mens style advice Archives

10 Ways You’re Killing Your Style | Men’s Style Mistakes

Once you’ve got the basics of style down, it’s important to focus on those little things that can make or break your personal style and everyday look. Something as simple as a little mistake can totally throw off your look or ruin otherwise good style choices. Oftentimes its something as simple as how you present a particular choice. No matter what it is, focusing on the proper details and nailing those can save you from potential disaster. Some of these mistakes might be obvious but some you may not even know you are doing!

So, here are 10 ways you may be killing your style!

Being Overly Self-Conscious

Trying too hard can be as bad as not trying at all. Wearing trendy items that aren’t you or not wearing things that make you feel comfortable and confident are quick ways to ruin your overall style. People notice how you feel and if you’re feeling good about what you’re wearing and looking good, it will stand out.

Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Work for your body type

Working with your body type is a huge part of getting well-fitting clothing. Choosing items that will flatter and fit well is crucial. Some easy items to avoid are henley shirts if you’re not fit or muscular, Chelsea boots if you’re a bigger guy, and classic straight-legged jeans if you’re a thinner guy. Check out all of our Fit Guides for tips about different body types and how things should fit.

Over-accessorizing

Yikes, this can go wrong so easily, over-accessorizing can be a huge problem. Johnny Depp, you are not. Go easy on rings, bracelets, and other flashy items and go for more subtle, refined accessories to show some personality or flair. Stick with 1 or 2 items max, like a pocket square and a watch.

Wearing too much cologne

A little goes a long way, and there’s nothing worse than smelling someone from 5 feet away. Nobody (especially women) wants that. If you can smell yourself, it’s too much.

Not paying attention to the details

Again, the little things matter, so take care to focus on them. Things like not lint rolling your clothing (especially dark shirts, suits, and jackets), wearing wrinkled clothing (just get our recommended steamer), and not tucking in your shoelaces really matter with your overall look.

Speaking of tucking in shoelaces (something Ashley is always super focused on as a stylist), our friends at Straight Laces have an ingenious shoelace set up that creates a clean, tucked look and basically turns all your shoes into slip on’s. It’s such a smart, useful product and we’re using them on all our shoes personally and with Ashley’s clients. Seriously, they’re that good. Just for our readers and viewers, we’ve got a deal for 40% off 3 or more laces! Shop here and use code AshWeston40.

Not dressing your age

We’ve discussed how to dress well in your 40’s before and a big part of it is embracing your age and wearing items that are classy and age-appropriate.

Wearing dirty, old shoes

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but a bad pair of shoes can absolutely ruin your entire look. Keep them in good condition and shined up.

Not Grooming Regularly

Overgrown hair, beards, and fingernails are no bueno. Make sure you’re taking proper care of your grooming and putting your best foot forward. Especially important in professional environments. We’ve got a ton of tips in all of our grooming guides.

Not taking care of your skin

Just like your grooming, proper skin care is an important part of your overall routine. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated but you should find a morning routine and an evening routine that works for you. Focus on moisturizing, good shaving techniques, and using the right products.

Wearing faded, ripped or pilled items

When items are faded (especially shirts, pants and sweaters), it’s time to send them off to the donation bin and get some replacements. If your sweaters are pilled, you just need to get a sweater shaver (we like this one best) to remove the little balls and get it back in good shape.

6 Ways You’re Wearing Your Jeans Wrong

Jeans are a staple in your wardrobe, and despite being a casual item, they’re probably the most important pair of pants in your closet, outside of chinos. So obviously it’s critical that you’re wearing them the right way and giving them the consideration they deserve. Because they’re so important, if you’re wearing them incorrectly you can be doing yourself a huge disservice, especially in the eyes of the opposite sex. After you read this and check out the video, make sure you take a look at our Jeans Fit Guide and our Dark Wash Jeans primer for how to do it right!

\We see all kinds of bad jeans-wearing these days and the worst part is these mistakes are easy to fix! So, here are 6 ways you’re wearing your jeans wrong!

Too Baggy

Obviously, it goes without saying that baggy jeans look awful. They aren’t flattering and just look sloppy. Baggy jeans only make slim guys look more skinny and bigger guys look more chubby. The right fit will be comfortable, so don’t think that you can get away with it because of comfort. Getting the right size and fit is a huge key, so make sure you’ve checked out our Jeans Fit Guide.

Too tight

The right taper is important but overly tight is definitely really bad. It can be super unflattering especially if you don’t have a butt which most men don’t have. It also makes you look very juvenile if your jeans are way too tight and it’s definitely not professional, regardless of how casual your work environment may be.

