8 Common Style Mistakes That Quietly Undercut Your Look (And how to fix them today)

8 Common Style Mistakes That Quietly Undercut Your Look
(And how to fix them today)

Style doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does require attention.

The difference between “decent” and “well-dressed” usually comes down to the small stuff—the kind of details most guys overlook.

Here are 8 of the most common style mistakes I see (even among successful, professional men) and how to avoid them:

1. Wearing Ill-Fitting Clothes

It doesn’t matter how expensive or stylish your clothes are—if they don’t fit, they won’t look good.

Whether it’s gym wear, casual staples, or your sharpest suit, fit is everything.

  • Avoid pieces that drown your frame in excess fabric

  • Avoid anything so tight that it pulls, puckers, or outlines every muscle

The sweet spot? Clothes that follow your shape without clinging. A proper fit always elevates your presence—effortlessly.

2. Leaving Dress Shirts Untucked

Dress shirts are made to be tucked in. That longer hem in the front and back? It’s there for a reason.

The only exception is an Oxford button-down—and even then, the length matters.

If the shirt falls below mid-crotch or past your backside, tuck it in. An untucked dress shirt that’s too long throws off your entire silhouette.

3. Wearing Too Many Bold Pieces at Once

Loud prints. Bright colors. Wild patterns.

Individually? Great.
All at once? Overwhelming.

The result looks chaotic—not confident.

The fix: Ground your look in neutral tones like navy, grey, or black. Then add one standout piece for contrast. That’s the formula I use with clients every day—and it always works.

4. Wearing Extra-Wide Ties

Unless you have a broader build, extra-wide ties will throw your proportions off fast.

They overpower your frame and can make your outfit look outdated.

Choose a tie width that matches your body type and the lapels on your jacket. Keep the proportions clean and aligned.

5. Wearing a Tie That’s Too Long

This one’s simple:
Your tie should hit the top of your belt.

Longer than that? It looks unkempt and careless. If it’s off, take a minute to re-tie it. Getting the length right makes a bigger difference than most men realize.

6. Ignoring Wrinkles

Wrinkled clothes say one thing:
“I didn’t try.”

And that’s not the message you want to send—especially at work or in social settings.

Pick up a handheld steamer. It takes two minutes, and it instantly sharpens your entire look. A little effort here goes a long way.

7. Letting Your Pants Stack at the Ankles

Excess fabric pooling over your shoes doesn’t just look sloppy—it also shortens your frame visually.

The fix: Tailor your pants to a clean break—just a slight touch over the shoe. It’s a quick, easy alteration that levels up your style immediately.

8. Wearing a Visible Undershirt

Undershirts are practical. But they should never be visible.

If you’re unbuttoning your top 2–3 buttons, go with a v-neck or scoop neck undershirt in a low-contrast color that disappears under your shirt.

The goal is polish, not distraction.

Final Thought

Style doesn’t require perfection—it just requires intention.

Avoiding these simple mistakes will instantly put you ahead of the curve. When you pay attention to the details, people notice—even if they can’t quite explain why.

And that’s the power of dressing well.

If you’re ready to refine your look and eliminate the guesswork, I’m here for that.


Brandi is a personal stylist with over a decade of experience helping men show up with confidence and ease. She offers tailored style solutions that take the guesswork out of getting dressed—so you look sharp and feel great, no matter the occasion.

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