Most Unforgivable Fashion SINS – The 15 Commandments of Style

“These Style commandments which I give thee this day are to be in your hearts, that ye may be mindful of these things as you dress up to keep you from sinning” – Mr. Kobi

When it comes to making a good first impression, dressing and grooming are of paramount importance –, especially in the business world. There may be some fashion sins that you are guilty of – knowingly or unknowingly.

Some men are ignorant of this truth by virtue of their unstylish lifestyle, some other gentlemen understand the importance of dressing well, what to wear and what not to wear, but yet continue to live in this great SIN – Fashion SIN every once in a while.

For those of you who are not aware of these common fashion blunders that all men should avoid in their professional and personal lives, this is for you, my hope is that you will study these commandments and abide by them.

That you may abstain from all forms of Fashion Sins contained in this article and style guide as you read this today. For those of you who already know these things but continue to disobey these commandments, repent today as you read this!

Here is a list of the 15 Style Commandments that all men must abide by in order to continuously live a Stylish Life free from Fashion SIN.

15 Style Commandments that all men must abide by

1. THOU SHALT MATCH YOUR BELT TO YOUR SHOES

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Ensure the color of your belt matches the color of your dress shoes. A black shoe should match with Black Belt, same goes for Brown. Although I see a lot of guys wearing a coffee brown belt with a plain brown shoe, claiming in ignorance that it’s okay so as long as it’s brown. This is pure Blasphemy, you must always match the exact color shade. Thou must also ensure that the finish of the belt matches with that of your shoe, for instance, if your shoe has a wet-look then ensure you match it with a belt that has a wet look.

Generally, for corporate dressing, you should stick to tiny belts, whereas for casual shoes such as sneakers and canvas, you should wear a thicker casual belt. Finally, wear a brown belt for any suit that’s not black. No exceptions.

2. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR THE WRONG SOCKS WITH TROUSERS

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The basic style rule for wearing men’s socks is “The color of your sock should match the color of your trousers”. Unfortunately, many match their socks with their shoes, the ones that do this should ask for forgiveness and repent from their sins.

This sin is ONLY pardonable if it’s being committed for the sake of style (Sprezzatura). For instance, when wearing bright colorful fashion socks [which obviously wouldn’t match with your trousers], simply ensure you avoid wearing them in extremely serious situations like important business meetings, pitching to potential investors [unless it’s for a fashion business] or funerals.

ALSO READ: A MAN’S GUIDE TO SOCKS | 7 MUST-FOLLOW RULES FOR WEARING SOCKS

 

3. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR DIRTY SHOES

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Many guys are guilty of this particular sin, among them are bankers, accountants, IT Professionals etc. Daily cleaning of your shoe is synonymous to spiritual cleansing for your body and soul. Hence it is important to take proper care of your shoe as a stylish gentleman would do, free of scratches and any form of dirty.

Also Read: The Gentleman’s Guide To Shoe Care

4. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR A BACKPACK WITH PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE OR NATIVE ATTIRE

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This is very common among professionals. I see that a lot of guys commit this SIN at least 5 times in a week and all I can say in my heart is “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”.

It’s very unprofessional for a man in corporate attire or native wear/traditional attire to bring a backpack to work.

I don’t care if it’s more comfortable or safer for you, it is simply a Fashion SIN which you must avoid at all cost unless you are a student, an athlete or a maintenance engineer who has to carry heavy work tools in their backpack.

For a businessman, you should buy a nice briefcase or a messenger bag, by so doing, you maintain the professional look.

ALSO READ: THE 3 BAGS EVERY MAN SHOULD OWN

 

5. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR IMPROPER TIE LENGTH

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A man’s tie should always end at the center of his belt buckle when he stands upright. Having a tie that’s too short or too long, can make a man look incompetent.

Whether you are tall or short, ensure your tie length doesn’t extend more than your belt buckle.

6. THOU SHALT NOT BUTTON SINGLE-BREASTED JACKET WHILE SITTING

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You should always unbutton your single-breasted suit jacket when sitting, while you may keep it all buttoned except the bottom button when standing.

If your jacket has two buttons, when standing, only button the top one and leave the lower one unbuttoned.

If the jacket has 3 buttons, you may fasten the top and middle button, but NEVER fasten the bottom/last button of your jacket.

ALSO READ: 25 SUIT RULES ALL MAN NEED TO KNOW

7. THOU SHALT ALWAYS LEAVE THE LAST BUTTON OF YOUR DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET UNBUTTONED

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Never unbutton your double-breasted jacket either while sitting or standing. This is because they have been designed that way so that the fabric overlap can be maintained.

The general button rule for Jackets still applies, which is Thou shalt not fasten the bottom button of your jacket.

