Socks with Sandals
Who decided this was okay in the first place? Living in the Northwest, I am unfortunately faced with some of the worst offenders of this major fashion don’t. I understand that when it is chilly outside we all dream of the warmth of the summer sun, but wearing socks with sandals doesn’t make the seasons change any faster. If you want to wear sandals this badly, move to a warmer climate.

Novelty Ties, Shirts, Boxer Shorts, Etc.
Just say no (I’m channeling Nancy Reagan). There is nothing lasting about novelty clothing nor does it project a stylish, put together image. Leave the smiley faces, hearts, reindeer, shamrocks, animal and various other prints on the racks of the store where you found them.

Blaring Designer Labels
This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I don’t want to be a walking advertisement and neither should you. It’s not a sophisticated look. Just because you are wearing a designer’s name on your chest, sleeve, or wherever, doesn’t make you stylish. Keep it understated and simple.

Backpacks at the Office
I work in a very upscale high rise in Seattle, filled with lawyers and other professional types and it never ceases to surprise how many men wearing nice suits are schlepping backpacks. Unless you are a student or are hiking up a mountain, leave the backpack at home. If you need something for your gym clothes, buy a nice looking gym bag (and there are options that don’t have big logos on them), or if you need something to carry your assorted papers, cell phone, day-planner, etc., get a nice messenger bag.

Chunky Shoes
These were okay back in the 90s, but the big chunky shoes, especially those with square toes, should be retired at this point. Choose something classic that stands the test of time.

Shiny or Glittery Shirts and Suits
If you are looking for something to go out nightclubbing in, I can think of much better choices than those that are glittery, shiny and ultimately tacky. If you are at a loss, try a form fitting black t-shirt or black dress shirt which can be worn with jeans or trousers and dress shoes or casual shoes.

Clothes That Are Too Loose Fitting
In a word, sloppy. Unless you are a hip hop artist, it’s not the right look. Choose clothes that fit your body. This might take some experimentation by mixing and matching certain cuts and styles until you find the right fit for your body that is flattering.

Unflattering Colors
That beautiful blue cashmere sweater you found on sale after Christmas might be really tempting, but if it makes you look ill it’s no bargain. The colors you wear should compliment your natural features such as your eye color, skin tone and body shape. Keep this in mind when putting your look together. Check out my article 7 Tips Men Need to Know About Wearing Color.

Cashmere Sweaters – The Ultimate Choice
Cottons and wools have their place, but cashmere is one of the most luxurious things you can have in your wardrobe. Not only is it ultra soft, it can be worn year round. For your first few cashmere sweaters, go with neutral colors such as black, navy, and charcoal. Oh and by the way, if you are having trouble justifying what you have to spend on a cashmere sweater, just remember that women love to touch it. It happens to me every time I wear it.

V-neck and Crew-neck Sweaters
I love v-neck and crew-neck sweaters. They are so easily worn over a tee and with jeans for a more casual look. The same sweater can be worn with slacks and over a button up shirt for the office or a date. They are a must in every wardrobe. It is usually a personal preference thing when it comes to v-neck vs. crew-neck. I like both.

Cardigans
Before you judge cardigans too harshly let me emphasize that I’m not talking about the kind of cardigan your dad or gramps would wear. More modern versions are made of cotton, merino wool and cashmere. They can be thin enough to wear under a jacket and have a double zipper allowing you to pull it on or off with ease, or to unzip the bottom slightly when you’re sitting. They are simply ideal for layering and there are so many ways to wear them—over a tee, over a button down, under a sport jacket, with jeans cords, and slacks. Give one a try if you haven’t in a while.

Polos
In the summer you can find polo style sweaters. More often they are made with cotton and have short sleeves. They are a perfect compliment to khakis for those casual Fridays at the office. I have many polo knits for the summer months since they are easy to wear and look more dressed up than a typical pique polo.

Turtleneck Sweaters
Turtlenecks are obviously reserved for the colder months. Lightweight merino-wool or cashmere turtlenecks look stylish under suit jackets and are casual enough to wear with jeans or cords. A chunky cable-knit also goes great with jeans. The fit of a turtleneck looks best when more fitted to the body and neck. With that said, avoid them if you are even somewhat heavy, it only accentuates your less than perfect physique.

A few tips on caring for your sweaters
Generally speaking you should have your sweaters dry-cleaned once a season (that is if you have been able to avoid splattering pasta sauce all over yourself). This would include cottons, wools and cashmere. However, wool and Cashmere sweaters can be hand washed with a gentle detergent like Woolite. In fact, I highly recommend hand washing your wool and cashmere sweaters since they come out feeling softer than if you dry clean.

1. Especially wear color in summer
Summer is such a festive time of year. Light and bright colors are de rigeur. So I advise you to choose a color that is your signature color for the season and one that enhances your natural skin and hair tone.

2. Stay away from beige colored shirts
Beige is a bad color for shirts or any article that is around the face. It is rarely a good color for someone. I don’t know why designers continue to push this color on us. Just don’t secumb to the pressure.

