11 Style Details You Might Be Getting Wrong
Cut out these simple errors to take your look to the next level.
1) Don't Ignore Your Shirt Collar (above)
It's
great to make do and mend, but only to a point. Your work shirt from
summer 2008 may look white from the outside, but be sure to inspect the
inside of your collar for yellowing and the edges for fraying. Even the
slightest hint of wear will make you look unkempt. The same goes for a
floppy collar (use collar stays to keep it standing straight and
tall) and creases. Iron them out, no matter how hungover you are.
2) Wear The Right Underwear
The
VBL (visible boxer line) pandemic is gathering momentum across the
world. If you're into looser, traditional boxer short styles, ensure
that your trousers are equally free-flowing to avoid the hem of your
shorts and the resulting gathered fabric from becoming visible
externally. A good option–particularly if you're wearing tighter jeans
or a slim suit–is to opt for a slim-cut pair of boxer briefs or
trunks in a dark shade.
3) Don't Overuse Your Pockets
There's
a reason why your tailor sews up suit pockets before he sells them. If
you stuff your suit with keys, wallets, phones and packs of chewing gum,
you'll ruin the line he's worked so hard to perfect. This applies as
much to your jacket as it does to your trousers. Carry your essentials
in your hands or in a bag to ensure that you look uncrumpled and elegant
by the end of your commute.
4) Buy a Belt That Fits
That
flappy bit of leather that you've punched a few extra holes into with
the kitchen scissors may not be bothering you, but you can rest assured
it's upsetting everyone else. Buying a belt that fits your waist size
will ensure that there's no excess material swinging about and that the
bulk beneath your jacket or sweater is minimized. This will both create
the illusion of a slimmer silhouette and make you look like you care.
5) Pay Attention To Trouser Length
Try
to avoid trousers that puddle over your shoes or flap around your
ankles. This doesn't mean you have to go out and buy a whole new
wardrobe. Take them instead to your tailor and get the hems turned up,
or if they're too short, taken down (providing that there's enough
fabric to work with). If in doubt, aim to have the hem skimming the top
of your shoes.
6) Don't Expect It To Fit Off The Rack
Whether
you buy your suit, blazer, or jeans from a high-end boutique or a
fast-fashion chain, the likelihood that it will fit you straight away is
low. Find a good alterations tailor and take everything you buy to him.
That way no matter how much you spend, you'll always look your best.
7) Don't Go Overboard With Accessories
The
rule when accessorizing is to opt for no more than two wearable
accessories (at a push) and one carry-able accessory at a time. A
knitted tie with a pocket square and a briefcase, for instance. Or a
light scarf and cufflinks with a portfolio. Less is definitely more. And
unless you know exactly what you're doing (and even then) avoid
jewelry. A watch is great, but a pile of man bangles to compliment it is
probably a step too far.
8) Pull Your Trousers Up When You Sit Down
Certain
fabrics–wool and flannel in particular–are very quick to "knee" (sag
and pull around the knee area) once you've sat down a couple of times.
One way to avoid this is to pull your trousers up a bit every time you
sit down. This will avoid the fabric stretching and the unsightly
jodhpur-esque shape that ensues. Just make sure your socks are good
enough to show off (see point 9).
9) Pick The Right Socks
Just
like your underwear, your socks should add to, rather than detract
from, your outfit. If you're wearing a suit, make sure that the socks
are thin (silk or cotton) and long enough so that no bare ankle is
visible beneath the hem of your trousers–even when you sit down. Opt for
socks in a dark shade–particularly if you're wearing dark colors–or a
muted hue that complements the other colors you're wearing. Burgundy
socks with blue jeans and white sneakers for instance, or charcoal socks
with navy chinos and brown brogues.
10) Choose Crewnecks Over V-Necks
Very
few people look good in V-neck sweaters and T-shirts. Unless layered
correctly–to avoid too much flesh being on show–a V-neck can't help but
look a bit slovenly. Also, if you're carrying a little extra weight, the
style will draw attention to your stomach, so it's definitely one to
avoid.
11) Spray Sparingly
When
wearing a fragrance, spray once on the wrist, dab against the other
wrist, and then dab behind each ear. If you're wearing an eau de parfum or eau de toilette, this
should more than suffice. If you're wearing a lighter cologne, splash
on a little more since the fragrance won't last as long.
From: Esquire UK