Modern man has a lot on his plate. The pressure to be good at everything can seem daunting and overwhelming. As if having a good job and raising well-adjusted children weren’t hard enough, then emotionally stable, good listeners, and sensitive add up. Well, it’s time to add one more iron to the fire, the modern man also needs to be fashionable and well groomed. Gone are the days when a man only needed to look at his neighbor for fashion protocol. I’ll try to help identify just a handful of common mistakes we make as men in an attempt to keep you from being the butt of jokes.
toilet problems
Outdated Hairstyle: A common mistake men make is keeping their hair styled long when it was “cool.” So you have a great new cut that you think looks wonderful on you, that may be true, but that was in 1985. Time to try something new.
You’re not sure where to start? Go to a salon (not one of those $12.95 haircut places). Schedule an appointment and ask for their advice. Let them work their magic. They are experts and will take your needs and wants into account when determining the style that best suits you.
Comb over/Toupee’s- The sad reality is that some of us will go bald. The worst thing you can do is try to hide it. The only person you are fooling is yourself. Good news!! Bald is inside. So he pulls back the rug and cut you short. He may want to add some subtle facial hair to add depth and interest to his face. Updating his glasses will also be a great addition to his new look. He chooses frames that suit his face and color. Stay away from frameless rims because this will do nothing for style and image.
Facial hair: keep it trimmed and neat. No one wants to kiss someone just to have a mouth full of mustaches. Invest in a good quality facial hair care tool. This will allow you to always be fresh and preserved.
Ear and nose hair: Just because you can’t see it when you look in the mirror doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. Invest in a good pair of trimmers and use them weekly.
Cologne- Like every style that comes, it also goes. The smell is no different. Yes, Drakar smells good. However, if he is still wearing it, he should run to the nearest department store and get help. Remember that 3 to 4 sprays are enough, do not bathe or you run the risk of being offensive. Much of a good thing can be just as unpleasant as bad body odor.
Teeth and breath: You may not have perfect teeth. However, keep the ones you do have clean. Everyone can name someone they know who has unbelievably bad breath. Don’t be that person. Brush, floss, and use gum or mints if you’re not sure.
Hands and feet: take the time to trim your nails and cuticles. If you wear something with an open toe, this is even more important. 9 out of 10 men list feet as important on the female attraction scale. It is no different for women. Take the time to handle your own feet and nails, trust me… women notice.
common fashion mistakes
Socks with sandals: do I really need to explain this?
White tube socks with shorts and sneakers – I don’t care if you pull them up or push them down. Go with ankle or athletic socks. The less they look the better. This simple change will make your legs and calves look better and give you the illusion of being taller. Hooters bartenders gloss over this one. Always wear socks that are appropriate and match your outfit. If you think that people will not see or notice your socks, you would be wrong.
Shoes and belts: these two elements should always match. If your shoes are shiny, your belt should be shiny. Black with black and brown with brown.
Gold chains with pendants: Unless your name is Vinnie, you’re from the Northeast, and you drive an I-Roc Z, this is not a good look. If you fit the description above… that’s awesome and please disregard this advice.
Spandex Anything: Lance Armstrong can pull it off, however he shouldn’t try.
Pleated pants: breaking news, pleats are out and flat front is in. Pleats tend to make you look bigger and shorter than you are. The flat front pant is a sleek and stylish way to freshen up your look while also giving you the illusion of being slimmer and taller than you are.
Tapered Leg Jeans: Jeans should fit over the top of your shoes or boots. If they don’t hang down but bunch up on top of the shoes, it’s time to remove them. Acid and stone wash was cool for a minute, but now it’s not, so don’t even think about it.
Jean Shorts – I’m not sure how they became popular, however they shouldn’t have. They don’t look good on anyone.
Hawaiian Shirts – If you are on a cruise ship or work on the Bahama Breeze, these are acceptable. If you don’t fit into any of those categories, you look like a nerd.
FUNNY DESIGN TIES: Unless it’s “Funny Tie Friday,” no one thinks it’s a good look except you.
Short-sleeved dress shirts with ties: I know it’s summer and you’re hot. Turn up the air conditioning and deal with it. This seems ridiculous.
Shoes: keep them clean, polished and remember that it is impossible to “dress up” as tennis shoes.
Shoes are one of those items where you get what you pay for. Spend the money on your shoes.
Remember that judgments are made about you in the first 10 seconds after you meet someone. If you’re not sure what you’re communicating or how you’re being received…we can help! alpha m. Image Consulting was launched in 2006 by founder Aaron Marino. Aaron realized that there was a lack of resources and options for men to get real-world help and advice regarding their image, style, and grooming. Our goal is to help modern man look and feel his best…every day of his life.
