7 Crucial Men’s Style Oversights (And How To Fix Them)

The finer details that could be killing your looks

IMAGE: MOSS AW13

The Details Letting Your Look Down

Getting to grips with looking your best can sometimes be a challenge. From finding the perfect-fitting suit to ensuring your accessories are on point, we would be lying if we said we didn’t slip up now and again.

With so much to consider when crafting your outfits, effortless is rarely anything but, and occasionally details get overlooked. Bearing this in mind, we’ve identified the most common oversights that could be holding back your look – without you even realising – and show you how to go about setting things right.

1. Too-Packed Pockets

Considering we often use them as convenient receptacles for everything from phones to keys to wallets, overfilled trouser pockets at best undo the sharpness of the silhouette you’ve worked hard to perfect, and at worst get mistaken for bizarre physical abnormalities by passers-by.

The quick fix for pocket bulk is, of course, to simply not carry anything in them and put everything in your bag. Hardly practical. Plus, we don’t always want, or need, to carry a bag, do we?

One easy change you can make is to slim down your wallet, which is – mercifully – far easier than shifting your own Christmas excess. Ditch all those old receipts you thought you’d need but really don’t. Bin any expired discount or gift cards or sport betting vouchers you lost. And reduce the amount of change you carry in your billfold. Or, swap the whole wallet out for a slimmer, more stylish card holder.

Other than that, it’s all about using your common sense – only carry what you really need, and try to spread your everyday essentials out evenly across your pockets, as opposed to shoving them all in one place.

Key Pieces

• HE BY MANGO LEATHER CARDHOLDER
• PAUL SMITH SHOES & ACCESSORIES LEATHER CARDHOLDER
• ALLSAINTS SHARD CARDHOLDER
• REISS ADRIANO TEXTURED CARD HOLDER MUSHROOM
• POLO RALPH LAUREN LEATHER CARD HOLDER
• MICHAEL KORS SAFFIANO LEATHER CARD HOLDER

2. Shirt Cuff Cut-Off

A menswear purist would argue you’re not remotely well-dressed in a suit unless half an inch of shirt cuff is peeking out from your jacket. While I’m not usually one to endorse such extremist statements, cuff cut-off really does sort the sartorial men from the boys.

To get it right, make sure your jacket finishes at your wrist bone, and that your cuff extends no more than three quarters of an inch further. Bear this in mind when putting together your formal looks and you’ll be that much closer to achieving impeccable style.

You could even consider doing the same thing within your casual looks (with your jumper/jacket) to add a discerning detail.

Lookbook Inspiration: Formal

Lookbook Inspiration: Smart-Casual

3. Sub-Par Shoelaces

It might seem like we’re nitpicking here, but it’s this level of attention to detail that wins you serious style kudos. Shoelaces are, for most of us, a complete afterthought. Hands up if you’re guilty of not even tying and untying your shoelaces, favouring a brute force approach to footwear instead?

It’s often said that one of the first things other people notice about a man’s appearance is his choice of shoe – and that, unsurprisingly, includes shoelaces. So, if yours are looking at all ratty, replace them (you can pick up quality, affordable versions on eBay, or at shoe care shops like Timpsons). If, on the other hand, the laces that came with your favourite pair of shoes or boots are too long, swap them for a tidier set.

Feel free to get creative, too. Think of your shoelaces as – much like a pocket square or pair of cuff links – a subtle way of customising your outfit. Try new colours, patterns or even fabrics to best suit you and the look you’re going for.

Finally, if you don’t already know, learn to tie them properly. No, I’m not joking:

Lookbook Examples

4. Poor Sock Choice

Socks seem to divide men into two distinct camps: either you’re one of the guys that ‘gets it’ – i.e. you consider your socks an integral element of your overall look, whether or not they’re particularly on show – or they’re an afterthought, a mere layer of (possibly holey) fabric between your feet and footwear of choice.

