Seven Deadly Fashion Sins of Men’s Business Attire

I've heard all the excuses before. I hate shopping. It's overwhelming. I can't be bothered. This week, Stern Style is here to help! Ok, so you are not at the level of dressing like George Clooney or Daniel Craig, but there are a few quick and simple changes that can make a huge difference. Inevitably, you will be judged on your appearance, whether it's an interview, sales pitch or first date. Now that I have your attention, avoid what I call the seven deadly fashion sins of men's business attire.

1.The Ill-Fitted Suit.

Stern Style has always stressed the importance of buying the correct suit for your body type. It starts with buying the right size and getting it tailored. If your suit looks like a tracksuit then you need to go directly to GQ.com and read the following articles: How To Buy A Suit and Get the Perfect Fit. They are illustrated and easy to follow. You want to look sharp and smart. Take a lesson from Don Draper and button your jacket to instantly create a slimmer silhouette.

2. The Pleated Pant

So you have a bunch of great pleated-pant suits. Don't throw them away, but please stop buying ‘em! Trust me, they are not flattering. Does anyone still wear pleated jeans? NO! So why would you buy pleated pants? I'm not sure when pleated pants were cool, but it was definitely a long time ago. You don't have to be able to do cartwheels in your pants so skip the pleats!

3. The Pirate's Dress Shirt

You might be familiar with this shirt. The back and sleeves balloon out in way that is fit for a pirate. Not only does this shirt look ridiculous, but it also add-eth pounds. Dress shirts now come in slim fit – an affordable, favorite of mine can be purchased at Nordstrom Rack – and they are sold every where and at every price point.

4. The Not-So-Under Undershirt

The men's equivalent of a panty-line. If you absolutely must wear an undershirt under your dress shirt, you only have two options: wear a crew neck tee or pick a patterned dress shirt that makes the undershirt less visible. A visible V-neck or tank top beneath your shirt looks amateur.

5. The Square-toed Shoe

If I had to pick, I feel most strongly about this one. Do not wear a square-toed shoe! I have to quote John Varvatos on this because I couldn't have said it better myself: "They are an outdated style that can instantly make any man look bad…I can't tell you the number of women who have told me that a man wearing square-toed shoes may have just lost himself a second date. Shallow? Maybe. True? Definitely."

6. The Unmatched Sock

This is simple: match your socks to your suit instead of the shoe. Navy suit? Navy socks. Even if your shoes are black, but I would hope they were brown. I don't think I need to say this, but thou shall not expose inches of bare calf – pull your socks up!

7. The Neglected Locks

Do people notice you every time you cut your hair? Are you that guy? Fail. Pay as much attention to your hair as your suit, shirt, tie and shoes. It's the whole package and if you want to be taken seriously, your sh*t has to be on point from head to toe.