The Biggest Easy-To-Fix Men’s Fashion Mistakes

When it comes to things like style and grooming, most men need a little help. There’s no shame in owning up to this. Unlike women, we’re just not that worried about our appearance. We don’t mind going out looking a little disheveled and ungroomed, and we’re perfectly content to have the smallest wardrobe possible.

But for those of us who are particularly unskilled when it comes to fashion, there are moments when we can feel a little bit inadequate. For example, when you got to a party and all the other men are dressed better than you, this can really hurt the confidence.

That’s why most men reach a point where, while they don’t necessarily want to be trendy, they do want to look like they know how to handle these things. If this applies to you, here are some very simple things that you should avoid:

Neglecting your shoes: Shoes are the unsung workhorses of a man’s wardrobe-they convey so much information about a man’s personal style, and they’re often one of the first things that people notice about you. If you want to look like you know what you’re doing in the style category, invest in 2-3 pairs of nice, modern shoes. Look around at what stylish men wear in various circumstances, and if you’re going to emulate anything about these men, emulate their shoe choices.

Trying to hide a belly: There’s nothing wrong with having a little bit of excess around the mid-section. Just don’t try to hide it, and don’t pretend it’s not there. Wear clothes that befit a man of your body type. Stay away from tight-fitting tops, but don’t go baggy. If you just embrace how you look, you can pull off that slight belly with confidence.

Poorly fitting clothes: When shopping for clothes, I know it’s easier to just pull things off the rack and take them home. But if you want to look like you know how to take care of yourself, it’s time to start trying on the clothes that you purchase. Yes, you have to actually use the fitting room. It’s no fun, but ill-fitting clothes are unbecoming.

Pants too low/too high: When you let your pants sag, you look like a teenager. When you wear them too high, you look like an old man. If you want to look like a proper grown-up in the prime of your life, it’s time to wear your pants the way grown-up men do. Your waistband should fit right around your hipbones-no lower, and no higher.

Not dressing for occasions: Style-minded men decide what to wear based on what they’re going to be doing during the day. On the weekends, do you usually just wear jeans and a t-shirt for pretty much everything you do? That’s perfectly fine in many circumstances, but if you’re going, for example, to brunch, to a friend’s house, or to a concert, wear a casual button-down shirt, and save those ragged jeans for picnics or hiking.

Caterina Christakos is a published author and reviewer. Read her latest reviews of seven jeans men or Black and Decker appliances.