20 Fashion Rules Men Follow That Women Don’t Actually Care About
Men, Do You Follow These Fashion Rules?
For generations, men have been boxed into fashion rules, thinking they dictate whether or not women glance at them. However, the truth is, women couldn't care less about at least half of these rules. They're more interested in how you hold yourself, your confidence, and your words, and many of the style anxieties men carry around are based on outdated advice or old-school etiquette. Here are 20 fashion rules men stress over that most women don't even notice.
1. Tucking In Shirts
It was once an absolute must for men to tuck in their shirts, but those days are no longer. Some shirts are actually designed to be untucked and look much better when they are.
2. Wearing A Tie
Unless you're attending an extremely dressy event, most women couldn't care less whether you're wearing a tie or not. In fact, wearing one, especially to a date, can seem way too formal.
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3. Matching Shoes & Belt
You've probably heard before that you need to match the leather of your shoes and your belt. However, this is an old-fashioned rule. She's not going to judge you for wearing black shoes with a brown belt.
4. Matching Shoes To Suit
Similar to the shoes and belt rule, matching the color of your suit to the color of your shoes is an old-school rule. In fact, wearing a brown or gray suit with black shoes can look very classy and more intriguing to the eye.
5. Pocket Squares
If you're the type of man who spends several minutes grappling with which pocket square to wear, sorry to break it to you, but she couldn't care less. Chances are, she's not even going to give a glance at your breast pocket.
6. Never Mixing Metals
One of the oldest rules in the book is never mix gold and silver on your accessories, but it's old for a reason. You now see it all the time on celebrities and models, and it can look downright cool if it's done with intention.
7. No Bright Colors
Old gender norms in fashion may have dictated that men only wear bland colors, but that has gone the way of the dinosaurs. Now, you can wear whatever color you want, and if it looks good, it will draw her eye better than any shade of beige.
8. No Sneakers With Suits
In the old days, it would've definitely been a huge fashion faux pas to wear sneakers with a suit, but no longer. Today, pairing sneakers with a suit can add a playful and youthful element to an otherwise overwhelmingly formal look.
9. Socks Must Never Be Visible Above The Shoe Line
The notion that socks must never be visible above the shoe line is another outdated convention. Today, instead of being a faux pas, it's seen as an intentional fashion choice, but no matter how you view it, she's probably not even going to notice.
10. Suit Jacket Buttons Always Buttoned When Standing
You see older men in suits buttoning them as soon as they stand up all the time because it was an absolute must in their time. How, however, leaving your suit unbuttoned signals you're going for a more casual, relaxed vibe, which she may actually appreciate.
11. No Brown Shoes With Gray Suits
The no brown shoes with gray suits rule is an outdated convention that is no longer relevant. Women today see this pairing as versatile and stylish, not a fashion faux pas at all.
12. Only Wearing Designer Brands
Many men think it's extremely important for their image and how women perceive them to choose designer brands. In fact, most women don't notice if your white shirt is Versace or Fruit of the Loom, and might even judge you even harder if it's obvious you spend too much on your outfit.
13. Only Expensive Watches
Many men value wearing Rolex watches and assume women do the same. However, wearing a classic timepiece, whether it costs $50 or $5000, will make you look sophisticated.
14. No Hats With Formal Looks
Black tie events in the old days would've called for top hats or fedoras. Today,y they rarely call for hats at all, but headware, whether it's a cowboy hat or a newsboy cap, can still look very fashionable, as long as it's well-suited for the outfit and the occasion.
15. Avoiding Patterned or White Socks
Many men think women are judging them for the socks they wear, but it's not really the case. In fact, patterned socks are quite fashionable these days and can add personality to your look or act as a conversation starter.
16. Only Solid-Colored Shirts
Matching things against patterned shirts can be tricky, but if you're able to pull it off, go for it. Women appreciate bold looks when they're thoughtful.
17. Shoes Always Polished to Perfection
While it's important for women that their shoes are clean, they don't need to be gleaming. Don't stress over a little scuffing; she won't think less of you for it.
18. Cufflinks
Sorry to break it to you, guys, but you're not impressing any women with your nice cufflinks. Women don't notice sleeve accessories; they're too busy looking at your eyes, your grooming, and your smile.
19. Jeans Must Be Dark & Plain
The idea that men's jeans should be dark and plain is a traditional idea of formality and professionalism. However, wherever it's acceptable to wear jeans, you can wear whatever color you like best. She's certainly not judging you for the color of your jeans.
20. Avoiding Backpacks
There's a fashion rule for men that they should use a weekender bag or a messenger bag instead of a backpack to class up their look. Although a nice bag is always appreciated, a woman is never going to mind if you prefer a backpack.
