Ten things not to do this year:

1. Wear a coat without socks

There’s nothing worse than wearing a smart suit and a great pair of shoes without the socks. I’m not sure who or what started this trend, but it’s by far one of the worst fashion mistakes ever made. If you are a classic make-up artist, match the shoes, socks, and the suit. For variety and maybe a little fun, pick an eye-catching pair of socks and let your look elevate. It can be in a contrasting color or have an unusual print that is sure to get noticed and make you stand out from the crowd.

My choice: Try other Spiderman or Marvel character prints from The Souled Store.

2. Combine cool and warm colors

It’s a fashion mistake that many men make. Never mix cool and warm colors – so don’t wear blue with brown or brown with green. Know your colors: blue, purple, green and purple are cool colors while red, orange, brown and yellow are warm colors. This golden rule should apply to your clothes and accessories. When wearing metallic tones, stick to one color palette – all gold or silver. Never wear gold and silver together.

My tip: Men with dark skin should wear warm colors while those with pale skin should wear cool colors. Black and white, looks good on everyone.

3. Sleep with synthetic fabrics

Sleeping naked is good for your skin and body. If that’s not an option, wear a night suit or sleepwear that feels like second skin! It is recommended to use breathable and ventilated fabrics that are lightweight, soft and very comfortable. Apart from the metabolic effects of sleeping in the buff, removing your clothes improves blood circulation, which is good for your heart and muscles. The quality of sleep you enjoy also increases the release of growth hormone and melatonin, both of which have anti-aging benefits.

My choice: Organic cotton sleepwear range from Ruh – The Soul. The color palette is limited, but the materials and cuts are very comfortable.

4. Wear clothes that don’t fit properly

You can buy the most expensive suits, wear the best brands but spoil it all by choosing sizes and sizes that don’t fit your body. Oversized clothes became popular in the 1980s and it’s been almost 40 years since then. Likewise, trying to fit into clothes that are too tight or clothes that you are wearing too thick, doesn’t work. To look good, you need to feel good and that only happens when the clothes fit you and look like they are made to fit you.

My tip: Make sure the shoulders don’t droop, the handcuffs don’t fall on the palms of the hands and the bottom ends just under the ankles and over the edges of the shoes.

5. Buy fake leather

There are too many faux and faux leather brands and products out there, especially on some popular e-commerce platforms. If quality and durability are important, I suggest you invest in the real thing. Footwear and ankle-length boots will be popular this year, especially when paired with skinny jeans or sexy leather pants in your wardrobe. Choose between styles that come with or without straps and pay attention to interesting elements like buckles and outer layers – both trendy and fashionable this year.

My choice: Attractive ankle length, handcrafted, custom made boots from Escaro Royale. Take a look at them for the other design and color variants they offer.

6. Put on thick coarse thermals

For those who live in a place where thermal is very important in winter, you should avoid fabrics that are thick or rough and make you feel uncomfortable. My advice is to wear only a soft, hypo-allergenic cloth so you don’t itch or have unwanted breakouts. In any case, avoid clothes that make you appear wrapped or stuffed under a fitted shirt or trousers or track. I suggest you go with a seamless style – meaning no one knows if you have anything underneath.

My choice: The Heattech range from Uniqlo, which is super soft, almost smooth and very warm. The collection uses four different threads that optimize comfort by absorbing body moisture and converting it to heat trapped in the fiber air pockets.

7. Making mistakes during online interactions

Make sure you don’t make a fashion mistake at the zoom meeting. You must be well dressed and for the occasion. There’s nothing worse than having a business meeting (from home), showing off your best (or worst) casual wear. Therefore, don’t look too overdressed. Looking smart is one thing while looking overdressed and overly dressed is another. Pay special attention to the top – your shirt, tie or jacket. Make sure the knot is secure, the shirt buttons are closed and the jacket looks neat and tangle-free.

My tip: Contrast the colors of your clothes against the backdrop. It will grab your attention and your face, especially on Multi-screen Zoom calls.

8. Use cables

It’s 2021 now, and there’s no more reason to wear wired headsets. There are many wireless ear pods available to choose from. Make sure your ear pods have a secure grip and free-fall design, which makes them perfect for intense workouts, runs or even cycling trips around town. Go for a slim design but make sure the pods feel comfortable.

My choice: The Bluetooth earbuds from Hammer, which are equipped with a durable rechargeable battery that have a longer play time and standby time. Affordable and gives more than your money’s worth.

9. Stale smell

Make sure you follow a routine of good personal hygiene – one that makes you feel and smell good throughout the day. Choose an alcohol-free deodorant stick (or roll) and a deodorant spray to control sweat and body odor. Take them wherever you can. Finish with a fresh, long-lasting fragrance. Look for a small bottle that can fit into your men’s bag, even when you’re on a flight or traveling.

My choice: Eau de toilette for men made in France by The Body Shop, which combines fresh orange and lemon top notes and cedarwood and vanilla base notes. It smells fresh and is suitable for use during the day.

10. Don’t shave

I want to emphasize the importance of shaving in 2021 and every year thereafter. Masked or unmasked, there’s no reason (or excuse) for you to look untidy or unkempt. Facial hair (read mustache and beard, including beard) has a glorious moment and as we move back and forth to look clean shaven and groomed.

My tip: Always shave after showering – if the skin and hair above it are soft and hydrated.

The author is a consultant and trainer of drawing, style and care

From HT Brunch, January 3, 2021

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