Style Mistakes
By Derreck the Distinguished Rootsman
Gentlemen.
Style is personal, and rules are made to be questioned. But some mistakes are so common that they deserve to be mentioned.
The good news? Most of them are easy to fix.
Here are a few of the biggest offenders.
Wearing a suit that’s too small
A suit should follow your body, not fight it.
In recent years, ultra-slim and skin-tight suits have become popular. The problem is that not every trend works for every body type.
A good suit should create a clean silhouette while still allowing you to move comfortably. If your jacket pulls across the chest or your trousers look painted on, it may be time to size up.
Tailoring should make you look better, not uncomfortable.
Forgetting the stitching
This one happens more often than it should.
The brand label on the sleeve is meant to be removed. So is the temporary stitching on the jacket vents and pockets.
Leaving them in place is a little like forgetting to remove the protective plastic from a new television.
It happens. But preferably not for long.
Shirts that are too large
A dress shirt should work with your suit, not against it.
If excess fabric billows around your waist when tucked in, the shirt is probably too large.
A well-fitted shirt creates a cleaner silhouette and instantly improves the overall impression.
And while we’re at it: your collar should fit comfortably. One finger between your neck and the collar is usually about right.
Athletic socks with a suit
Athletic socks are designed for the gym, the running track and the tennis court.
Your suit deserves something better.
Choose proper dress socks that complement your outfit and stay comfortably in place throughout the day.
Your ankles will thank you. So will everyone else.
Excessively shiny fabrics
A suit should attract attention because it fits beautifully, not because it reflects sunlight.
Quality fabrics usually have texture, depth and character.
If your suit shines like polished chrome, you may want to reconsider.
Socks and sandals
Every generation seems determined to give this combination another chance.
Every generation fails.
Moving on.
Tie length
A small detail that makes a surprisingly large difference.
As a general rule, the tip of your tie should reach your belt buckle.
Too short looks awkward. Too long looks careless.
Get the length right and nobody notices.
Get it wrong and everyone does.
Matching your pocket square to your tie
Your pocket square and tie should complement one another, not look as though they were cut from the same piece of fabric.
A little contrast adds interest.
Perfect matching often removes it.
A visible T-shirt
If you wear a T-shirt beneath your dress shirt, make sure it stays invisible.
Nothing disrupts a clean collar line faster than an undershirt peeking through.
A V-neck undershirt is often the simplest solution.
Clipping your phone to your belt
Please don’t.
Pockets exist for a reason.
Pleats and cuffs
Neither is automatically a mistake.
But they should be chosen intentionally rather than by accident.
Well-executed pleats can look elegant. Proper cuffs can add character.
The key is understanding why you’re wearing them.
Final thoughts
Style isn’t about following every rule.
It’s about understanding the rules well enough to know when they matter.
And when they don’t.
