The Details Matter: 7 Style Mistakes That Are Holding You Back
Looking good isn’t about having the flashiest outfit—it’s about the details.
The little things are what separate “decent” from “damn, he looks sharp.”
Miss them, and your look feels a little off. Nail them, and you instantly come across more confident, put-together, and in control.
Here are 7 common slip-ups I see all the time—and the quick fixes that make all the difference:
1. Clothes That Don’t Fit Right
The #1 mistake.
Most guys wear clothes that are too big, thinking it hides problem areas. In reality, it just makes you look bigger and less polished.
👉 The fix: Your clothes should skim your body—not squeeze, and not drown. If your shirt balloons at the waist or your pants pool at the ankles, it’s time for tailoring or an upgrade.
2. Wearing the Wrong Tie
Tie width matters more than you think.
Too wide looks dated. Too skinny looks out of place on bigger frames.
👉 The fix: Match the width of your tie to your build and your suit lapels. Balanced = sharp.
3. Over-Matching Accessories
Matching your tie and pocket square used to be a thing. Not anymore.
👉 The fix: Coordinate your pocket square with your shirt instead. It looks modern, adds depth, and shows you know the difference between “styled” and “over-styled.”
4. Beaten-Up Shoes
Shoes are one of the first things people notice. And scuffed, dirty, or worn-out ones drag down your whole look.
👉 The fix: Rotate your pairs, keep them clean, and polish when needed. And when they’re truly done—replace them.
5. Skipping Quick Grooming Touches
You don’t need an hour-long routine, but… wrinkled shirts, lint, and pilled sweaters make you look like you didn’t try.
👉 The fix: Spend 3 minutes before heading out—steam your shirt, de-pill your sweater, lint-roll your jacket. Easy win.
6. Buying the Wrong Things
Not every piece in your closet needs to be expensive. But certain ones should be.
👉 The fix: Save on basics. Invest in the heavy hitters—suits, shoes, jackets, and outerwear. Quality shows up here more than anywhere else.
7. Forgetting About Your Skin
Perfect outfit, but your skin looks tired or dry? People notice.
👉 The fix: Simple routine. Cleanse. Moisturize. Sunscreen. That’s it. Consistency beats complexity.
Bottom Line
Style isn’t just clothes, it’s the details that pull it all together.
When you dial these in, you instantly look sharper, feel more confident, and show up as the best version of yourself.
Need help pulling it all together?
Book an introductory style consult to see how we can help you simplify your wardrobe, fine-tune your routine, and walk into any room looking your best.
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.