The thing is, although you might think that your socks are always hidden from sight, someone is bound to catch a glimpse of them at some point – whether you’re crossing your legs on a train or taking the stairs two at a time.

The key is to stick to neutrals for the most part, tonally matching your socks to your trousers but never to your footwear or directly to another element of your look, such as your tie or scarf. Feel free to throw in the occasional low-key print for interest, but steer well clear of anything novelty.

Of course, brightly coloured and contrasting socks can be worn, but make sure you communicate it as a conscious decision, rather than a regrettable mistake.

Finally, treat them as seasonal pieces – try thicker, textured styles in winter and go for lightweight cotton versions or no-shows during the warmer months.

Lookbook Inspiration: Coloured/Patterned Socks

Lookbook Inspiration: Neutral/Tonal Socks

Lookbook Inspiration: Sockless/Invisible Socks

Key Styles

• PRINGLE NO SHOW TRAINER SOCKS IN 3 PACK
• HE BY MANGO 2 PACK INVISIBLE SOCKS
• FALKE STEP INVISIBLE COTTON-BLEND SOCKS
• CALVIN KLEIN PACK OF THREE FLAT-KNIT SOCKS
• FALKE TIAGO BUSINESS SOCKS
• TOPMAN GREEN STRIPE DOT SOCKS
• FALKE AIRPORT WOOL AND COTTON-BLEND SOCKS
• PANTHERELLA RIBBED SEA ISLAND COTTON-BLEND SOCKS
• NN.07 KNITTED WOOL-BLEND SOCKS
• REISS RENO DIAMOND TEXTURED SOCKS EMERALD
• WHITE MOUNTAINEERING HERRINGBONE COTTON-BLEND SOCKS
• PAUL SMITH SHOES & ACCESSORIES STRIPED COTTON-BLEND SOCKS

5. Forgetting To Check The Weather Forecast

You may have planned your outfit down to the last detail before you went to bed, but if you wake to pouring rain and thunderstorms that suede jacket shouldn’t be making it out the door. No matter how brilliantly executed your look is, if it isn’t weather-appropriate, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

It would be out of place to wear a leather or thick jacket in the blazing heat of Lagos or other tropical region and foolish to wear a low rising vest in winter no matter how stylish it is  . Try to keep your options open until close to departure time and scan a weather app before finally deciding on what suits best.

It never hurts to carry an umbrella, light/heavy scarf (depending on the season) and pair of sunglasses to make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

6. Not Making Time For Your Tie

Arguably the most iconic men’s accessory, a well-knotted neck tie can shift your look from average to executive level in an instant.

Unless your tie-knotting game is top tier, you’ll need to make the effort to set aside some time in the mornings specifically for getting this one right. The most important things to remember are to match your tie to your collar style, and a good dimple.

Tie Knot Guidelines

Unsure what tie knot you should be opting for? Follow these general guidelines:

• Classic Point Collar Shirt: A four-in-hand is your best bet – it is long and thin in shape and fits snugly into the narrow gap of this collar style.
• Semi-Spread Collar Shirt: A half or double Windsor – i.e. a knot with a little more bulk – is ideal for any medium-spread shirt.
• Spread Collar Shirt: A full Windsor, no question. The chunkiest and widest of knots, it’s the only option when you’re sporting a powerful spread collar shirt.

The Dimple

The dimple is created as the final step of tying a tie; fold a crease in the centre of the tie at the knot just before you tighten, and be sure to hold the crease while you tighten the knot to ensure it stays in place.

Here’s a video demonstration:

7. Wardrobe Mismanagement

If you’re serious about your style, chances are you’ve spent a tidy sum of money on your clothing – so you’d better be looking after it all.

Start by upgrading your hangers. Cheap, wire hangers won’t do your investment pieces any favours, so swap them for sturdier plastic or wooden ones to help your clothes keep their shape. Remember to only hang tees, shirts, outerwear and trousers; hanging knit jumpers or cardigans leads to warping, which will affect how they both look and fit.

