Men’s Style Guide: 7 Subtle Mistakes That Hurt Your Style
Style Isn’t About Flash — It’s About the Details
You don’t need the flashiest outfit to stand out.
What really makes the difference? — The little things.
It’s the details that separate “good enough” from “damn, he looks sharp.” Miss them, and your outfit feels just… off. Nail them, and you look confident, polished, and effortless.
Here are seven common style slip-ups I see all the time — and the simple fixes that instantly upgrade your look.
1. Wearing Clothes That Don’t Fit
This is the biggest style mistake I see.
Too many guys wear oversized clothes thinking they hide flaws. In reality, they just make you look sloppy.
The fix: Clothes should skim your body, not squeeze or drown you. If your shirt billows at the waist or your pants pool around your ankles, it’s time for tailoring—or an upgrade.
2. The Wrong Tie
Tie width matters more than most guys realize.
Too wide looks outdated. Too skinny can look awkward, especially on a bigger frame.
The fix: Match your tie width to your build and the lapel of your jacket. Balance is key — it makes your look instantly sharper.
3. Over-Matching Accessories
Gone are the days of matching your tie and pocket square exactly.
The fix: Coordinate your pocket square with your shirt instead. It’s 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. Scuffs, worn soles, or faded leather pull down the whole look.
The fix: Rotate your shoes, clean them regularly, and polish them when needed. When they’re past repair—replace them.
5. Skipping Grooming Touches
You don’t need a long routine, but wrinkles, lint, and worn fabrics stand out.
The fix: Take three minutes before heading out — steam shirts, de-pill sweaters, lint-roll jackets. These quick touches make a huge difference.
6. Buying the Wrong Pieces
You don’t need every piece to be expensive—but a few should be worth it.
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 Your Skin
You could be wearing a perfect outfit, but tired, dry skin will still stand out.
The fix: Keep it simple. Cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen. Consistency beats complexity.
Bottom Line
Style isn’t just about clothes — it’s the details that pull the whole look together.
Dial in these seven areas, and you’ll instantly look sharper, feel more confident, and walk into any room as the best version of yourself.
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.
If you want to make your style effortless…let’s talk.
Book your introductory style consult today, to see how we can start to simplify your wardrobe, sharpen your details, and create a look that works for you.