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Comment: I managed to get hate mail for this article. It was awesome.*

Some men lack a certain amount of sense when it comes to style.  There are strange fashion myths that guys just seem to believe without a second thought.  Normally, I’d figure out some way to blame this on comic book superheroes and the matching pajamas…err costumes that they are routinely drawn in, but in this case the only ones we have to blame are our mothers and fathers instilling these myths during the tenuous developmental stages of our impressionable youth.

The problem is that people equate individuality with fashion.  Being guided by myths is the easy way out.  However, true style is a combination of personality and fashion sense.  Brace yourself for some stylish myth busting from TheSoko.com.

Myth #1 – Having One Set of Formal Shoes is Enough

Women get razzed for owning as many pairs of shoes as they do outfits.  While men have no need for so many pairs, we do need more than one pair of formal footwear.  In today’s world we cannot limit ourselves only to our Sunday best.

For the record, you should at least own a couple of different pairs of formal shoes to be prepared for life’s different occasions.  Generally, your shoes should be at least the same colour as your pants, but typically darker coloured shoes work better.  Shoes with stitching and woven patterns are considered more “casual” while ornate shoes with tassels and buckles are considered “dressy.”  Wingtip shoes just sort of exude an aura of cool, but don’t worry about them unless you can pull it off properly or are in a ska band.  Here’s a general guide for shoe colours:

• Black shoes suit navy, grey or black pants.
• Brown shoes work well with tan, brown, beige, greens and earth tones.
• Burgundy shoes fit well with khaki, lighter browns, blue and grey.
• Tan shoes function with light earth tones, blue, beige, light tan or white.

Myth #2 – Novelty Ties Are Wit Well Worn

Every guy wants to be the office comedian, but a novelty tie is a gag not worth investing in.  French Philosopher Montaigne once said that “wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly.”  This is important to think about when considering wearing a novelty tie.

Novelty ties are not subtle or funny - they are cheesy.  You want to get laughs and not be laughed at.  As a general rule, novelty ties are only acceptable on men with children or on kids.  However, rare exceptions can occur if the reference on the tie is an inside joke or so discreetly “in-the-know” that it screams cult cool.

Myth #3 – Accessories Are Not Important

I’m not talking about mp3 players or camera phones.  I’m talking about those little extras that can make any suit just a little bit sweeter.  Cuff links are unbelievably cool and tie bars are just too chic.  Sometimes, it is worth ditching the contacts and wearing glasses as they make a strong statement of sophistication.

Don’t skimp out on those little pieces that can really make a suit come together.  Also, if you are creative, those accessories can subtly showoff your personal style and highlight your individuality.

Myth #4 – Expensive is Always Better

A little bit of knowledge can go a long way.  You don’t need to break the bank just to stay fashionable.  Here’s a little piece of nonfiction:  I once knew a guy who would get his suits made to size even though his tailor told him, to his face, that he was a standard 36″.  To make a long story short, the tailor would just give him a straight suit off the rack and sew on a “made for” tag.  The tailor would also add a fair chunk of change onto his bill for that little useless tag.

Prices can determine quality, but only up to a certain point.  Eventually, all you are paying for is the name on the label.

Myth #5 – All Jeans Are Created Equal

Acid Wash Jeans — proof enough, that not all jeans are not created equal.  The denim standby comes in a variety of different styles.  Always try on your jeans before you buy them and make sure they fit well even if they are marked for your size.  When you are in the fitting room, don’t forget to move around to see how the jeans handle movement.  Nothing is worse than a pair of jeans that ride upwards or that pinch the nether regions.

Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours to find the perfect shade.  Blue will always be the classic, but other shades can be just as cool.  Just avoid purple.

Myth #6 – Mixing Patterns is a Bad Idea

Engaging in pattern mixing can be a potentially dangerous styling move, but it can also be awesome.  If you are confident about your styling skills, mixing patterns can be stylish and a fashion-forward look.  Just make sure you look in the mirror before you go to the office.

Myth #7 – Steel-Band Watches Go with Everything

Stainless steel watches are ultra masculine, but these watches are not suitable for every occasion.  Pick up a classy leather band for more formal occasions and leave the digital Casio or Timex for hockey games and trips to the grocery store.

Myth #8 – Shoes and Belt Must be the Same Colour

Myths sometimes exist for a reason.  If you follow this myth, you can’t really go wrong.  However, don’t be afraid of expressing yourself by breaking this myth.  Just try to keep your belt and shoes within the same colour family and you will stay looking razor sharp.

Myth #9 – Pink is a Girl Colour

Pink (the colour) rocks.  As a new age gentleman, you just have to get over that prepubescent thought process that plagued your early years on the playground.  Just watch a couple of episodes of Harvey Birdman and you’ll be a believer.

It works best with shirts, vest and t-shirt prints.  The only precaution with this colour is to be wary of the undertones it brings out in your skin.  If you are naturally a little pinker than everyone else you might want to avoid the colour because it could make you look like a sausage.

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give it a try

If you disagree with any of my tips, why don’t you try them out for yourself?  You’d be surprised what the littlest change to your wardrobe will do for your style.