While some fashion trends do make comebacks, most can be left in the dust. Ironically, the more recent the trend has ended, the more out-of-fashion you’ll look. So, while you may be able to pull off a fashion trend from the 1940s or 1950s, anything from the 1990s, for example, is going to look like you’re just out of touch with fashion.
Here are a few trends from the 1990s to avoid:
1. Baggy shirts or jackets
Oversize dress shirt, sports jackets and suits can make you look unprofessional, unstylish and poor. People will either assume that you’re clueless when it comes to fashion or too poor to upgrade to a more current wardrobe. If you’re not sure how something should fit properly, head to a tailor or a high-end department store that offers an on-site consultant.
2. Ill-fitting pants
Pants that are too tight, too baggy or too long can make you look like a former boy-band member from the early ‘90s. Dress pants should barely skim your shoes, not drape over the entire top of them. If you go too short, you could end up looking like you’re waiting for a flood. Invest in a few pairs of solid colors that go with anything (e.g., blue, black, gray and tan) and spend the money to have them tailored to the perfect length.
3. Matching everything
Although your belt and shoes should match in terms of color, that’s about the only rule. Too much matching can look silly, so leave the polka dot vest and matching pocket square for two different days.
4. Wide ties
As a general rule, your tie should be about the width of your lapel. Extra-wide ties can make you look clownish or like you never upgraded your tie rack from the 1990s.
5. Square shoes
Remember the square-toed shoes that were all the rage in the 1990s? Keep them in your memory so you don’t forget what not to buy. Stick to round-toe shoes to look classic and tailored.
