People constantly make mistakes especially in fashion. Even the most well-known designers in the world will get it wrong every once in a while. So mistakes are okay because it shows that we are taking chances and we are trying out different things instead of sticking to whatever it is that we are comfortable with. But still there are some obvious mistakes that have to be avoided in fashion, specifically men’s fashion because being a fashion daredevil is one thing and knowing the limit of how far you should go is another thing. Here are some of the fashion don’ts that every guy should know.

Skinny tie with polo shirts

Skinny ties are meant to be worn with button front shirts. Polo shirts on the other hands are meant for semi-casual day at the workplace on Saturdays. The two just don’t mix, even if you are trying to be cool and wear them in clashing patterns and colors like in one of those Spring Topman ads.

Socks vs. Pants

Socks should follow the same shades of your pants and not your shoes, unless you are wearing boots or high-tops. White cotton socks with black or brown shoes are the fugliest thing ever. Don’t even think of it as an option. It may look cool on MJ in the 80s, it is definitely not for you and after all it is 2009. Go to Renoma or Marks & Spencer instead because they have some of the best selections for basic colored socks in shades like black, brown and navy.

Fakes

Fake goods are unacceptable, especially for those who chose to bear their fake AX, Guess and Gucci on their belt buckles. Just be original, and buy original. If you can’t afford the real deal, go for high-street versions of the same designs. It might not be as cheap as fakes, but it’ll definitely last longer and nobody will give you a second look and check the lining of your bag ever again. High-street brands like Topman, Pull and Bear, Springfield and even our local hero Seed for instance, always come out with bags that closely resemble those seen on Gucci or Calvin Klein runways. The best part is you only have to pay the smaller fractions of the original designs price tags and of course, they are not fakes.

Phone on the waist

What’s up with that? Bulky jeans pocket might bring sore to the eyes but clipping your phone to your belt is definitely not the solution. Get a proper bag or just trade your Blackberry for a smaller phone. So if you love your Blackberry too much to let it go, brands like Coach has come out with a line of bags specifically designed with working men in mind. They are perfect to throw your phone in to.

Pleated pants

Flat-front is always a better choice. Its slimming and doesn’t add any unwanted volume to the hips the way that pleated pants do. Even the slightly heavier guys will look good in flat-front pants. That is if they are buying them in the right size. Designers like Kriss Van Acche have been pushing the idea of making pleated pants cool again. It never really took off and for his new Spring 2010 collection, Van Acche have to go back to the flat-front skinny pants. But then again, if you are Jude Law you can have as many pleats on your pants as you want!

Images from: sartorialist.com, paulsmith.com, coach.com marksandspencer.com and esquire.com

This is strictly the writer’s opinion and does not reflect the site’s viewpoint.

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