3 Most Overlooked Men’s Fashion Obstacles

Men have long been considered to be the less fashion-conscious of the sexes. But that is beginning to change, as more designers flock to the runways armed with men’s fashion collections, and more men realize that looking good doesn’t exactly hurt their chances with women or career. Stars like P. Diddy, Jude Law, and George Clooney have made dressing well into an art form, and average men naturally want to emulate them. But there are still a few big fashion blunders that have become more glaringly apparent as the general population of mankind becomes more well-heeled.

Size

The biggest problem men have when selecting clothes is getting the right size. The wave of huge, oversized gear that peaked a few years ago has not yet broken, but it never was and still is not flattering to a man’s physique. Even if you are a slightly more…portly fellow, a giant shirt and huge pants do nothing to diminish your size, and if you are a bit slighter, you end up looking like a mop with a sheet thrown over it. The best look is not tight, but tailored. Well-fitting clothing will highlight your slim areas and tone down problem spots, balancing out your shape. Balance is key here. A bulky sweater or jacket will look best with a tailored and fitted pant, and vice versa. This way you can still hide a trouble spot without looking like a tent. Also, go for flat front and straight-legged pants and jeans. A tapered look will only make your larger middle the focal point by minimizing your legs and feet. A straight leg creates the illusion of a longer, leaner you. And try things on in the store! It’s a bit of a pain, but it is worth it. If an item is too big or too small, do not buy it. If you do not try it on, you will be stuck returning it, or worse, throwing in the back of your closet and never wearing it. Also keep in mind that good tailoring can make a thrift store find look like a hot designer label, and that even jeans can be shortened, so if you must buy something off-size, go larger.

Color

Another flaw in the collective fashion sense of man is the fear of color. Many men, even very stylish men, shy away from colors other than brown, navy, gray, white and black.  While neutrals are flattering and some (particularly black) can be very slimming, they are not eye-catching or unique. This is not to say that you have to run out and buy Prince’s purple velvet suit (although velvet blazers are tres chic for fall). Add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit, and watch it light up you skin or eye color. Nothing is sexier than a man with blue eyes who knows how to wear a blue shirt, or even scarf or tie, to make his eyes look like swimming pools. There are colors to compliment every tone. Warm and olive skins look best in yellows, reds, coppers, and other “warm” shades. Cool, blue-toned skin looks great in greens, blues, purples, and other “cool” colors. If you need help figuring out what you are, ask a salesperson - they are there to help you. The right color under your face can really flatter your undertones. Don’t be afraid of pink and purple either. Both look great as an oxford shirt under a grey or navy suit.

Shoes

Many men who have mastered clothing have yet to master what some call the “final frontier” or men’s fashion: shoes. Shoes speak volumes about the wearer. Men love women in sexy heels and strappy sandals. Similarly, women notice clean and stylish footwear on the men they encounter. It is not unreasonable to splurge on a couple of great pairs of shoes. Many men do not have a gray area between wingtips and sneakers. This fall, the black leather motorcycle boot is hot. Why not try one out with jeans or even a suit? And sneakers that are old and filthy are not only bad for fashion, but they are also bad for your health. If you regularly hit the gym or the basketball court, you will need to replace your sneakers every 6 months-1 year. After a lot of wear, the insoles wear out and become more likely to cause injuries ranging from sprained ankles to torn ACL’s (yikes). Crutches are never in style. Plus, a hot pair of sneakers can take you off the court, too.

Remember to wear what is comfortable and what you feel confident in, and balance trends with your style. The feeling of confidence and polished perfection that radiates from a well-dressed man will do wonders towards scoring you your dream job or dream woman!