Your wardrobe shouldn’t be overly full either; if you’re squashing all of your clothing together, you need to consider alternative storage solutions. Cramming too many clothes into one space leads to creasing and also prevents you from clearly seeing the weapons at your disposal when putting together a look.

Consider sifting through to see if there’s anything not pulling its weight that can go to the charity shop, or invest in some clothing rails to make best use of the space available.

Your shoes also need a little TLC, so take the time to clean and polish them regularly, and pop a shoetree (or at least some scrunched newspaper) into your brogues when you’re done with them for the day. Doing so will maintain your shoes’ appearance and shape, while also increasing their lifespan.

• JOHN LEWIS 4 BAR TROUSER HANGER BEECH
• CEDAR ADJUSTABLE SHOE TREE
• OSBORNE PACK OF THREE WOODEN COAT HANGERS
• NEATFREAK CLOSETMAX GREYSTONE COLLECTION LIDDED STORAGE BOX
• JOHN LEWIS BROOKLYN CLOTHES RAIL
• JOHN LEWIS 3 TIER EXPANDING SHOE RACK
• CHURCHS NORFOLK WOOD AND METAL SHOE TREES
• JACOB JONES SHOE SHINE KIT KHAKI
• JOHN LEWIS SHOE CARE KIT MULTI

Final Word

Building a personal style that’s near faultless is by no means an easy task, but taking the time to fix some of these common oversights is well worth the time and effort.

Are there unsightly silent offenders that you see ruining a good look on a daily basis? What are they? And how would you correct them?

Top 10 Bargain Perfumes You Can't Miss

I know it's such a cliché to make a list of the top whatever, but I confess I can't resist it. Whenever someone posts anything like this I am obliged to read it, even if it's only to disagree with them. Being a fragrance addict, a fume snob and a vintage collector, I rarely wear mainstream fragrances or drugstore counter scents. Ok, I am lying! I have my guilty pleasures and many times I find myself thinking that there are a lot of budget perfumes that smell as good (and sometimes even better) than expensive niche offerings. After all the holidays expenditure, these are some smells you can still indulge yourself without ruining your budget. And here's a unpretentious list of my personal favorites.

1
Solinotes Ambre

My favorite amber after Akkad by Lubin, but for 10 euros (2200 naira or $11.8) (50 ml), this is an absolute winner. For amber lovers, it doesn't get much better than this. The classic amber note without distractions. There's no need for a description since this is all you need if you crave amber and nothing else. Great sillage and very decent longevity. The Solinotes brand is a miracle line, offering a lot of wonders for a ridiculous price. This one is always sold out so get it now if you find it. It took me a year and a trip to get it.

2
Alyssa Ashley Ambre Gris

Dirty animalic amber with a strong virginia cedarwood bite. Reminiscent of the classic ambergris accord, but I'm sure there's not a drop of it here, for it costs only 27 euros (6000 naira or $32) for a 30 ml bottle. Huge staying power and massive sillage. This is one for the vintage and oriental lovers that require a strong cloud of scent around them. It's also one of the most erotic perfumes I know. Cousin scent: Perris Monte Carlo's eponymous perfume that costs more than twice as much.

3
Monotheme Leather

Again, a 10 euros (2500 naira or $11.8) wonder in a 100 ml bottle. A hot and sweaty leather reminiscent of Aramis but warmer and without the green notes. This is spicy and rough, mature and sexual. However it still manages to smell classy. I imagine this only on a mature muscled man with a well groomed beard and a naughty look on his face. I've seen people comparing this to Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather but I think Monotheme is better, I'm sorry! This collection is unmissable, with another great one called Amber Wood, for the same price.

