Seven outdated men's style 'rules' that you can now ignore
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Style "rules" exist for a reason. They inform and guide the current generation using techniques and styles that have worked well in the past. Much of the time, they ensure that younger folks at least try to look their best.
Many rules are rooted in business wear and can be traced back to pamphlets and guides from the early to mid-20th century. They attempted to guide young businessmen in the right manner of dress so that they wouldn't embarrass themselves at work.
This is all well and good, but styles and societal priorities change. Things that worked in the past might not always work today, as business dress was a lot more conservative back then.
Here are seven style rules that have generally been accepted over time, but that no longer make all that much sense.
Unfortunately, this idea has stubbornly survived through the current day. It's time to forget about it — white can look great whenever.
In more formal settings, it's a good idea to get as close as you can to matching the leathers of your belt and shoes. But in any other context, it's simply unnecessary.
It suggests a level of exactness that's too particular — fussy, even. And besides, no one is paying such close attention to the colour of your leathers, anyway.
The necessity of socks is greatly exaggerated. The sockless summer look has been around so long now, it's a staple in the spring issues of men's fashion magazines.
Socks are no longer required unless you're actually dressing up. Just make sure you have something on your feet.
Men's clothing is, above all, rooted in purpose and utility. The pockets and adornments on clothing are either useful or vestigial, but they always derive from some sort of work or military purpose. Examples of that include shoulder epaulettes and ticket pockets. We can now add belt loops to that list.
It's 2017 — belts are now a choice. If your pants fit properly, they aren't going to fall down without a belt.
Many are unaware of this hyper-conservative style rule. Decades ago, the rules used to call for black socks with black trousers, navy socks with navy trousers, and grey socks with grey trousers. The idea behind it was this: If the socks and trousers blended together into the same colour, it would make the man appear taller.
This didn't always work, and men grew tired of this matching rule in our more sartorially adventurous times. The rule has mostly been forgotten. Good riddance.
Don't let this one throw you for a loop. While it has been menswear gospel for the past decade that pleats are generally unflattering, they are starting to make a comeback. But as with most retro trends now on the upswing, it's very easy to do pleats wrong.
Choosing single pleats and making sure the fit is perfect will go a long way in making sure these aren't confused with your dad's favourite old pants
Men were told not to wear black with brown or navy because of old-fashioned suiting rules — rules that date back many, many decades.
No one pays any attention to these rules anymore, so you shouldn't pay attention to this byproduct of them, either.
• These '90s photos of celebrities and world leaders getting to grips with the internet are weirdly compelling
• 16 famous people who bounced back after being broke or bankrupt
• How much the best paid workers in 20 professions earn
Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2017. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments