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Introduction
“The positives of summer number greatly. It’s a season that aligns itself with sun, sand and skimpy clothes (the latter often occupied by our female parallels). Summer has all the nuances for opposing seasons to be jealous of.
The male image is one that relies on never putting a foot wrong while avoiding appearing smug when others do – even when it’s to your benefit. The scope for perennial damage to your image has never been greater because men are sitting up and taking note. They’re reading fashion magazines, they’re learning to preen and they’re learning to snobbishly snub.”
Alex Woodhall – Summer Fashion Mistakes Part 1.
Last time we brought to you our top summer fashion mistakes. Today the baton has been passed to you guys, our readers; as we delve into your comments and draw up a second hit list full of sartorial slip-ups, fashion follies and pet peeves that are causing controversy this summer. My alliteration is getting progressively worse which tells me it’s time to get stuck into the serious stuff; so without further ado here is a second round of failures as chosen by you.
The Mistake: ¾ Length Tracksuit Trousers
Commenter Ben was thrown into a “sartorial based rage” at the thought of these modern-day monstrosities. Describing them as “the scourge of many Englishman’s wardrobe”, this is a statement we here at FashionBeans are very much inclined to agree with. The fine sir claims, “no self-respecting man should be seen dead in these”, so how do we solve these?
The Analysis
For most, tracksuit bottoms are the epitome of ‘chav’ culture. They carry all the negative perceptions with little of the sporting heritage. It would be difficult to say the stigma attached to them is wholly unwarranted.
Tracksuit bottoms should serve only two purposes in a man’s life: As a guise when pretending you’re going to do exercise and, on the odd occasion, exercise.
To be blunt, one can only expect that visible white sports socks, a provocative lewd t-shirt and a pot full of hair gel are likely to be in attendance when the quarters make a public appearance.
The Solution
The solution to this summer disaster comes courtesy of our very own editor-in-chief Ben Herbert. Ben’s advice to overcome these frankly awful excuses for trousers is “a great pair of chinos with a couple of turn ups”. Using breathable materials for your trousers such as lightweight cotton and linen will also help you stay cooler (and look MUCH cooler) than a pair of three quarter lengths would.
Alternatively a good pair of tailored shorts is the way to go for those of you who aren’t afraid to flash a little more leg than the modest amount a turn up allows. Shorts, as a generic term, do not encompass sweat shorts – definitely leave these for the gym or again, the guise of.
The Mistake: Plastic Flip-Flops
FashionBeaner ‘Col’ was understandably disappointed these didn’t make the first list. Being a former wearer of these toe thongs, Col has been on both sides of the fence of this summer slip and of course there is no substitute for experience.
The Analysis
“I was, until a couple of years ago, a content wearer of these unflattering and uninspired items of footwear. Then I realised (a) how 90% of men walking around (I live in Portsmouth, on the coast, which seems to mean abundance) match them with baggy shorts and (b) that there aren’t many sounds more irritating than the constant slap-slap-slap of a piece of plastic against someone’s bare heel.”
Col certainly didn’t flip-flop his words. The slapping sound, lacklustre design and the sheer number of them on show makes them really a bit of a cop-out when it comes to summer footwear. Did we mention they’re irritating?
If all that is yet to turn you off flip-flops; how about potential health risks? Research suggests that flip-flops can alter the way you walk possibly leading to short term sole, heel and calf problems. Sprained ankles and shin splints are also a danger when flip-flops are your wrongly made choice. How tangible these risks are is certainly up for debate, health and safety seems to be attached to pretty much anything today, but take in terms of your style rep – they’re detrimental!
The Solution
Flip-flops are not about to fall into the fashion abyss. Sadly. We are likely to see them adorning misguided feet for a long time to come. Horrifically. What’s keeping them around is a lack of knowledge in the alternative. Beach shoes do not have to be awful, and plasticy, and rubbery, and did we mention annoying? A big part of S/S trends for this year is a deconstructed sole. Espadrilles and soft loafer can be a big step forward in your footwear entourage.
And if you really just can’t leave the flip flops behind – why not keep your whole wardrobe that little bit more refined by investing in some leather strap flip-flops? These will keep your feet feeling cooler in the heat, but the leather will add just that little bit extra to a style that is so over-used and thrown on with no consideration whatsoever.
The Mistake: Tight T-Shirts
Reader Ed put forward his list of top summer fashion mistakes although there were few complaints about his suggestions.
“Camo shorts with clashing polo shirts, white trainers and gelled up hair, T-shirts that fit too tight, plimsolls that, from the way they curl up like bananas at the front, are quite evidently too big. Sandals worn by any man in any way, tank tops, matching outfits from TOPMAN, generic high street graphic/slogan/humour t-shirts. Anything faded/acid washed/ripped or with any kind of tassels for adjustment attached.”
Out of that quite comprehensive list, one that I couldn’t help but give a mention to was “t-shirts that fit too tight”. I have seen this in abundance since the sun came out, the jackets came off and the gym was working overtime.
The Analysis
Whether the t-shirt in question is made from a body hugging material or is just simply a size too small it will do little for you. In case you were under any delusion, it rarely gives the appearance of a Spartan figure. The fact of the matter is that fit is crucial to achieve any success with your look and LYCRA should be left solely for the gym.
The Solution
Avoiding an ill fit goes a long way to improving your overall appearance. No matter how much you love that old faithful t-shirt, if it no longer fits then it’s time to let it go and find a replacement. It’s somewhat like marriage. Actually no, we won’t go there.
It’s key to know your measurement. Many t-shirts work off your chest size, so start with that. If you find your t-shirts becoming a bit overtly snug, dig for the tape, you’ll be shopping for new, better fitting replacements before you know it.
Here are a few picks you definitely won’t want to be taking back to the store.
The Mistake: Excess Cologne
This gem was proposed by our Assistant Editor, Luke Todd, he offered it up as his summer detestable.
“The latitude of fashion detestables is far and wide. Untucked dress shirts, clunky square-toe shoes, excess cologne, comb over’s are a given, too many prints – or too many pints for that matter – go along way to doing little for us. It is arguable that only a man engaged in a primitive war dance would be seen with his phone clipped to his belt.”
The Analysis
Spritzing too much cologne is a common and easy mistake to make in the summer. While you may be able to get away with one or two extra sprays in the colder seasons, as the weather warms your fragrance is going to become that much more noticeable – not always a good thing.
Cologne should serve the purpose of enticing people in and wanting to smell more of your delicious summer fragrance, not drive them away with an overpowering scent.
The Solution
Getting a lighter smelling fragrance for summer is essential; you’re more pungent winter one will not win over any hearts, minds or noses during the summer highs.
The second obvious step is to limit the number of sprays to your body’s own ‘hot spots’. These are where your body produces the most heat, improving the longevity of your fragrance. Common spots used are the wrists and back of the neck. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin – this reduces the strength.
The Debateable Mistake: Military Boots & Shorts
First brought to the table by commenter Andrew, the pairing of military boots and shorts roused somewhat of a debate.
Military boots in general have gained quite a bit of infamy in the past season with the ‘TOPMAN teen’ and One Direction labels becoming a constant taint on their reputation.
With the spring summer biker trend being tipped heavily, military boots were expected to play a more important role in our wardrobes than in previous summer seasons. The trend however has never really got going, and the practicality behind pairing shorts with boots in the heat of summer has created an air of scepticism around the combination.
The Debate: Against
“Military boots with shorts just makes everything look too out of proportion for me. There’s something that oozes style for me when a statement piece like military boots blends in somehow, garnering attention but not in a brash more teenage appropriate way (i.e. with a cuffed jean or chino as opposed to with shorts or with jeans tucked into them One Direction style).”
