[box]Today we have a guest blog post from Jason Phillips, a fellow style junkie. We’ll be discussing what he believes is the top 8 men’s fashion trends that repel women faster than a bad pickup line. (Or a bad metaphor…)
As someone who has gone through my 20’s and eventually got married, I can tell you that in most cases, most of these are highly true. I will admit that some of these I personally don’t completely agree with.
And that’s the beauty of style! There are few “hard” rules. Everyone has a different taste and can pull off different styles. I’m purposely publishing this to show that it’s OK to enjoy certain styles while others hate them. Or hate styles that others can pull off. It all depends on you, why you are dressing better, and how it makes you feel.
Let me know what you do, and more important don’t, agree with 🙂
Enter Jason…[/box]
Why Following Men’s Fashion Trends Will Kill Your Style
I’m a big believer in dressing with a timeless, classic style. I see too many guys browsing through modern magazines and places like runway shows, trying to find out what the hottest fashion trends for men are.
Let me say this: Trends might look cool at first, but they get old fast.
The worst part is, most times the trend will have ended before you realize it. You’ll be that lonely guy in the corner wearing something that was in style a few years ago, but is something people laugh at now.
This post is to help you avoid that.
So let’s get started with…
Trend #1: Earrings
A single stud – or a ring towards the top of the ear, perhaps – can look great. You need the attitude to pull it off, but it’s doable. Plugs, studs and scaffolding can sort of work too – as long as you’ve got the image to go with it. The problem is, this isn’t what most men wear as earrings. Too many men wear hoops, or two studs, or generally ridiculously obvious earrings that add absolutely nothing to their appearance. We get you want to wear jewelry, but you don’t have the jawline to pull it off like women do.
If you want to wear something that’ll exude class, try a signet ring. Eye-catching without being in someone’s view the whole time, they’re also much bigger so you can actually do something interested with it – maybe an engraving or a stone. Plus, they don’t require piercings!
#2: Tribal Tattoos
Tribal tattoos are one of those men’s fashion trends that were great when they first appeared, but got old. FAST.
Think about the tattoos you hate the most on women. Is it tramp stamps? Tribal tattoos are the male version of tramp stamps. Seriously, do you belong to a tribe? (If you do, this doesn’t apply to you! Your tattoos are probably awesome). Do you have any idea what you’re putting on your skin? No? Don’t do it.
Tattoos don’t need some deep meaning but tribal tattoos are the opposite end of that scale. If you’ve got one from a misbegotten youth and can’t afford to have it covered yet, at least be self-deprecating about it. That way at least women know you regret the decision.
#3: Fedoras
To start off with, that hat you’re calling a fedora? It’s probably a trilby.
At least get it right.
Women don’t hate fedoras all the time. If it’s paired with an excellent formal suit and a roguish smile, you might be able to get away with it.
Unfortunately, the trend isn’t to do that. It’s to wear in with an ironic tshirt and jeans. Don’t do this. It looks awful.
Also, there’s an internet trend of sexist, angry men wearing fedoras, so women have been conditioned to think that men wearing fedoras are these types of men.
I hope that’s not you.
#4: Drop-Crotch Pants
Want the best piece of fashion advice you’ll ever hear?
Avoid anything Justin Bieber has done.
Like drop-crotch pants!
That’s not the only reason women hate drop-crotch pants. The main one is because they look like you’re attempting to waddle to the nearest toilet having gone a bit too soon. And that’s just not attractive.
The replacement here is easy. Just wear normal trousers. That’s it. Just normal ones.
#5: Plaid
Hipsters and their plaid! We don’t know what it is in modern fashion that makes people want to look like their high school English teacher, but it’s not good. Plaid is one of those trends that older, sophisticated men can occasionally wear on a good day.
Some guys can pull off plaid, but it’s hard. And it’s trendy, rather than timeless.
And please, we beg you, if you’re still going to attempt plaid after this, don’t wear a patterned shirt too!
Stick to pinstripe, it’s much classier.
#6: Flat Caps
Are you a farmer? Are you above the age of sixty?
