Worst Dress Habits

Forbes has a list of men's ten worst fashion sins:

1. Pants That Are Too Long/Too Short
2. White Socks With Dress Shoes
3. Mixing Patterns
4. Ties Too Long/Too Short
5. Stained Clothes
6. Waists That Sit Too High/Too Low
7. Scruffy Shoes
8. Wearing Handheld Devices On Your Belt
9. Over-Layering
10. Mismatched Belts And Shoes

These are all classic mistakes, but some issues seem overstated. Does a guy with a stained shirt really need to go buy a new one on his lunch break because a pen leaked? Perhaps for a job interview or a major meeting, but for day-in day-out work that is overkill. Stains happen and your coworkers should understand, if they do not it is more of a reflection on them than a reflection on you.

One last thing that is touched upon, but not suitably explained is the ever-spreading creep of shabbiness that invades your closet. It is like virus. I work in a business casual office and my regular work wear is black oxfords with khaki pants, a collared shirt, and a matching leather dress belt. For a while the oxfords and belt did double duty with my suit, but they always performed their function poorly as regular wear had made them worn in a way that even a coat of polish could not wholly conceal. The best way to prevent its spread is to have dedicated dress clothing. I now have dress shoes and a dress belt that I take special care of and quarantine from my normal business wear items so that they stay nice.