Men! Not just any old suit and tie will do in today’s office environment. Read on for hints and help on the things you should not do when it comes to fashion in the work place…
1. Busy palettes
A printed tie on a printed polo shirt can be very excruciating for those you work with. Similarly, avoid clashing colors you might think are trendy and fun. Always wear light-colored shoes with pale pants and tops and dark shoes for dark clothes. When people start wearing sunglasses in the boardroom while you’re making a presentation, it’s probably time to rethink your colors and patterns.
2. Ill-fitting clothes
A shirt that’s too tight will emphasize your bulges even more, especially when those bulges are not in the right places. In addition, even if you’re working out and are more muscular than the average guy, wearing shirts that are too tight aren’t sexy. They border on “tacky.”
Clothes that are too loose and baggy won’t hide your physical flaws, either. They’ll only make you look shoddy. For dress pants, the hem should end at the top of the heel, but for jeans, the hem can reach the heel’s bottom. Socks also shouldn’t be seen while you’re walking.
3. Loud and wrong-sized ties
If you want to be taken seriously at work, keep away from neckties with those cartoon character prints or beer mug graphics. When it comes to tie length, when tied with a Windsor, a Pratt, a St. Andrew, or any other knot, the triangular point at your tie’s wide end should just barely touch your belt buckle. Go for wider ties if you’re heavy set. Slim guys can get to buy slim ties again – they’re back in fashion.
4. Comb-Overs
Okay, so this may be better than wearing a toupee. But even Donald Trump’s millions is no excuse for his comb-over. Keep a short cut instead and embrace the way you are.
5. Strange facial hair
I don’t think there’s been a serious survey ever conducted on whether women really find goatees or Zapatas appealing. If you decide to keep a mustache or beard, at least keep them trimmed. Do away with soul patches (that tiny patch of hair under the lower lip) and go to a salon to take care of your unibrow.
6. Backpacks and fanny packs
They were very useful in college, but there’s no place for backpacks at the office – unless you’re having a sleepover in your cubicle or going mountain climbing the next day. Even fanny packs are a thing of the past. Sorry guys, but your only options are messenger bags and briefcases.
7. Ponytails
Okay, so it looks good on Antonio Banderas, but not everyone can pull a ponytail off. If you want it long, keep it at an Ashton-Kutcher length. Otherwise, maintain a safe, classic short cut.
8. Too much bling-bling
If women are warned against this fashion no-no, then all the more should men be aware of this faux pas. Too much jewelry can make you look like a drug kingpin or a time-warped punk rocker. You can make do with a simple dress watch. Reserve the chunky gold bracelets and other body piercing jewelry for night outs.