Andrew’s reasoning behind his disdain for the combo is a view I’m sure many others share and one I can personally sympathise with.
The combination has also been described as a bit of an oxymoron especially on the brighter summer days. The military boot has an overall wintery appearance and can look incredibly out of place when the temperature reaches into the twenties.
The Debate: For
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but military boots with shorts actually look good. It’s been one of the most popular combinations at fashion week”
Beaner, Remmy, began championing the combination. He put forward evidence of runway calibre, citing the appearance of the pair at numerous fashion weeks. He went on to stress the importance of variation from boat shoes and plimsolls, which have become the cliché of summer footwear; a fact we certainly can’t dispute.
“I think it’s important to have variation (too many summers spent in boat shoes and ‘plims’ have passed for me”
We have been rocking the military boots and shorts quite a lot recently and although on the odd day we find them a little uncomfortable due to the heat, an investment in a pair of good boot socks brings the focus back to style.
The other alternative is to look for shorter, cropped military boots (sitting around ankle length) which are not as sweltering and will adapt much easier to current and future trends. Another consideration would be to opt for a smarter boot styles with detailing such as brogue characteristics.
The Conclusion
There we have it, the second and concluding part to this year’s guide to summer fashion mistakes as chosen by the FashionBeaners!
You can let us know more of your destestables, or come to the defence of one already on ours in the comment section below or by taking to twitter @FashionBeans.
- Did your top fashion faux pas make it onto this list?
- Which side of the military boots and shorts debate do you fall on?
- Will you come to the aid of the flip-flop?
- How should we deal with such terrible blunders?
Alex
Smart-Casual Outfit Inspiration: Shorts
5 Common Summer Fashion Mistakes
Introduction To Dressing For Your Body Shape
Spring/Summer Office Wear Part 2: Smart-Casual/Creative
Back To Top
I normally agree with everything you guys say. I just sit here on my couch, nodding like a die-hard Tory in his expensive fox-fur-lined slippers, listening to David Cameron on the Parliament Channel and thinking to himself, “you’re right there, David. Damn right”. I enjoy the website and its articles, the example pieces and the commentary. It really was all going so well, chaps, until you attacked flip-flops that is.
I mean, really. Why would you do that? Why? I get what you’re saying and I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m afraid that in this instance – and I mean no disrespect here – you’re just wrong. Flip-flops are a mainstay of society, like the Transit Van or the plain white t-shirt. Yeah everyone wears them, but then everyone wears jeans as well, and as much as you might say that all pairs of jeans are different with their own unique washes and creases and so on, they’re still just jeans aren’t they? Still just boring ol’ blue (usually) jeans that every other bloke on the street is wearing. Sure there are better brands and design variations, but they’ll rarely get people cooing with delight and if people are mentioning them too much then you’ve probably not heard of the importance of the word “understated” when selecting a pair.
There are crap flip-flops of course, just like with every other item of clothing, but certain brands will gain respect from other wearers. Flip-flop wearers in the know will always comment on a pair of Havaianas for instance, not in an “oooh they’re lovely” kind of way but in the way a tradesman who drives a Volkswagon Transporter might comment to the bloke in the Transit that he wishes his company would see the light and get him a PROPER bloody van.
I like boat shoes and espadrilles as much as the next person, and when you’re going out about town and want to dress your feet up a little bit then they’re great. A lot of the time though if it’s hot, you just don’t want to cover up your feet. Why sweat for the sake of fashion? A simple pair of flip-flops will fit the bill perfectly, and if you’re worried about everyone else having the same idea then you can just put more effort into the t-shirt and shorts or, for extra kudos, make the colour of your flip flops match something else in your outfit.
Thanks for getting involved Bobby. As the title suggests, these were mentioned by the readers from our last article and now Alex has gone into depth to explore the notions. Variety and personal taste are exactly what makes fashion so interesting, so you are more than welcome (and I encourage) to disagree with any of the points listed above.