If you answered “no” to both those questions, you should not be wearing a flat cap.
For some reason, the indie/hipster scene decided these were the best hats out their and started wearing them. They don’t make you look good – they make you look short, old and like you have no idea what to do with your hair.
They’re better than trucker hats (marginally) but trucker hats at least have a purpose – they’re big enough to keep the sun out your eyes. These don’t even have that advantage. Just get yourself a good haircut instead.
#7: Lynx Axe
The adverts for this deodorant are definitely right – it will get women running.
Unfortunately, they mixed up the direction. It won’t be towards you – it’ll be away.
Seriously, Axe makes you smell like a teenager who has only just learned about deodorant. Given this scent has literally caused classrooms to be evacuated, it’s not the one to wear. Grow up and start wearing a real men’s cologne. You’ll notice the difference straight away.
#8: Skinny Jeans
There’s a saying men like about ‘leaving things to the imagination’. It applies to women too. Tight jeans can be amazing (and means they can check out your thighs and ass) but too skinny and you’re walking a tricky line.
Let’s be frank – it’s the bulge.
No matter the size, the bulge will never look good unless you’re David Bowie.
Go for a nice regular straight cut, or if you’re going to go for the skinny look, make sure it’s not too skinny on the crotch area.
So How Do You Accentuate In A Stylish Way?
There are a lot of ways to add accessories to your style without going overboard or looking like a fool. One of my favorite ways is to accessorize with a classy signet ring which gets attention and is something most guys never even think about. Wearing this with some high quality cologne, a great pair of trousers with a well-cut shirt and jacket will make you stand out (in a good way) quickly.
So What Do You Think?
(Back to Jeremy now)
Do you agree? Disagree?
Style is not black and white. One of my goals here is getting men to realize that one size does not fit all. You can add photos to comments now, so if you strongly disagree and think you CAN pull off one of the styles that are normally no-no’s, SHOW US!
Let me know your thoughts – good or bad – in the comments below.
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You may be right about the above, however the overpriced ring thats in your affiliate link is hardy the way to get style.
I basically agree with all of these except the plaid one to some extent. Plaid can look awesome if used with restraint as part of a classic wardrobe. A blazer with a subtle plaid in a neutral tone will work for most men. I have a couple of these and they elicit regular compliments from women. Of course you also have to nail the fit and offset it with block colours in the rest of your outfit.
I would also add that cheap, crappy, or dirty shoes will instantly repel women. Women judge men (their income, style, and character) on their shoes. The first things that a woman will look at are your eyes, your teeth and your shoes. Shit shoes = no deal.
Hi “Yes” 🙂
Prices for jewelry range wildly depending on the quality. Yes you can definitely get some rings much cheaper. You can also find some much more expensive. Not a problem at all if that particular one is not for you!
Also, it’s actually not an affiliate link.
Completely agree Glen! I have a few plaid shirts myself. They’re slightly harder to wear properly, but it can definitely be done without looking old.
Also very much agree with the shoes comment. Spot on 🙂
What hats do you recommend? I wear hats because I have very short hair and get sunburned on my scalp. I don’t want to wear a baseball cap but according to your article a flat cap is not good either. Any suggestions?
I actually don’t “fully” agree with his statement that flat caps look bad. It’s more of a grey area.
I think they’re harder to pull off, but they CAN be pulled off. Especially by Irish guys, for some reason.
First – you might want to look for a gel that has SPF protection. Might help with the burning. Or just use sunscreen and rub it in really good. Depends on how long your hair is.
Second – Hats typically look better on older guys. Not sure of your age so you might want to just make sure your head is protected, or simply experiment. I would try to find a local store with hats and try a bunch on. It’s going to be hard to find one that looks great if you’re shopping online, unless you already know what kind looks good on you.
Ok, I am new to all this. I have a pair of Glen Plaid dress chinos from Bonobos. I actually really like them and if I wear them with a dark navy shirt, I think they look decent. I am someone who usually hates plaid, but for some reason I bought these. Now I hear from the fashon experts that it is wrong. Set me straight.
By all means keep wearing them if you like them and look good in them! Plaid isn’t a “definite” no. It’s just a little more advanced and harder to pull off. In fact I was actually hesitant to leave that one in, as I don’t necessarily agree.
The reason I did is to show that everyone has different opinions, and to go with what YOU like and looks good on you.
If they’re the grey ones I just looked at, I like them as well, so don’t let it stop you!
Thanks Jeremy. They are the grey ones with a navy stripe running through them. And the pattern itself is done in a way that doesn’t jump out at you. I figure as long as I don’t get too fancy with the rest I am ok.
I agree with everything except the plaid. I have some plaid button downs that when worn with a nice pair of jeans look awesome.
Seems to be a common thread, and I agree 😉
Yes definitely. Have them be your “bold piece” and then keep the rest more casual.
The shoes are important. The problem I have however, is tough to solve. I only wear barefoot/minimalist shoes. They do look a bit funny sometimes but I just couldn’t go back to regular shoes. The barefoot shoe makers are starting to design styles that are both functional and normal looking, but they cost a pretty penny. Primal Professionals are 300. and they have yet to come out with their promised tan or brown shoe, only black.
Ha, well, since that’s all you will wear – OWN it – and that can be your “thing” 🙂
Plaid works for some younger guys, but not if they are hipster. I am a teenager and bonafide blacksmith and outdoorsman, and am known as such. I am also the only person I know in either of those worlds who endeavors to dress well. Instead of the standard stained Carhartts and sweatshirt most guy have, I typically wear heavyweight selvage in blue, grey, or brown and a SUBTLE earth-toned wool or flannel plaid shirt when working. I’ve been told I can pull of the rugged look, and the clothes are stylish enough that I can wear them around town the rest of they day. Besides, plaid makes excellent camouflage.
Thanks for the comments Ivan!
Nice article… but, come on… a signet ring?? Are you the pope or some mafia boss or maybe a big fat gipsy? Seeing a man with that kind of ring makes me sick every time.
They’re definitely not for everybody, and of course you can find big, gaudy ones that make you look like a mafia boss, but they don’t all convey that image.
As someone who specializes in creating image specifically to make promiscuous lifestyle easier, I have to wonder how many of those points were actually tested (reading cosmopolitan and anecdotal “my female friend/girlfriend/wife” said so doesn’t count).
One thing we need to understand – just because we don’t like something doesn’t mean it’s not getting results in certain circles (just because you’re laughing at that guy wearing some weird trendy item, doesn’t mean he’s not pulling a hottie by the end of the night).
For example, your “dressing in timeless and classic style” is okay for someone who’s looking for a wife/serious girlfriend in classier venues (and I personally don’t mind this approach) but is pretty much sexual suicide for guys in their 20s or so looking for a hot lay in a bar/club.
Skinny jeans is another great example, regardless what you, me or any other guy here things about that bulge in pants, it’s been tested and helps get sexual quicker.
Not even gonna bother with plaid shirts as it’s a bad case of “I don’t like it, therefore it sucks”
Tribal tattoos – yes, horribly cheesy and I would never get one myself, but in certain locations and circles it still actually helps with increasing ones sex appeal.
Lost it at signet ring… Seriously?! This article just turned to “Hmmm let’s show I have too much money to throw at her and maybe I can buy my way into her panties”
Not sure about other points, but chances are with some research we could debunk even more.
Cheers
Appreciate your opinions Darius 😉
As a side note, I’m definitely NOT trying to cater specifically to guys dressing better for the sole purpose of “being promiscuous”.
Big or small they all look ugly to me and are a sign of bad taste. Of course if the purpose is to attract a certain type of easy women it might work.
These rings are just like tribal tattoos. Are you the pope or from a royal/noble family or you are represented by any kind of seal(emblem)? If not, just don’t. Having a ring with a horse face on it(for example), is just ridiculous.
In my opinion, the only ring a man can wear, and look good on it, is a thin, simple, wedding ring.
Thanks for your thoughts John! Yea they’re not for everyone.
plain classic and slick works best.
Sorry but you’re the one with bad taste bud.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thanks for your comment!