Bad washes

Washes that are too light (very light blue or grey/white) or acid-washes are neither timeless nor versatile. They just make you look like you’re trying too hard to be trendy. We recommend keeping your jeans in a clean, dark wash or check out a few of our other recommendations for jean colors.

Distressed or Ripped Jeans

It’s a fine line between good and bad but for 95% of men over the age of 25, this just isn’t a good look. Like some of the lighter washes, it makes you look like a teenager/fuccboi who is trying hard to be trendy. Sometimes a little bit of distressing is fine, but again only if you’re under the age of 25.

Too Long

Such a bad look and such an easy fit. Find the right length or got to a tailor, it’s a simple $5-10 fix. It just looks sloppy and can ruin an otherwise good fit. Also, it can make you look really short; not flattering at all.

Saggy Butt

Yikes, this is super unattractive. Find the right fit in the seat – proper rise (the length from the bottom of the crotch to the top of the waistband) is crucial. Here’s a handy reference image for what the “rise” is. The key is to not have a ton of excess fabric in the booty area. You want a trim fit but not overly tight.

What NOT To Wear If You’re Over 40 | Style Tips For Older Men

As we discussed in our previous video about Dressing Well When You’re Over 40, style and confidence as you age is all about embracing what you have and presenting a classy, refined look. Now, it’s worth mentioning that nearly all of our style advice, from Essential Wardrobe items to Fit Guides, applies to all age ranges. But, dressing well later on in life is just as much about what NOT to wear as it is the exact items you are wearing.

So, we thought we’d answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about what not wear if you’re over 40.

Q: Can an older man wear white sneakers?

A: Absolutely they can. In fact, we did a whole video about it. White sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths and are a classic casual item for any man, regardless of age. That said, if you’re not comfortable wearing white sneakers or you feel like they’re a bit too young, we recommend going with a nice, clean leather sneaker in any color of grey or navy blue. Suede versions are excellent too as the added texture is a nice look.

Picks:

Common Projects

Koio

Beckett Simonon

Q: Is it really important to wear fitted clothing?

A: Yes, it’s critical to wear well-fitting clothing, no matter how casual or dressy. That said, this doesn’t mean tight! There is a HUGE difference between slim, well-fitting, clothing that’s proportional to your body type and something that’s overly tight. A lot of older men end up skewing overly large or baggy due to comfort or fears that they aren’t dressing their age but having a wardrobe that fits you well is something every man should have, regardless of age. For mode insight, make sure to check out all of our fit guides for in-depth info on all types of clothing items.

Q: What can I do to give my wardrobe some personality?

A: The most simple and cost-effective way is the right choice of accessories. So watch bands, ties and pocket squares, a ring, or a fun patterned sock are all great ways to add a bit of personality in an age-appropriate way. Being age-appropriate is the key thing, and over-accessorizing is a quick way to kill your style by making it look like you are trying too hard.

Q: What items should I avoid if I’m over 40?

As we mentioned in a previous video, leather jackets are a big one for men over 40 to avoid, with one exception. We do like leather or suede bomber-style jackets for men in this age range, but other types like moto and biker-style jackets just make you look like you’re having a midlife crisis. T-shirts with logos are another huge no-no, they just make you look juvenile. Additional types of t-shirts to avoid include henleys and deep v-neck t-shirts. They just aren’t the right look for an older guy. Stick to polos and well-fitting crewneck t-shirts. On the denim side of things, jeans that are light-wash, or ripped and distressed fall into the same category, they just look too young. Keep your jeans well-fitting and in a dark wash.

How To Dress Well When You’re Over 40

Just because you’re over 40 doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be giving some consideration to how you dress. While the majority of our style tips are applicable no matter what your age is, for you older guys out there there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Above all else, it’s about both embracing your age and confidence, and crafting a style and wardrobe that enhances everything you’ve got going for you.

Here’s how to dress well when you’re over 40!

Dress Your Age

The older you get, the more important it is to dress your age. There’s nothing sadder than an older guy trying too hard to look young. Embrace your age and all the great things that come along with it. We’ll discuss further in a minute but this doesn’t just go for the items you choose, it has to do with the fit and how you wear your clothes as well. It’s important to always strive for a tailored fit. In terms of specific items we recommend, suede bomber or collared jackets, wool or cashmere blend sportcoats paired with chinos, dark wash jeans, or wool trousers are all excellent places to start. You can easily dress these items up with a collared shirt and dress shoes or dress them down with a sweater or t-shirt and sneakers.