You have put forward a great argument about how they should still have a place in our wardrobe, and brought up some great points as to how to make them work; certainly showing a lot more consideration than 95% of the male population who utilise them around us. This is usually all it takes to make ANY piece work (within reason), so keep up the good work!
For me personally, I do own a couple of pairs of plain Havaianas, but do not use them as much as I used to, just because everyone else was wearing them, and I wanted to refine my style slightly. I actually added the section above about opting for a leather strapped pair, just because I think the little touches like this can transform an item and make you stand out.
Anyway, I hope others take note and get involved in the debate on any of the points above.
I can’t actually tell if you’re joking or not Bobby. If you’re not, then really you’re just wrong ^^ This site isn’t about mainstay of British society, it’s a fashion site. I don’t think it’s the fact that everybody wears flip flops that makes them bad (Though it is horrid to go out with my mates when they are all sporting them xD), it’s the fact that they look terrible. There’s no debating it, even the people I know who wear them don’t say they look good, they are a compromise for ‘comfort’. Sandals of any kind should be left to our female counterparts. Espadrilles do what flip flops do for comfort, whilst looking great at the same time. For me, there is no excuse ever to see a man in sandals. Your feet get hot? You just have to deal with it, because looking good is so much more important ^^
I hate flip-flops
I love flip-flops
I completely with Bobby on this, of course the gladiator style sandals are here now. But I think the traditional flipflop like Havaianas will still look great underneath the rolled up Chino and are here to stay..
Do you think the plastic flip flops look as good under a chino? Don’t you think with something that is a little smarter (like a chino or trousers) would be better suited with something a bit more refined? I think they probably look better with denim (especially light washes in summer); whether that be shorts or jeans.
I think if pairing with a chino then I would opt for bolder and more playful styles – like the new coloured pastel chinos we are seeing this season.
I don’t ever wear tracksuit bottoms but the few paragraphs where you mention “chavs” etc really raised my hackles. Can we not discuss the merits of an outfit without bringing in a good old dose of class snobbery?
Flip-flops never look great and are uncomfortable, and the military boot teamed with shorts thing looks good in a magazine or on a catwalk, but rather try-hard on the high street.
Hi Guyliner,
Sorry if the comment in the article irritated you. We were merely discussing the fact that they are associated with certain sub-cultures or stereotypes – whether warranted or not. We always try to remain unbiased and provide more of a commentary rather than our own personal opinions. Saying that, it is something I will look at taking a more stringent approach to in the future, so it has been noted.
After all, it is up to the reader to make up their mind about what they like and how they want to dress. Plus we recognise that we will have readers from all walks of life, and all social classes.
As stated in my original comment, I was previously a flip-flop fan and can completely understand the appeal. They’re comfortable and in the sunshine having your feet tucked away beneath a layer (or two if wearing socks) of cotton/leather just doesn’t feel right.
When selecting my day’s attire, however, I think briefly about if and how a particular item compliments the overall look. For example, I have a pair of Sperry Top-Siders, which go very well with some fitted shorts. On the other hand, I feel flip-flops look, at best, ok with board/cargo shorts but, in the main, create a very lazy and sloppy look.
I won’t go into the heel-slapping sound I previously mentioned, as that is more of a personal irritation but I feel the appearance of flip-flops mirrors the reasoning behind wearing them – a lack of effort.
Maybe the root of the problem isn’t in the choice that men make to wear them but, actually, the lack of alternatives. Sandals are the only other piece of footwear that come close to having the advantages of flip-flops with the open toe, yet still seem to have ‘grandad’ connotations! Gladiator sandals illustrate an attempt to modernise but I imagine the, arguably feminine, design evokes even more divisive opinions.
If I had the capability to design and invent a new item of men’s summer footwear, I would, because in the absence of decent options, we need an alternative that has the open-top benefit of flip-flops but stylishly compliments the wearer’s look. There is definitely a gap in the market.