3. French blue is always a good choice
French blue, which is a rich medium blue, is a flattering color for most skin tones. It makes a great dress shirt, which is mainly where you will find this sumptuous hue.

4. Stay away from bright, solid-colored socks
Colorful socks are okay if they have a design like stripes or argyle. But bright, solid-colored socks are simply not a good idea. Donny Osmond is suddenly coming to mind.

5. Keep color around the face
Again, it is important to keep flattering colors that enhance skin and eye color around the face. You don’t want to look like you just got out of the hospital, do you?

6. Stay away from loud patterns
They are distracting and ultimately not a good thing. If it was ever in, it was the eighties, but we’ve thankfully moved on.

7. Take a look around you
If you are baffled about how to incorporate more color into your wardrobe, take a look around you. Look at ads and store displays. For example, Ralph Lauren really uses a lot of color in his collections. He styles his clothes well—gives classics a twist by using color. Also, Brooks Brothers has more recently had great options with color. If you are traveling abroad, see how the locals use color. Italians are probably the best at wearing color–you would be hard pressed to see people there wearing dark, drab colors.

1. Always match your belt with your shoes. This is a good rule to follow and it keeps things simple. It’s best to stay with traditional colors such a black, dark brown or a rich tan. Other colors will be difficult to match, and generally speaking, should be avoided. If you wear sneakers every day that probably means you are wearing jeans in which case I suggest trying a belt made of fabric or something equally as casual, but please avoid dress belts with jeans and sneakers. If you wear suspenders, I am compelled to ask you why, but I digress. Just don’t wear a belt and suspenders together, it’s one or the other.

2. Matching Ties and Shirts. For while the solid-colored shirt with a tie of the same (or slightly-off) color was seen everywhere. This is now a somewhat dated look. Try mixing things up a little and experiment with colors. Ties are great way to express yourself, but keeping it tasteful is your best bet. You can’t go wrong with diagonal stripes, modern polka-dots, plaids and subtle patterns. Just make sure your tie compliments your shirt, suit, sweater or what ever you will be wearing it with. Novelty ties are best avoided since the novelty is short lived.

Note: Ties should be tied in whatever style most strikes your fancy. You should know that there are many different ways to knot your tie, and different knots say different things. I prefer the Windsor or the four-in-hand, but I do suggest that you explore a little just for kicks. As for clip on ties–just say no.

3. Pleats vs. Flat-Front. Why so many men have avoided flat-front trousers has always been a mystery to me. Flat-front trousers look better than pleated pants most of the time. Pleats make you look less slim. I have heard guys wear pleats because it’s more comfortable or because flat-fronts are more for athletic bodies. Truth is most men can wear a flat-front trouser. If you want more room then buy them a little big and have them brought in at the waist. This can be done at the store where you buy your clothes or by an independent tailor. And lastly, flat-font trousers are much more fashionable.

4. Socks. The more official rule on socks is that they should match the color of your pants, though preferably not the exact same shade unless, of course, you are wearing black in which case it’s okay. However, I personally like to wear socks with patterns, such as stripes in various colors. But I do try to match my socks with my pants and shoes. To quote Glenn O’Brien from GQ magazine, “. . .you will ultimately realize that beyond the valley of rules rises the mountain of aesthetics, the peak of which (if there is one) is always shrouded in beautiful clouds of various hues, many of them resembling certain of my more unusually hued socks.”

Note: Although it should be obvious, white socks should be reserved for the gym.

5. Watches are the single most important accessory a man can own. I really suggest investing in one good watch that suits your lifestyle and taste. However, if you are someone who likes to own more than one watch, wear the appropriate timepiece for your outfit: black band with black shoes and belt; brown band with brown shoes and belt; and silver band for either. See my Men’s Watch Guide for more in depth advice.

6. Eyeglasses are one of the few ways you can really express yourself. I have worn glasses for many years and I love having a few pair in different styles. They don’t have to just serve a function, but can enhance your overall look. Do your best to find a pair of glasses that not only compliments the shape of your face, but also expresses your personality. Ask people who wear glasses for a place where you can get good advice about what shape and style looks best for your face shape and features.

Instructions:

Step 1

Think about your needs. If you’re buying jeans to wear outside of work, decide what kinds of activities you want to do in your jeans. Going to a nightclub, for instance, might demand a different kind of jeans than if you’re taking your kids to the park.

Step 2

Consider fabric first. Determine if you need your jeans to be extra durable or if they’re simply a fashion statement. Carpenters and horseback riders need sturdier jeans than most people do. Some designer jeans come pre-worn to make them softer and give them a fun finish.

Step 3

Decide what kind of wash you want. If your jeans are strictly for recreational activities, you can buy any type of wash, and you can even pick some funky details like rips or whiskering on the tops of the legs. For work, though, you’ll need more conservative jeans with a darker wash.

Step 4

Find your fit. Super low-rise jeans are popular, as are high-waisted styles. For work, though, a mid-rise jean is your best and most professional bet.

Step 5

Determine what details you’d like. You can buy jeans now with embroidery, beading and other embellishments. Decide if these are appropriate for what you plan to do in your jeans and pick accordingly.