4
Solinotes Fleur d'Oranger

Again, Solinotes (10 euros 50 ml) (2500 naira or $11.8) wins my heart without hurting my wallet. It's not easy to find an orange flower themed perfume that has no distractions and smells natural. The ones that come close can be crazy expensive or too sophisticated like Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger. I mean I was looking for a pure and fresh Orange Blossom with a hint of carnal warm tone and some richness. Fragonard's Fleur d'Oranger is also an extraordinary scent and it costs only 35 euros for a 100 ml bottle.

5
Ted Lapidus Altamir

Following my orange blossom craving, this is a sweet oriental version of it, slightly reminiscent of Gaultier 2 but better. This massive and heavy 125 ml bottle costs only 22 euros (5000 naira or $26) and it lasts a whole day on the skin, even more on clothes. It is so sensual, sweet, vanillary and warm ... Tonka bean is starring here in a very balanced and non-cloying way. It's not an elegant scent and maybe it pleases the younger crowd more than the mature perfumista, but still I can't resist it. Try it in the summer, it performs better in hot weather or even harmattan for my African audience.

6
Jil Sander Sun

This is a classic in some countries of Europe and it seems dated for some people who used to wear it during the 90s. But to me it is the perfect olfactory translation of a day at the beach. This tuberose-vanilla combo with a suntan lotion feeling is so warm and tropical it heats my winter days and brings a smile to my face. The 19 euros (4500 naira or $23) price-tag for a 75 ml bottle helps a lot, too. Buy it at the airports, where you'll find it cheaper.

7
Madonna Truth or Dare

If you like tuberose and you find Robert Piguet's Fracas too pricey, get this one while you can still find it (it's discontinued but if you search the online outlets you can still buy it for 22 euros/30 ml) (5000 naira or $26). This sweet tuberose/gardenia combo is heavy and migraine inducer for some people but the musky and vanillary drydown will enchant the brave ones. Be very careful: one or two sprays maximum!

8
Madonna Truth or Dare Naked

I'm sorry to repeat this name but Madonna has really nailed it with this one. It has nothing to do with her first scent and it captures an ambered orchid drenched in benzoin and sandalwood without being a strong perfume. It is a paradox: with all these oriental notes it is still a very subtle fragrance, charged with an erotic element, a handful of fruit and some 'boozyness' too. A hint of oud makes it fly off the skin but you wouldn't find out it has oud if you weren't told. Sweet, woody, resinous and warm—in a polite way. Get it while it can still be found. It costs only 20 euros (4500 naira or $24) for a 75 ml bottle.

9
Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Homme

Winner of a FiFi Award, this is a one-of-a-kind male fragrance that women can wear. A woody rose with black pepper that can convince even the rose haters. An absolutely elegant and subtle scent, so perfectly balanced and still sexy. It sits between a romantic date scent and an office safe smell. And it costs only 37 euros a 75 ml bottle.

10
Revlon Charlie Blue

Now don't look away so quickly. This is not the regular Charlie and it deserves a chance. It costs nothing (approximately 7 euros a 100 ml bottle) (1600 naira or $9) and it doesn't kill you with synthetic screechiness like I've seen some people commenting. To me it smells like a fresh spiced geranium chypre with a classical elegant vibe. Very unisex, too. It's freshness is really compelling and if modestly applied it brings a smile to my face like the first days of spring (rainy season). Give it a chance. It won't destroy your bank account, after all.

Finally, and after writing about these 10, I found myself feeling guilty for not including these other two that I would highly recommend: Salvador Dali's Laguna for 18 euros a 30 ml bottle and Victoria's Secret Amber Romance (13 euros for 30 ml), a sickly sweet amber that I am very attracted to. Do you agree with this selection? Can you help me find more (not so) guilty pleasures?

I hope this serves as a good new year opening to my numerous perfume lovers! Note that these are my personal selection,feel free to contribute and point out perfumes you think should make this list and deserves a review.Looking forward to hearing from you guys. Have a great scenty year and Happy New Year from Stylestoday, your ultimate perfume catalog..