We’ve had to listen to the men harp on about what we should wear on a first date, and learnt all about the man-repelling (read: actually quite chic, IMO) pieces that serial daters should be wary of wearing, but why should we get all the stick? It’s not as though they’re always a stylish bunch, is it?
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So for any men reading this, or anyone who wants to sigh and nod alongside me, this is a list of things men wear that we hate (and that they should avoid on dates, since we’re the better dressers any way, am I right?
Dad-on-holiday shirts
Those boldly-coloured Hawaiian shirts are giving Love Island recoupling. If you’re not heading for the South African villa this season, or on holiday about to hit a bar with your mates, there are plenty of stylish options to choose from which mean you can bypass the OTT printed shirt. A fun shirt is fine, but it’s all in the colours and styling.
Take this H&M shirt. With cream or camel chinos and Converse, it’s a perfectly good smart/casual evening look for a drinks date.
Wear instead:
Uggs
Sorry guys, but do you know how long us women have been waiting for Ugg Ultra Mini’s to come back in stock? Only for you to be flaunting them with jeans and a jumper at our pub date, just like we hoped we would?! They’re our thing. Chelsea boots are a great option for you, as are desert boots and a lace-up hiking style, so kindly leave our Uggs alone.
Wear instead:
Read more on outfits and what to wear
- Just deleted Hinge again? These are the anti-Valentine’s outfits to know
- 5 outfit mistakes I make and will always make
- I buy all of my wardrobe staples second-hand and this is why
- Your 2023 dating resolutions, and how to dress for them
Cheesy slogan T-shirts
A funny movie quote or classic music lyric can get a pass, but I’d always say plain tees are much more chic, as is a simple stripe print or colour-block number. Any slogan to do with women needs to be left well alone, too.
Wear instead:
Any pair of Crocs
I’ve only just come round to the idea of Crocs for women, so spotting men in giant coloured plastic shoes is going to take some getting used to. If you need a comfy casual shoe, may I point you all in the direction of Birkenstock’s Boston in a stylish neutral? Wear with chunky socks and I can guarantee you’ll get a few compliments.
Wear instead:
Scruffy tracksuits
The girlies have heard me wax lyrical on elevated off-duty looks – think leggings and a sweatshirt with a pair of It trainers, sunglasses and a sleek bag as that polished element makes all the difference. I’d counsel men to follow this advice, and to really take a look at their tracksuit collection. Anything faded, mis-matched, with holes or permanent knee and elbow indents should be relegated to loungewear.
Wear instead:
Ill-fitting jeans
Whether they’re so loose that half of your underwear is showing or so tight so that, err, half of your underwear is showing, there are myriad denim faux pas’ that don’t go unnoticed.
Your first port-of-call should be a denim specialist – I’d always recommend Levi’s – and spend some time trying on different styles. Look for a pair that suit your vibe, from smarter straight legs to off-duty loose-fit, and suss out what you feel comfortable in.
Wear instead:
Coats that ruin outfits
In the same way that a quilted parka will ruin an evening look while a faux fur coat will elevate it and fit the brief, men should also note the impact the wrong cover-up has on their outfit.
A trench coat is the perfect safe sweet spot for you. It works over anything from tracksuits to smart suits, from work to the weekend, and there’s one at every budget.
Wear instead:
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