You won’t wear bright pink, or yellow, and won’t even try on a bow tie. The only time you’ve ever even thought about a sweater vest was when you went to go visit your grandpa and you don’t even dare mention the word ‘satchel’ around any of your friends.
Balancing your style and maintaining your masculinity are integral to you, and EveryGuyed understands that.
We’re here to let you know that you’re not alone. So whip out that patterned scarf and wear it with pride – you know you damn look good.
What to Avoid
We think you pretty much know what’s taboo, but we’re just going to go through a quick breakdown of what you should still avoid.
Florals
We know they’re popular, but they’re just not for men. Leave the big roses and flashy flowers to the women in your life and stick to more masculine patterns like stripes, patchwork or plaid.
Excessive Patches, Zippers, Buttons etc.
Leave the badges to the boy scouts because patches anywhere on your clothes just aren’t cool, never mind masculine.
Also avoid military and private school insignia. Unless you actually served in the army or went to Harvard, it’s just tacky.
We know that zippers and buttons are essential in keeping your clothes together but you really don’t need those pants with that button mosaic on the pockets or that sweater that can open ten different ways because of its forest of zippers. Trust us.
Mixing Loud Prints
Please don’t mix that checkered shirt you just bought with that Fair Isle sweater you’ve been dying to wear.
We’re not saying it’s impossible to mix loud prints together; just be aware that it’s painfully difficult to do right. As a safe bet, stick to subtle patterns and prints or wear a loud print with something less predominant to focus the attention on your statement piece.
Leave the big roses and flashy flowers to the women in your life and stick to more masculine patterns like stripes, patchwork or plaid.
Ill-Fitting Clothing
Your clothes should fit your body properly, not look like they’ve been painted on. A proper fit not only makes you look more polished, but will also show off the fact that you care about the way you portray yourself on a professional and day to day basis.
Not too baggy, not too tight.
V Necks Alone
As much as you think your pecks look good in a v neck shirt, the rest of the world really doesn’t want to see that Sasquatch you’ve got growing on your chest.
Hair or no hair, put something on underneath or on top of that v neck – a dress shirt, a sweater, something to cover you up.
Sequins
Need we say more?
Your clothes should fit your body properly, not look like they’ve been painted on.
Just a Bad Rap
On the other hand, some things are just the victim of a really bad rap. It’s not that they’re forbidden, but they’ve been badly done so many times, and maligned so much that you won’t even put your foot in the water.
Pink
The usually effeminate color, pink, is something most men feel like they can’t pull off.
Fearing judgment from peers is also a common reason why men may shy from pink. The fact is, pink is not something that you should be afraid of.
In fact, pink is finding its way into most menswear – from cardigans and dress shirts to ties and other accessories, pink is definitely the new black.
Bow Ties
Just think of them as a snazzy alternative to your boring old tie, the bow tie is definitely something you should get on board with.
Available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and materials, geek is definitely chic, and the bow tie shows that you aren’t afraid to experiment.
We know, we know – man bags aren’t exactly high on your list, but what are you supposed to do when you find yourself stranded with your laptop, wallet, keys, cell phone and nothing to carry them home in?
Color
Your typical closet full of blue, brown, black, white and grey needs a change – color!
Don’t be afraid to mix a bright red v-neck sweater with that white dress shirt you always wear, or to don some dark green cords once in a while with that brown pullover you have lying around. Infuse some color into your wardrobe and you’ll be glad you did.
Bags
We know, we know – man bags aren’t exactly high on your list, but what are you supposed to do when you find yourself stranded with your laptop, wallet, keys, cell phone and nothing to carry them home in?
The answer is in the form of a briefcase, holdall or messenger bag.
And when you’ve found yourself in a weekend getaway situation that calls for something smaller than your average clunky suitcase? You can thank your lucky stars for a duffle or weekender bag.
Think of bags more for their practicality then their aesthetic – you’ll be far more likely to carry one if you have essentials to bring with you.
Your typical closet full of blue, brown, black, white and grey needs a change – color!
It’s About Balance
It’s OK for you to get excited about that merino wool pullover you got on sale for 50% off. Or for you to secretly want to jump for joy when you’ve found the perfect suitcase that you’ve been waiting months for.
Fashion is all about looking and feeling your best, taking risks, and knowing this or that trend isn’t right for you even though everyone’s doing it.
Finding your own style and what’s comfortable for you will benefit you in the long run.
You don’t have to sacrifice your masculinity for fashion and you shouldn’t have to. It’s all about trial and error – so what if that pink tie didn’t work out so well? Or that yellow doesn’t work for you?
Now you know, and you’re a better man for it.
Fashion is all about looking and feeling your best, taking risks, and knowing this or that trend isn’t right for you even though everyone’s doing it.
Summary
- Avoiding things like florals and loud prints, excessive patches and zippers, v necks without clothes underneath and tight or ill fighting clothes will make you look more polished and put together and definitely more masculine.
- There are four things that tend to get bad raps in men’s fashion: pink, bold colors, bow ties and bags. Trying out these fashion misconceptions will help you get over the fear you may have for them. It’ll also help you figure out what’s right for you.
- Fashion is always about balance, so maintaining your own style and trying new things are important. However, you shouldn’t ever feel uncomfortable or feel as if you’re sacrificing your masculinity. It’s trial and error; something that looks good on a friend won’t necessarily work for you.
Comments?
What other menswear items tend to get a bad rap? Did we miss something effeminate when outlining What to Avoid? Give us your tips to maintain your masculinity while being style-forward.
Author
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I make sure I don't wear shoes that match a color that I'm wearing because I think it looks a bit overdone. Thoughts?
Florals. ..true. EXCEPT, you're living near the beach-line.
[...] an extreme approach because many women still prefer a well dressed man on any day of the week. The Every Guyed Network makes it a little easier on us by laying out a guide of how to be that in-demand, fashionable guy [...]
hey shareen! luv ur posts! keep em cummin'!!! i lerned suuuu much!! i will never again mix bright florarl patterns with a vnecked fair isle sweater. lol! out do those v-necks go!