Pet peeves.
We all have them.
If you're a punctual guy, you probably hate it when people show up late.
If you like things clean, you may hate public restrooms.
If you support the Warriors, you almost certainly hate listening to die-hard Cavs fans.
But that's okay.
We don't have to get rid of pet peeves as long as we respect and stay civil with everyone.
So here are 20 style pet peeves I personally have as a stylish man.
BTW, if you wear any of these clothes or do any of these things…I'm NOT judging you. This is just me exercising my freedom of speech.
Click Here To Watch The Video – 25 Men's Style Pet Peeves
Click Here To Watch The Video – Men's Worst Style Mistakes
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Style Pet Peeve #1 – White Socks Outside Of The Gym
Style Pet Peeve #1 – White Socks Outside Of The GymI think we can all agree on this one. White socks are for the gym and sporting events only. Keep casual wear and athletic wear separate.
Now the late Michael Jackson might spring into the minds of some people. He was known for performing in white socks and black shoes. But he was an entertainer. He had a license to look unconventional. You don't.
Remember, you've got plenty of options for socks, depending on your trousers. If they're light jeans or khakis, you can go with stripes or gray socks. Stick to black or dark colors whenever you wear a suit.
Style Pet Peeve #2 – Holes In Your Socks
Maybe you don't really mind a hole in one of your socks. It feels fine and the other sock isn't affected. There's not much incentive to throw away the pair and buy a new set.
But here's the problem. If you're invited to a friend's home and you're asked to take off your shoes in the living room, how would the other guests react to seeing your toe exposed? I for one would be a little grossed out. Treat your feet like your shoulders and armpits. They ought to be clothed and covered accordingly.
Style Pet Peeve #3 – No Socks
I don't get why some guys go sockless while walking around in shoes.
No one can avoid sweaty feet all day. And sweat (like any form of moisture) can damage your shoes over time. Not to mention they'll stink on the inside when you get home! Isn't that why socks were invented?
If you like the sockless look, do yourself a favor and buy no-show socks, especially for your loafers or other casual shoes. They're perfectly functional and comfortable. You won't feel too much fabric up the legs.
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I love how awesome Feetures socks feel when you're working out, walking your dog, buying groceries, or doing any other everyday activity. They wick away moisture and prevent hotspots or blisters all day. Visit the Feetures socks online store to check out their no-show socks in various colors/patterns. If you never considered athletic socks to be stylish, Feetures will change that.
Style Pet Peeve #4 – Sagging Pants
Underwear has another term: underpants. It's worn beneath the pants, hidden from view. Yet some men like to wear sagging trousers.
Who'd want to see some random guy's briefs in public? Worse still, his butt crack? We need a law against this.
.
Style Pet Peeve #5 – Pajamas In Public
I feel the same way here as I do about sagging pants. With all the types of casual trousers available, why pick pajamas? Just no.
Style Pet Peeve #6 – Men Who Are Oblivious To The Dress Code
We're all grown-ups. We should know there's always an unwritten dress code, no matter where we go. We're expected to dress in a way that shows respect to those around us, whether we're riding the bus, chilling at the park, or attending a State dinner.
Even if you just got a massage at the spa and went to the restaurant next door, it would be wrong to eat in your bathrobe. Imagine if it got caught in something or the string got loose. You get the idea. Please be considerate.
Style Pet Peeve #7 – Bad Mixing Proportions
I'm not a fan of extremes. If you've got a jacket with very wide lapels, don't wear it with a skinny tie. If you're a big guy, don't wear skinny jeans. Always remember proportions. Style requires balance.
Style Pet Peeve #8 – Too Much Fragrance In A Closed Space
We put on a fragrance to enhance our own scent – not the smell of the entire room! So be mindful about spraying too much cologne if you'll be on a bus, in an elevator, or any other place where people are crowded together. Too much fragrance can plague others near you with migraines or headaches.
Style Pet Peeve #9 – Oversized T-Shirts
What's the cardinal rule of style? Nail the fit.
Don't be swayed by teenagers or youngsters who seem to think t-shirts that almost touch the knees are stylish. Those shirts are an insult to the body you've been given.
.
Style Pet Peeve #10 – Screaming Logos
Large logos aren't stylish. They make you look like either a walking ad or some random guy who's paid to endorse brands or promote events. Don't make people notice the logos before they notice you.