Stick To The Classics

Just like dressing your age, as you get older it becomes even more important to stick to classic, timeless items. Leave the trends to the younger guys and embrace the distinguished style that you can pull off. For example, some classic items that should be the foundation of your wardrobe are: suits /blazers, oxfords, dress boots, chinos, Harrington, bomber or standing collared jackets, and polo shirts.

Class It Up

Many men mistake getting older and trying too hard with dressing too casually. Yes, there’s always a place in your wardrobe for well-fitting basics, but take your casual wear up a notch. A polo shirt instead of a t-shirt works well, leather loafers or driving mocs instead of sneakers instantly adds class to a casual outfit. And if you want to add personality to your outfits more, that’s always done through accessories – not the main items in your wardrobe. Understated, distinguished and in-control is what we love to see older men doing. Screaming “Look at me!” with crazy outfits or “funny” t-shirts is just immature.

Nail the fit

We talk about it all the time and have an entire series dedicated to its importance, because, above all else, this is key. Many older men tend to wear clothing that’s one or two sizes too big to hide problem spots on their bodies or for pure comfort. Big mistake – it actually starts bringing attention to you hiding something and being insecure about it. Wearing-tailored clothing will always allow you to present your best self as opposed to wearing too tight or too baggy of clothing, which is just unflattering.

Dressing Well On A Budget | Affordable Men’s Fashion Tips

Despite what you may think, dressing stylishly and well doesn’t have to involve a lot of money. We’ve talked time and again about how achieving style has everything to do with choosing the right items for a timeless essential wardrobe and nothing to do with how much you pay for something. Whether it’s the right budget-friendly denim and chinos, or affordable accessories that add a bit of personality, you can dress well on a budget, no matter what it is. Another bonus: women care more about how you dress, not what you spend on clothing, trust us.

So, with that, here are a few simple ways that you can dress well on a budget.

The Right Fit

It doesn’t matter how much you spend on clothes if they don’t fit they’ll look like crap! A well-fitting $75 bomber will look way better than an ill-fitting $2000 suit. If you handle this part properly, you’ve done 80% of the hard work. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with Fit Guides for nearly every wardrobe item in your closet.

Nail The Details

Small tweaks like well-chosen accessories (watch, pocket square, a tie bar, or watch band) will elevate an average look to a new level. These items can all be super affordable and when put together with a well-chosen, well-fitting outfit they’re really going to take your style to the next level with a bare minimum of investment.

The Right Shoes

There’s no quicker way to ruin a solid, stylish outfit than with a bad pair of shoes. Plus, it’s a fact women will notice your shoes and regardless of how much you spend, they should be clean, in good shape, and timeless in style. Don’t forget to consider the right shoe choice for the situation you’re dressing for. A shoe that’s too casual or overly-dressy with the wrong outfit is just as bad as shoes that are in terrible shape.

Dress for the situation

Dressing out of touch for the situation just makes you look like you’re trying too hard or you’ve got no taste, and neither one is something you want to impart to an observer. Whether you spent a lot or a little, if you’re overdressing for a barbeque or underdressing for a work event or wedding, nobody is going to care about your budget, they’re only going to notice how out of place you look.

Do Women Care How Much You Spend On Clothes?

One of the most common comments we see and hear time and again is “Women only care about men who spend a lot on clothing.” Now we believe that style is made up of a lot more things than just the clothes you wear and we talk a lot about how to build a stylish essential wardrobe on any budget. But, it is a fair question to ask.

So do women care how much you spend on clothes? Tune in and find out what we think!

Style and money are unrelated

Fit, and to a lesser extent, materials, denotes how “rich” you can look. You can be wearing a $5k suit but if it fits poorly and isn’t properly tailored, you’re still going to look like crap. But if you’re wearing a $500 suit that’s tailored perfectly and fits your body type well, you’re going to look like a million bucks. Dressing well in clothes that fit you isn’t expensive. Dressing poorly in designer clothing is very expensive and a complete waste of time and money, not to mention, no women will care if your suit is expensive if you look like a mess in it. Since we’re talking about fit, we’ve got Fit Guides for everything, so don’t forget to check ’em out!

Designer Doesn’t Always Mean Good

Covering yourself in designer labels to show how much you spend on clothes actually just shows a lack of class and tact. Wearing a $500 Gucci T-shirt is silly for two reasons: one, they’re knocked off so easily that often people assume it’s fake anyway, and two, did you really just pay $500 for a $2 shirt with a Gucci logo screen printed on it? To women, it makes you look like more of a sucker and its incredibly off-putting. Looking good is about the details and subtlety – women pick up on these more than most men know.

