There was a time when I knew nothing about style. I used to say that I didn’t care. The truth is I just didn’t know. I was also too lazy, and too busy, to care about my style.

I think that’s a very common thing. The more I started to know about style, the more I cared. The more I cared, the more I noticed other people breaking the rules.

Now, I’d like to make sure it’s known that no rule is set in stone. You can break any rule, but first, you have to understand it so you really know how and when it’s appropriate to break the rules.

For this episode of the Real Men Real Style podcast I’ve decided to go into detail on 25 of my style pet peeves. Some of these things even I used to break because I didn’t know.

Today, when I see people break these rules, I don’t get angry or try to publicly shame them. I nicely, privately and respectfully explain to them what they are doing wrong, so they can up their game in the future.

Download this episode now to learn some of the most common style mistakes people make.

Click here to listen on iTunes – Podcast #97: Style Pet Peeves That Drive Me Nuts
Click here to listen on Soundcloud – Podcast #97: Style Pet Peeves That Drive Me Nuts
Click here to listen on Stitcher – Podcast #97: Style Pet Peeves That Drive Me Nuts

25 of My Style Pet Peeves:

1. When people say they don’t care about their style, then judge everyone else.
2. Square toed shoes.
3. Sagging pants.
4. No socks.
5. White socks outside the gym.
6. Off proportions.
7. Overuse of fragrance.
8. Long and oversized t-shirts.
9. Oversized logos.
10. Badly fitted suits.
11. Jackets without a pocket square.
12. Buttoning bottom button of a jacket.
13. Men who follow rules without understanding why.
14. Men that correct other men in public.
15. Not removing tack stitching or brand labels.
16. Dark shoes with light trousers.
17. Running shoes with everything.
18. Wearing Crocs.
19. Fully buttoned dress shirts with no tie.
20. Dressing oblivious to the unwritten dress code.
21. Unpolished shoes.
22. Badly wrinkled clothing.
23. Pajamas in public.
24. Bright green, red blue, and black “dress shirts”.
25. Don’t be a snob.

Highlights:

• Most snap judgments are made off how people look.
• A lot of people who claim they don’t care about style are just lazy or too busy.
• Square toed shoes are for pilgrims and don’t look good on anyone.
• No one wants to see your underwear or your butt crack.
• You can buy no-show socks.
• Not wearing socks will damage your shoes.
• White socks are for athletics only.
• Skinny ties don’t go with wide lapels.
• Big men shouldn’t wear skinny jeans.
• People around you don’t want to have to smell you continuously – even if you smell great.
• Most stores offer free suit adjustments.
• A suit is meant to make you look better, make sure they are tailored properly.
• Suit Jackets, Blazers, Sports Coats, all have breast pockets for a reason.
• Two button suits are not meant to have the bottom button buttoned.
• Style rules were created for a reason, know why so you know when they do and don’t apply.
• Don’t public embarrass somebody, try to raise up their self-esteem.
• Invest in more than one pair of shoes, and have multiple color choices.
• Crocs are not good-looking shoes.
• There is always a dress code anywhere you go.
• If you spend money on your dress shoes, take care of them.
• Ironing shirts and pressing trousers doesn’t take much work.
• Bright shirts are not designed for dress shirts, they are for clubbing and partying.

Mindset Takeaway:

Be the person who pulls people up when they don’t know as much as you, don’t knock them down.