8. THOU SHALT WEAR DRESS SOCKS THAT ARE LONG ENOUGH

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Your socks should always come up to your calves anytime you are wearing trousers. You must not show any part of your bare legs, when you stand, sit or walk. Also, don’t show any part of your bare legs when you have your legs crossed.

9. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR WRINKLED CLOTH

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I have a former colleague of mine whose shirts is never neatly pressed, when I inquired as to why this is so, he always affirms that he ironed it. I figured out much later what was missing, – A Spray Starch. He never uses it, instead, he sprinkles water on the shirt and irons it.

First of all, keep all your clothes neatly ironed and wrinkle-free using a spray starch or better still invest in a good dry cleaner and he knows how to take care of your clothes. Secondly, it’s a good habit to always hang up all your clothes – never throwing them on the floor of your room after use.

10. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR THE WRONG TIE

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By all means, avoid improper Tie Length – too short or too long can make you look incompetent. Avoid improper tie width: If you’re wearing a tie as part of your casual outfit, go for a slimmer tie instead of the wider ones.

Only wear the wider ones for the office. Avoid Big, Fat, Wide Ties. The general rule for the right tie width is – not too wide, not too narrow? However, I would say your tie width should be proportional to your body type and dress shirt. Simple.

11. THOU SHALT NOT KEEP A BULKY WALLET OR A BULKY POCKET

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We have all committed this fashion blunder at least once in our lives. But thank goodness for revelation, which confirms that it is a fashion sin to stay clear off.

Walking around with bulging pockets is not sexy and stylish at all. If it’s your phone that is creating that bulge, have it inserted in your inner suit jacket or hold it in your palm when you walk.

If it’s your wallet that’s creating the bulge, get a slimmer wallet or spend some time taking out all those credit cards, debit card, business cards and receipts and only keep one or two you use on a weekly basis. Keep the rest in a safe place at home and only take them out when you need them.

12. THOU SHALT OBEY THE PRINCIPLES OF GROOMING

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Always being clean and well groomed is mandatory if you want to make a good impression. Take proper care of your hygiene, Use Antiperspirant deodorant spray on a daily basis, wear an inner vest to always soak up the sweat, if you grow beards, ensure you keep it neat and well groomed.

There should absolutely be no hair underneath your chin on your neck area. Ensure you take your bath twice every day. Avoid dirty nails, take proper care of your hands and always keep your fingernails trim and dirt free. Remember, cleanliness is next to stylishness.

ALSO READ: 6 Grooming Essentials Most Men Overlook

13. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR A NECKTIE WITH A TUXEDO

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A Tuxedo must always be worn with a bow tie, no exceptions at all!

Also Read: The Difference Between A Suit And A Tuxedo

14. THOU MUST TUCK IN DRESS SHIRTS

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Your dress shirts are long for a reason, which is it has to be tucked in. This is why you shouldn’t wear dress shirts for a casual setting, but if you must, they must be tailored shorter to come just above your crotch.

ALSO READ: HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO TUCK IN YOUR SHIRT

 

15. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR ATHLETIC SOCKS FOR OFFICIAL AND PROFESSIONAL OCCASIONS

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The athletic socks are meant to be worn only for sports occasions or to the gym. When it comes to leather shoes, wear dark colored cotton or silk socks. Avoid all form of white socks by all means when dressing officially.

There are more appropriate men’s dress socks, they come in different varieties, such as colorful, polka dot, funky and fun types.

FINAL WORDS

In conclusion, don’t forget, your body is a temple — ensure you clothe it appropriately. Always keep your outfits coherent and matching in style to avoid committing these fashion sins.

Please feel free to drop your comments and contributions in the comment section below and share the story as well. Your feedback helps us improve and serve you better.

If you will like to contact us, send us an email info@kobikoachman.com. You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Facebook. Feel free to join/follow us on any of the channels you frequently use as we continuously inspire you on how to dress well and live well.

Until next time gentlemen – Sayonara!

Yours in Style,

Kobi O. Mbagwu (Mr. Kobi)
Founder, MrKoachman.com

READ NEXT: How to Speak Like A Gentleman
READ NEXT: The Art of Power Dressing: How To Build Success With Your Style
ALSO READ: 111 Style Tips For The Modern Gentleman

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Mr. Kobi

My name is Kobi O. Mbagwu, a professional image consultant, menswear style expert, and entrepreneur who uses fashion, style and clothing as key tools in transforming ordinary men into extraordinary classy gentlemen. My personal goal is to help gentlemen dress better, live well, do well and develop a unique personal style that matches their lifestyle and goals. I believe that success can be built through style. I believe that fashion is a tool that can be used to change people’s lives positively. I also strongly believe that if you dress well, you look good, and if you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you worry less, and the less you worry the more you are able to stay motivated and focused on your goals pursuit and by so doing you are able to live a more fulfilling and successful life.

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