Dress Within Your Means

We mention it a lot around here but it bears repeating, style is achievable at literally any budget. If you’re spending more than what your means allow on your clothing, that’s an instant alarm to a woman. It shows you’re either insecure or irresponsible financially. Either way, very unattractive. Be honest about your budget and stick with what works for it, it’s a much, much better look. Don’t believe us? We’ve got recommendations for budget-friendly denim, chinos, and more.

Dress For The Situation

If you’re wearing expensive clothing, but it’s inappropriate for the situation, women will be repelled. Wearing your brash, iced-out Hublot watch to a black-tie affair is just gauche. Flashy shows of money like this are inappropriate and they send up red flags like “insecure”, “ignorant”, “tacky”. Subtlety and class are infinitely more important to women, even when they don’t know it. EVERY woman, regardless of who they are, would jump James Bond’s bones because he’s subtle, confident, and elegant in his style. Remember that.

The Verdict: Absolutely Not

Take it from a woman (and an incredibly accomplished one at that), the right women care about so many things that aren’t money and how much of it you spend (or pretend to spend) on your clothing. Style is about so much more than just what you wear and women know this. Style can be achieved no matter what your budget is, even if it’s zero, so don’t forget that!

Why A Man’s Watch Matters To Women

We often talk about how important accessories are to your overall look and wardrobe. When done well, they add that extra 10% that pulls everything together and really lets your personality shine. We don’t recommend a ton of accessories but watches are one of the most important ones. It’s true that the watch you wear says a lot about you, whether you like it or not. That’s especially true when it comes to the opposite sex. Since you’re probably going to ask, no, it doesn’t matter AT ALL how expensive your watch is, let’s just get that straight. But that doesn’t mean watches aren’t something women care about.

Here are the reason why a man’s watch matters to women!

SHOWS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Whether you’re wearing a Timex, Apple Watch, or a Rolex, the watch you wear will give a woman a few clues as to what your lifestyle is like, and that’s important when we are getting to know you. Maybe you’re a sporty guy and you’re into a G-Shock. Or, you’re more of a tech guy and an Apple watch is your vibe. Either way, it lets women know a bit about who you are.

SHOWS YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

Like with all of your wardrobe, the details matter and women notice the details. From the fit of your clothes to your haircut, each small component combines to form an important part of the whole. Watches are no different. The right watch and style choices on your wrist show you care about the right details.

SHOWS HOW CULTURED YOU ARE OR AREN’T

Maybe you think watches are redundant since you have a phone, sure, we get that. But, going that extra step is going to add another layer to your style and show that you’re about more than just the absolute bare minimum, and that’s definitely really sexy. But, it’s important to consider what you’re wearing and when just like your shoe choice. You wouldn’t wear Jordans to a wedding so you should consider what watch choices you’re making too.

INDICATES WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN LIFE

No matter where you are on your journey, personal or style-wise, your watch choice is a big indicator of where you are and where you are going. Like we said before, women (well, the right women anyway) aren’t concerned with how fancy or expensive your watch is, but knowing where you’re at and where you’re going is important.

5 Style Hacks Women LOVE (and will notice!)

Sometimes a few simple hacks can make a huge difference in your overall look, and trust us, women are definitely going to notice. The great thing is, these are super simple, in some cases, cost zero money, and are tricks that anyone can pull off.

Here are 5 style hacks women LOVE, and will notice!

Tuck in your shirt in the front just a bit

A small move that adds a little bit of polish but never looks too formal, this quick trick is a super-easy way to show you’ve got some serious style skills.

Add a watch or slim metal cuff

A little arm candy is really sexy and adds a noticeable, stylish touch to your outfit. Make sure you use good judgment and don’t over-accessorize though, it can look amateurish. We’ve run down a few more accessorizing tips, our favorite metal cuffs, and watch tips in the past as well.

A black or navy bomber jacket

There’s something really sexy about this item, it’s just a style that compliments every man no matter his body shape, height or age. Obviously there are other jacket styles out there but this one is always so irresistible because it looks so fresh and understated. It’s great casually or dressed up and goes with every type of pants.

Picks:

Stick with a simple outfit formula

Sometimes (ok, most often times) less is more. At the end of the day, it’s when you look like you’re trying too hard that turns women off. Our favorite formula women will definitely love? A great-fitting tee, tucked slightly in, some slim dark wash jeans, a bomber jacket on top and a pair of fresh kicks on the bottom. Understated, stylish and very sexy.

A fresh haircut

Yup, it’s that simple, and there’s nothing sexier. It might not seem like a big deal or even noticeable, but trust me, women notice. We’ve run down all of the best haircuts women love before, (and a few women don’t like) so check those out!