look gigantic and clownish.
It's time to retire this passé trend and switch to a more natural looking chiseled toe shoe.
#6 Square Toe Shoes
Another extreme shoe shape, the square toe shoe was the rage in the 90's. The clunky and square design of the shoe is suitable for men with foot abnormalities or broader than usual feet.
Nothing screams late 90’s more than chunky-soled, squared-toe dress shoes. Avoid the symmetrical shape of both shoes, the left and right looking exactly the same.
Avoid making your feet look stubby or like flippers and switch to a more refined curved toe or even wide-toe shoe if you have wide feet..
#7 Velcro Shoes
Unless you're wearing diapers and eating pureed food, velcro shoes are a trend best avoided.
It reminds people of the cheap wallets you started using in 6th grade. Your shoes (unlike your wallet) are on public display. While they are functional, velcro shoes are suggestive that the wearer is incapable of tying their shoelaces.
Tired of shoelaces coming undone?
Learn how to tie your shoelaces the right way.
#8 Skinny Jeans
Tight jeans reinforced with spandex that hugs to your thighs and calves, is not an attractive sight. For most men, skinny jeans create an unattrative silhouette.
Unless you're really thin, you'll probably end up looking like a lollipop in skin-tight jeans.
If you have to sit or lie down to slip on a pair of jeans, it's time to reconsider your trouser options.
This passing trend makes your legs look shorter, making you seem less masculine. They are unforgiving to men with a tiny bit of fat around the belly, pronouncing the parts you want to hide.
Buck the trend and say no to skinny jeans.
#9 Bling Jeans
Avoid jeans with embroidery and sequins on the back pockets. There is no need to draw attention to your backside.
This applies to jeans with symbols or jewels glued on them.
#10 Deep V-Neck
Any top that shows off a little too much man-cleavage shows poor taste and results in the above mentioned public ridicule.
There are much more practical shirts if you want to feel the wind on your chest. A normal V-neck or a Henley is a far better alternative.
#11 Studded Belts
A studded leather belt is not going to make you feel young again.
Outside a watch or tie, men have very few accessories to class up and show their personality. A plain leather belt is a functional item you can get years of wear of.
#12 Baggy Clothing
A well-fitted outfit flatters your body shape and invites compliments from those around you.
Ill-fitting clothes have the opposite effect. Wearing clothes that are too big for you makes you appear unprofessional and sloppy.
Understand the importance of a good fit and get your clothes altered to fit you perfectly. If you can afford to, always go for bespoke and customized clothing.
Know the name of your tailor!
#13 Ugg Boots
What's wrong with guys wearing cozy boots that were originally designed for men?
Nothing if you are wearing them in the comfort of your home to keep your feet warm. These are not shoes you want to be caught dead in, outside of the confines of your home. Ugg boots on men are unattractive.
Sorry, Tom Brady, we are not following your example on this trend.
#14 Choker necklaces
Any chain around your neck should be concealed by your top.
Or beaded necklaces. It's excusable on a 17-year old who just returned from spring break in Hawaii.
#15 Untucked Dress Shirts
Untucking your dress shirt does not equal, “going casual today.” You may as well wear a t-shirt.
There is a reason why dress shirts are so long. They are meant to be tucked in.
If you want a more casual look, wear a button-down shirt.
#16 Shiny Club Shirt
A shirt reserved for party nights? Shiny black shirts were the rage for club nights two decades ago.
Not anymore. A patterned, shiny shirt will only make you look creepy. Switch to plainer, classic outfits.
#17 Tops with Flames or Wing
Shirts with flames, wings (or skulls) scream for attention. They were a trend among school boys half a decade ago.
Feel free to wear one of these (wolves preferred), if you are under the age of 19.
#18 Pajama Pants In Public
You might say, “I'm just running to the grocery store,” so it's okay to wear pajama pants.
It's not.
These are called bedroom wear for a reason.
#19 Sandals With Socks
A cardinal style rule which is still ignored. Sandals are never to be worn with socks.
Your socks should be concealed by your shoes and trousers.
The whole point of wearing sandals as a warm weather option for closed shoes is defeated by wearing socks with them.
#20 Food Between Your Teeth
While it’s quite common for food particles and tough meat fibers to get lodged between your teeth when eating, it can be an unattractive and unappealing sight.
Imagine the embarrassment when you realize an hour after dinner that you've had a piece of spinach stuck to your front teeth for the duration of a first date.
If you can feel something stuck between your teeth, excuse yourself and address the situation in a bathroom. Never use a toothpick in public. Reach for a strand of waxed floss instead.
Carry an extra box of floss in your daily bag.
Bonus – Avoid Wearing Overly Wide or Skinny Ties
A thick necktie makes a man look older than he is, and the style is outdated.
For most men (irrespective of body type), a tie with a 2 – 3 inch width is as wide as you need to go.
If you’re a bigger guy, you can wear a bigger tie.
Tie width should be proportional to your suit jacket’s lapel width.
The skinnier your tie, the less formal it becomes, so if you’re trying to rock the casual tie, pick one that’s on the slim side.
Check this article on how to dress well as a man!
Click below to watch the video – 20 Things No Man Should Wear