Couldn’t agree more about the gap in the market for summer footwear. There certainly seems to be a lack of imagination at times; especially for those of us on a student’s budget!
That said ASOS have just released a bunch of new pieces for their ASOS Black range and there was some interesting pieces of footwear for a rather modest price.
The ‘cut out derbies’ have really piqued my interest and offer something totally different with their sandal-esque elements. They certainly offer a host of options to play around with and the socks or no socks question has got to be asked when wearing such footwear.
ASOS Black, Linen and Leather Cutout Derby Shoes
http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Black/ASOS-BLACK-Linen-Leather-Cutout-Derby-Shoes/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1542221
What about a nice pair of Crocs? ;)
There is only one place for flip flops, and that’s by the pool or on the beach.
But saying that, we need men to make fashion mistakes! There is no point in being snobbish about fashion, because without these guys we wouldn’t stand out as “fashionable” men.
If you’re coming on this site, then you’re more than likely interested in looking good…..so I doubt you’re already making the basic of all fashion mistakes anyway.
Bobby you raise an interesting counter-argument there!
I’m with you in that I don’t think there’s any piece of clothing or accessory that can make you feel more like “Summer has arrived, for I am exposing my gnarly toes to the world!” than flip-flops and these were normally my go-to Summer footwear, but recently I see them more as hanging in the garden/walking to the beach kind of footwear.
I would argue that they show a lack of imagination and it’s much harder to tailor an outfit based on these than perhaps a nice nautical boat shoe and they don’t really achieve much in your look.
That said I think any mens Summer shoes are now getting a hammering from girls as we become more fashion conscious. In the last week I have heard them bemoaning plimsolls, espadrilles and boat shoes as men just following trends – what the hell are we supposed to wear then ladies?!!
Maybe a specific Summer footwear article required? **Looks pointedly in the direction of Matt Allinson**
(And there’s is nothing more annoying than being out with a bunch of mates all day and come 8 o’clock you can’t get in anywhere because Old ‘WontWearAnythingButFlipFlops’ Dave thought it wise to come out in some. Sort it out Dave.)
Grabs pop corn…. This debate is getting good.
I agree with most of the article, but I have further – more general – ideas.
>Dress-shirts left untucked
>The colour ‘Salmon’ (but not pink)
>Camouflage
>Crew cut/skin-head (so dour)
>Men wearing ugg boots (it’s frightening how many times I’ve seen guys wear them)
>Sparkly clothing of anything, especially shoes – leave it to the women.
>People wearing band shirts of bands they have no idea about
>The colour ‘brown’ – controversial, but apart from shoes it makes anyone look dour
>Workmen boots that don’t have tread – whats the point?
I love my boots dearly for the colder seasons, but I’m afraid that mid-calf leather military boots just don’t go with shorts. The leather usually being a thick, heavy material, will clash in structure and texture even with matching dark coloured shorts and tops. The same will generally go for ankle high leather boots, except you actually keep a reasonable length of leg between long or standard length shorts, plus perhaps some more ventilation.
I’m sure I saw some military-ish style leather boots in a previous summer season (maybe at River Island) that were lightly coloured and had a thin structure, which would be about as suitable as you can get, but I haven’t seen anything similar since. The best solution if you want military looking boots with shorts is to find ankle high canvas boots, or suede boots. Unfortunately the former can be quite hard to find, and the latter is usually the typical “desert boot” style rather than a military style. I guess since the style hasn’t really taken off, most designers have been put to work on the more traditional summer footwear.
Found a pair of tan leather boat boots, quite high… fold down the sides and tongue, and they look dead sharp with shorts – however smart of casual the shorts. No/invisible socks, of course.
Military sorts don’t work as well but with the right boot it’s, um, bootiful.
