7 Common Men’s Style Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Great style isn’t about owning the most expensive clothes or chasing every trend—it’s about understanding what works for you and making confident, intentional choices. Unfortunately, many men fall into the trap of small, avoidable errors that can drag down an otherwise decent outfit. The good news? Most style mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Whether you’re refining your wardrobe or just getting started, here are seven of the most common style mistakes men make—and exactly how to fix them.
1. Wearing Clothes That Don’t Fit Properly
The mistake: Baggy shirts, overlong trousers, or jackets that swamp your frame. Ill-fitting clothes are the number one killer of good style.
The fix: Know your measurements. Get your key pieces tailored—especially suits, trousers, and shirts. Even casualwear like T-shirts and jeans benefit from a proper fit. Aim for clothes that skim your shape, not cling or hang off you.
Tip: If you’re unsure, visit a reputable tailor or menswear store for a professional fitting. It’s worth every penny.
2. Over-accessorising (or not accessorising at all)
The mistake: Either piling on rings, chains, watches, and sunglasses at once—or skipping accessories entirely and letting outfits fall flat.
The fix: Less is more. Stick to 1–2 key accessories: a quality watch, a pair of sunglasses, or a simple bracelet or chain. These finishing touches show thought and intention without overwhelming your look.
Pro tip: Match metal tones (silver/gold) and avoid overly flashy or novelty items.
3. Wearing the Wrong Shoes for the Occasion
The mistake: Trainers at a wedding, scruffy shoes with a suit, or flip-flops when something smarter is called for.
The fix: Invest in versatile footwear that can bridge the gap between casual and formal. Think clean white leather sneakers, loafers, Chelsea boots, or brogues. Always keep your shoes clean and polished.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on building a capsule shoe collection.
4. Following Trends Too Closely
The mistake: Dressing like a walking Instagram feed. Fast fashion trends might catch attention, but they rarely stand the test of time—and can look try-hard if not styled well.
The fix: Focus on timeless staples that work for your body, lifestyle, and personality. Trends should enhance your wardrobe, not define it. Add a single trend-driven piece to a classic outfit instead of wearing head-to-toe hype.
5. Neglecting Grooming and Maintenance
The mistake: Wrinkled clothes, overgrown beards, unkempt hair, or chipped nails. Your grooming and how you care for your clothes matters as much as the clothes themselves.
The fix: Develop a grooming routine—keep facial hair trimmed, moisturise regularly, and get haircuts before things get messy. Learn basic fabric care like steaming, shoe cleaning, and proper storage.
Grooming matters. Style starts before you even get dressed.
6. Poor Colour Coordination
The mistake: Wearing clashing tones, overly loud combinations, or everything in the same shade. Even great pieces can fall flat if the colours don’t complement each other.
The fix: Stick to a neutral base (navy, black, grey, white, beige) and add one accent colour. Learn basic colour theory—or use the rule of three: no more than three colours per outfit unless you really know what you’re doing.
Safe combos: Navy + white + tan, olive + black + grey, or cream + denim + brown.
7. Forgetting About Proportions
The mistake: Wearing oversized tops with wide-leg trousers or skinny jeans with bulky jackets. Disconnected proportions can make outfits feel awkward or dated.
The fix: Balance is key. If you’re wearing a boxy overshirt, pair it with tapered trousers. Slim top? Match it with straight-leg jeans or wide-cut chinos. Tailoring and contrast create visual structure.
FAQs
What is the biggest fashion mistake men make?
Wearing clothes that don’t fit properly. No matter how expensive or trendy your outfit is, a poor fit will always undermine your appearance. Tailoring and fit should be your top priorities.
How can I improve my style as a man?
Start by focusing on fit, building a core wardrobe of timeless essentials, and improving grooming habits. Stick to a neutral palette, invest in versatile footwear, and learn how to layer properly. Style is about consistency, not complexity.
Do accessories really matter in men’s fashion?
Yes—when used correctly, accessories can elevate a simple outfit. Think of a watch, belt, sunglasses, or necklace as the finishing touch that adds personality and polish.
Style isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness. By avoiding these seven common mistakes and applying a bit of intention, you can elevate your daily wardrobe, feel more confident, and make better first impressions without overthinking it. It’s not about dressing up—it’s about showing up with purpose.
