I’m not particularly fashionable. My wardrobe consists of 80% brown Quiksilver shirts, 6 pairs of varying styles of jeans, and ankle high socks (both, white and black). Aside from special occasions, the only time I get new clothes is when my mom buys them for me.
This really shouldn’t be a problem, though. And for most guys, it isn’t.
I’m not as fortunate.
I spend my days in the hustle and bustle of the advertising world. Among the several clients to which I provide my services and expertises is a large, high-fashion oriented shopping mall. As such, it is my responsibility to know, inside and out, both the product my client offers and the target audience it provides it to, and make recommendations based on that knowledge to them.
And that is the crux of the problem.
Each week, I meet with client, a very fashion-oriented group, to discuss the status of items and on-going recommendations. During these meetings, I attempt to dress as professionally, and fashionably, as I can, as everything I wear is under scrutiny from the client.
Here are some blaring mistakes, for which I received judging looks for:
1. Pleated pants – I actually don’t see the issue with this, but I am told pleats are no longer in style (actually, apparently, they were never really in style). Now, when asked, I just tell people my pants are wrinkled.
2. Ankle-high black socks – I should receive credit that I wear black socks at all, but that’s not the case. One cross-legged position resulting in an exposed ankle and I was dogged for the rest of the meeting.
3. Brown shirt, Black shoes – I don’t own brown dress shoes. I probably should considering the number of brown shirts I possess. The up-and-down on my outfit went: brown shirt, black belt, khaki slacks and black (ankle) socks and shoes. Yikes!
4. Lack of an undershirt – With my previously mentioned sweating problem, this resulted in fairly offensive pit stains. Damn you, “perspirant” deodorant.
5. Plain white shirt, black pants. – While inherently there isn’t anything wrong with this, several people assumed I was on “my mission”. I was only missing the name tag.
I am sure there are other instances of fashion indiscretions that I don’t even know about.
Are there any other fashion faux-pauxs I should stay away from?