Flip flops are fine when on holiday or on the coast, in a warm climate they’re the easiest choice of footwear. Where they become a problem is when men think it fit to wear them with jeans. On the beach with shorts on they’re acceptable. In a non-aquatic environment, put some proper shoes on.
Thanks for all the comments, it’s great to see certain points rousing up such debate. As Ben said varying opinions and tastes is what truly makes fashion interesting.
As always keep the comments coming!
I’m going to jump on the flip-flop haters bandwagon – I despise them! They’re made even worse by the fact that lots of people who wear them have manky feet – yuck!
Agree on the lack of alternatives though…everyone’s wearing espadrilles (they were probably too popular last year), everyone’s buying boat shoes (tends to be a lot of kids sporting these lately), which really only leaves gladiator sandals (which arnt always appropriate for some places). I try to wear desert boots with tailored shorts for sunny days, but they just don’t seem to look right. We need an alternative…argh!
The beauty about fashion is there that are never any hard rules. There is always someone who can pull off a look, at a certain time or place. The important thing to consider is the setting. Hence why flip flops look good by the pool or at the beach, but completely out of place in town. Crocs look good on kids, that’s about it. Certain colors, I agree, may be dreadful on some and best left to others.
I know what works for me and what doesn’t. For someone else, it will be different.
Anyways, I love the fashionbeans community. It would be fun to discuss all this over a summer BBQ and use ourselves as examples!! Haha!!
Ohhhh I do love a good debate, this has really made me smile.
My thoughts on the whole flip-flop crisis:
Like everything else in this industry, fashions change and styles evolve. The cheap looking plastic flip-flops as spoken about are very much a style of past decades and aren’t quite as acceptable by modern standards. My advice would be to opt for something more like these:
http://www.office.co.uk/mens/poste/poste_toe_loop_sandal_ss10/61/8166/21748/1/
Not quite a sandal, not quite a flip-flop. It is a style that I have PERSONALLY tried, tested and can now confidently confirm that they look great with a pair of chino’s, shorts or jeans – and even better still – they create minimal slapping sound effects. Result!
Hi everyone. I live in Greece where a typical day is about 35 degrees (celcius not farenheit as you are probably used to in Britain). Flip flops are essential out here. I consider myself to have a good taste in clothes, or be ‘fashionable’ but they are more of a survival tool than an option. Once you have been wearing them for a while you learn they can be integrated well into a lot of summer outfits such as tailored shorts/swim shorts. But even from a country where fashion is still so primitive i can tell you now flip flops and jeans or chinos is wrong in everyway!
add me to the I HATE FLIP FLOPS side.
I wore them as a kid and I apologies for that. I sound, the look, the lack any kind of effort. What really puts me off is the total lack of basic foot care. Come on if your going to show your feet get a Pedi. Please for the love of God and community!
I believe flip flops can be worn around the beach and pool. Aside from those areas it’s a no go.
The past weekend has only served to reinforce my opinions. Great weather and understandably a lot of people are down at Portsmouth seafront but, Christ, what a complete lack of imagination people seem to have! I understand there are those that don’t care as much as us ‘Beaners’ about attire but that can’t account for everyone, yet 95% of blokes in the flip-flops and board/cargo shorts combination…ridiculous.
The difficulty is that I’m forced to keep my increasing irritation in because my mates are also dressed like the above and I’ve learnt from experience that people can get sensitive if you start criticising their dress-sense (or lack of). Surely I’m not alone in my despair.
I understand why so many people do not like flip flops and I agree that most of the time they are fairly hideous, although they are quite useful on holiday on the beach if you don’t want to get your shoes full of sand, they can be very practical and versatile on holiday but only during the day on the beach. I completely agree that they shouldn’t be worn out in the evening, or if you are nowhere near a beach. A lot of the time they seem to appear along with the 3 quarter length tracksuit bottoms, “white sports socks, a provocative lewd t-shirt and a pot full of hair gel.”
Simple rule for me, by the pool flip flops. Anywhere else, definitely not