The Top 10 Style Mistakes Men Make
Walking down Collins Street I see the same suiting style mistakes over and over. These rookie moves can be easily be avoided.
I also see it at the Spring races every year.
However the majority of peanuts who work a corporate job in Melbourne still make these errors, need to know so they can improve.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not judging these guys. At least they are having a crack - despite their faux pas. It’s just that they don’t know any better. They deserve to feel good and look nice.
I want to help them by pointing out the top 10 style mistakes that I see men making here in Melbourne.
(This is just my opinion, you are welcome to disagree in the comments below)
Scuffed Shoes
This is a simple one: give them a nugget, polish and shine every few weeks. A fresh set up can very easily be undone by poor shoe care.
Doing Up The Lower Button
Unless you’re doing it on purpose ‘spezzatura’, doing up the lowest button on your blazer or waistcoat is a big no-no for your single breasted suiting. Just don’t.
Overloading Pockets
This is styling 101. Do NOT overload your pockets with your phone, wallet and keys. It’s a terrible look.
As a general rule, never keep any goods in your suit trousers pockets.
The inner breast pocket on the jacket is fine for a phone or a slim wallet.
I recommend a nice tote bag for your goods. A bag is another chance for a lovely accessory in your kit - so don’t be shy.
It kills me to see wedding photos (sometimes from my own clients) when the groomsmen have their iPhone plus standing out like a banana in their pocket.
Complete amateur move!
Not Removing Stitching on Back Vents
This is something I see every year at the Races and is a rookie move of the highest order.
In fact, to be honest, I remember doing it when I was new to the game.
Gents, if you buy a new suit, please remove the stitches on the back vents of the jacket immediately.
They are NOT a detail and should be removed as soon as possible.
Skinny Lapels
News flash, it’s not 2009 anymore and skinny lapels look cheap and nasty.
Leaving Only One Shirt Button Undone
A favourite look of average corporate lawyer/accountant operator in Collins Street.
Their uniform consists of a navy MJ Bale suit, white cut away collar shirt, no tie or square, black lace-up shoes, happy socks, completed with one shirt button undone- only the top button!
Look guys, I was previously a corporate lawyer so I know exactly what they’re trying to do: not draw attention. Okay, that’s fine.
However, my piece of advice for these gents is to have the confidence to pop two shirt buttons. NOT just one!
Take my word for it, having the top two shirt buttons undone simply looks better and is NOT too bold for work.
3 buttons, however is pushing it for the office.
Backpack and a Suit
A great way to wreck the shoulders on your suit and to look like a goose.
I don’t care if your bag is the latest Gucci fuccboi bag or a ‘super cool’ Rains bag, don’t wear it with a suit.
Get a nice tote, briefcase, satchell, clutch or anything else that is NOT a backpack.
Wearing Square Toe Shoes
Call centre shoes must be avoided.
Too Many Accessories
This one is an instagram abused crime committed daily. Tone it down you peacocks… and that’s coming from me! Subtle details are the key… subtle!
Loud Socks & White Socks
Look, I understand that everyone won’t agree with me here.
But once more, in my view a nice crisp pair of black or midnight navy socks are all class.
The neutral colours simply look better because they don’t steal all of the attention away from your ensemble.
If you want a burst of colour, do so within your other accessories such as your tie.
Nobody is impressed by your fluro pink and yellow coloured socks.
Also while I’m on the subject, unless your a Michael Jackson personator, white socks are also not a great look.