Ever wonder why your wife takes so long to get ready? Does it surprise you how she tries on six different outfits before deciding which one to wear? Well gentlemen, the answer to these age old questions is because she is paying attention to the minor details that she knows make all the difference. Before leaving the house, she makes sure all the puzzle pieces are in place to look her best. Now, I’m not saying you need to spend hours in your closet or mirror fixing yourself, but I’m saying you need to understand and correct some of the basic image mistakes we’re all guilty of from time to time.
Now let me take the time to summarize the top 10 problems I see on a daily basis. We’ll identify the problems as well as give you easy-to-follow-and-apply solutions in an attempt to prevent you from making these all-too-common fashion mistakes.
Image killer #1
dress according to your age
One of the biggest mistakes a man can make when trying to be fashionable and cool is to dress younger than he is. There is nothing more obvious or embarrassing than a 40 or 50 year old man who dresses like he is 20. It may be true that the clothes are really cool and extremely stylish, however if they are not age appropriate, you will end up looking like a big ball of cheese.
The solution:
While shopping at a particular store or store, look around you. Are the other bosses dramatically younger than you? Are the partners still in high school? If the answer to these questions is yes, it is most likely that the clothes in that store are not for you. Paying attention to these two simple rules will surely point you in the right direction.
Image killer #2
Clothes that don’t fit well
When I tell you that your clothes should fit, most of you may be thinking “Duh.” But give me a chance to explain. Many men wear clothes that are either too big for them or too small for them. A common misconception is that if you are a larger man, you should buy larger shirts to minimize your weight. This could not be further from the truth. What happens is that in an attempt to camouflage your weight you only make yourself look heavier and bigger than you are. On the other hand, some of you buy clothes that are smaller than you actually are. Just because you can button your pants doesn’t mean they will fit you. You’ll only look like a sausage if you leave the house.
The solution:
If you currently buy shirts that are too baggy on you, go down a size. You’ll be surprised how many compliments you get and questions about whether you’ve lost weight. With pants, make sure you can fit your fingers comfortably between you and the waist. This may require you to go up a size or even two. Don’t be afraid, you’re not getting bigger, now you’re wearing pants that fit you well.
Image killer #3
Pleated/Cuffed Pants
Many men are guilty of these forbidden manners. Most men have a desire to look their best. If doing your best means you want to look heavier than you are, then go for pleats. But, if you want to appear slimmer and taller, then it may be time to get rid of the folds. The goal is to create a nice straight line from the waist to the shoes. Anything that breaks the line of sight will detract from your best look. Pant cuffs are nothing more than extra fabric that breaks up the clean, crisp line, ultimately giving you the appearance of being shorter than you are.
The solution
Go and try on a nice pair of pants without a flat front hem. You will be surprised at how much slimmer and taller you will look. This simple change will dramatically improve your look and image.
Image killer #4
Wrong pant length
Many men wear pants that are too short or too long. Both are detrimental to your image. Pants that are too short make you look like you’re wearing high water and quite frankly make you look like a big jerk. On the other hand, pants that are too long will only cause them to bunch up in the shoe, creating the illusion of being shorter and heavier than you are.
The solution
Pants must be long enough to have a tear in them. The back of the pant leg must come to the middle or top of the waist. Remember that depending on the shoe you wear, some pants may look good with some shoes and not with others. If you wear boots, you may need pants that are slightly longer than what you wear with dress shoes.
Image killer #5
Skinny/Old Fashioned Jeans
Skinny jeans are not only out of style, but they damage your image and your style. A tapered leg doesn’t allow your jeans to fit over the top of your shoe. Instead, she has a gathering of fabric on top of her foot, creating a sloppy look.
The solution
If you’re not sure if your jeans are skinny or not, here’s an easy test. Take your jeans and place them on your bed face up. Grab the bottom of the jean and fold the pant leg over so that the bottom is in line with where your knee would be. If the bottoms are shorter than the knee, then they are indeed tapered and new jeans should be on your to-do list. When shopping for new jeans, you’ll notice that there are a few different cuts or styles to choose from. Look for straight-leg or even bootcut jeans. The goal is to allow the jeans to fall over the top of your shoe creating a nice clean line from waist to toe. Piling the fabric will only make you look short and sloppy. None of these are good for anyone.
Image killer #6
Floral print shirts
Unless you’re in the tropics or on a cruise, these shirts are goofy. If you’re in the tropics or on a cruise…good for you and put on your t-shirts.
The solution
Choose shirts that are a solid color or with a small pattern. Don’t buy something you think is “cute” or “fun.” You won’t look pretty, but you will look fun.
Image killer #7
bad shoes
Shoes are, in my opinion, the most important aspect of an outfit. By choosing thick or bulky shoes, you will only look like a clown. Too square (pilgrim) toes are also a hint of style from the past. They were cool a few years ago, but now they’re fading into the background with a sleeker, more streamlined shape and trend. We must also include shoes that are too worn or scratched.
The solution
Take care of your shoes. Once a month take time to shine your shoes and make sure you don’t forget about healing. Spend the money on good quality shoes. If taken care of, they will last you for years. Choose shoes that are simple but elegant. Stay away from overly ornate seams or overly drastic shapes (square or pointy). Remember, shoes shouldn’t draw attention to themselves, but pull the package together. Stay away from shoes that are very trendy because they will go out of style quickly.
Image killer #8
Sneakers With Everything
Athletic shoes should be worn when exercising. They are not your right pair of shoes for every activity and occasion.
The solution
Most of the time, men choose to wear sneakers due to the lack of variety or depth of today’s footwear. Spend time and money shopping for a variety of shoes that are appropriate for a variety of occasions. You need a pair to wear with shorts (not sports), casual, and professional.
Image killer #9
Mismatch between belt and shoe
The black shoes and brown belt are the most obvious, however you should also consider the style of the shoes and the belt.
The solution
Dress shoes require a dress belt. This means that if your shoes have a shine, the belt should also have a similar finish. Black is an easy color to combine, there is only one black. Brown, however, is a bit more complicated; There are 20 different shades of brown. When trying to choose a belt to match your shoes, wear the shoes in the store. If you try to improvise from memory, you’re bound to be disappointed once you get home.
Image killer #10
inappropriate dress
Have you ever had the feeling that you are underdressed for a specific event or occasion? This has happened to all of us at one time or another. This is one of the most common mistakes one can make.
The solution
Before you attend any meeting or event, know what is expected. A good way is to look at your wife and what she is wearing. Is she in jeans and a t-shirt? If not, then this is a good indication that you shouldn’t be either. Remember, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Remember to pay attention to those minor details, and you’ll have an amazing image… instead of killing your image! alpha m. Image Consulting was launched in 2006 by founder Aaron Marino. Aaron realized 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 the modern man look and feel his best…every day of his life.