Style Pet Peeve #11 – Ill-Fitted Suits
You spend good money on a suit, so you deserve one that properly fits, making you more – not less – attractive when you wear it. Never settle for a bad fit. Most stores these days offer free alterations. If yours doesn't, find a good tailor.
Style Pet Peeve #12 – Not Removing Tags & Tack Stitching
This is another clear signal of laziness or incompetence. Unless you're thinking of possibly returning it, don't keep tags or brand labels on any clothes you purchase. They're an eyesore.
Style Pet Peeve #13 – Buttoning The Lower Button On A Suit
This applies to any sports jacket, blazer or suit that has 2-3 buttons at the front. The golden rule: never button the bottom button.
While this rule's origin is possibly a fat king and his obsequious courtiers, it's here to stay. That button is just for design nowadays, which is why most jackets aren't even cut to allow it to button easily. The only exception to this rule is when you've got a large midsection that tends to shift out slightly. That's when using the lower button helps keep your torso in check.
Style Pet Peeve #14 – Fully-Buttoned Dress Shirts With No Tie
Others may disagree, but I don't think it's stylish to button up a dress shirt completely without neckwear. I see a lot of men do it with polo shirts, too. The 80's called, gentlemen. They want their bad trends back. To me, a fully-buttoned shirt looks stiff or bare without a tie. Maybe it's simply not my thing.
Style Pet Peeve #15 – Dark-Colored Dress Shirts
We now live in an age where the lines between clothing definitions are blurred. A case in point: so-called “dress shirts” that come in black or dark shades of green, red, and blue. But they're not legitimate dress shirts. They're more for bars and other casual settings.
A real dress shirt can only be white. It's the traditional color for desk jobs and job interviews. Nowadays, light blue shirts are also acceptable even though they aren't technically dress shirts. No other colors are suitable for business attire unless there's a unique dress code involved.
Style Pet Peeve #16 – Wrinkled Clothing
Would you take a seat on the bus next to someone who looks like he just rolled out of bed? I wouldn't. There's a strong chance he'll smell or have bad breath. Who knows? Perhaps that guy did take a shower and is heading to work, only his clothes happen to be wrinkled, and that signals laziness. Stop people from making that judgment about you and learn how to iron your dress shirts and press your trousers well.
Style Pet Peeve #17 – Not Taking Care Of Your Dress Shoes
I'm very passionate about shoe care and maintenance. It's hard to see someone buy some really nice dress shoes made of quality leather, only to forget about polishing them regularly. It's shoe abuse – almost a crime in my opinion. Learn how to take care of your dress shoes and do it regularly.
Style Pet Peeve #18 – Wearing Sneakers All The Time
I like sneakers and running shoes. Who doesn't? But it's foolish to treat them like all-purpose footwear. Only famous people and athletes can get away with that. Anyone else comes off as pretentious. Including you. So change it up on your casual days and opt for some suede brogues or Chelsea boots.
Style Pet Peeve #19 – Square-Toed Shoes
Not a fan of these. They remind me of pilgrim shoes. Dated. Out of style. Why bother with these? You have many other options when it comes to shoes. Any of them are a better choice than square toes.
Style Pet Peeve #20 – Embarrassing Others In Public
So you've read 19 of my pet peeves. Most of them are silly. Some are downright outrageous. This one takes the cake. It crosses the line, no matter how stylish or knowledgeable you think you are.
Don't publicly criticize another man's clothing. Yes, violating dress code has to be addressed to the right person at the right time (Maybe you're a bank president and your newest employee wore jeans to a board meeting). Otherwise, it's tactless and out of line, whether you're a friend or a total stranger. Criticism must be given in private.
It's always a good idea to give others the benefit of the doubt before making judgments. Critiquing another man's style is no exception. Instead of being a snob, why don't you seek to understand the other guy? Don't quickly assume, for example, that he's wearing running shoes with his suit for fashion. He may have an injury or condition that makes dress shoes unbearable to wear.
Have some compassion. Try to build your fellow men up instead of tearing them down. Style is not just for a select few. We all deserve a chance to reap its benefits. Let's all be gentlemen about helping each other get there, shall we?
Do you agree with this list? What are your pet peeves about men's style & fashion that I didn't mention? Send me a message at RealMenRealStyle and I might just discuss them next time.
