Obviously, you want others to be impressed with your savvy style so that they'll take the time to get to know your fabulous personality, but that's hard to do if part of your look makes people want to cringe. Even if you're decked out in head-to-toe designer wear, you'll be somewhat laughable if you fail to follow a few crucial fashion rules. To help you make the most of your appearance, ensure you're not committing any of the fashion sins below.

Pants without a belt

If you're working a casual look and you're wearing your shirt over your pants so that no one can see your waist, go ahead and forgo a belt — provided your pants won't be too slouchy. Wearing your shirt tucked into your pants, however, necessitates wearing a belt. Not wearing a belt doesn't make you look heavier or dumber, but it does make you look odd. A belt literally ties your outfit together and, especially when you're dressing up, it's an accessory that men can splash a little cash on to create a tasteful, elegant look. Of course, don't cinch your belt so tight that you have gut overhang, but do wear one even if your pants don't need help staying put just to add an extra dimension of style to your ensemble.

Classless clipping

This fashion atrocity refers to clipping cell phones, BlackBerrys and other devices to your waist. Not only does it look cheesy and tasteless, strapping electronics to yourself makes you look wider and shorter. You'll also draw attention to your middle if you decide to join your PDA to your hip, and you probably don't want the first thing others notice about you to be your waistline — particularly if you have a burgeoning beer belly. Plus, piling on gadgets makes you seem ridiculously busy, but you run the risk of being perceived as self-important if others notice that you're not actually as pressed for time as you appear. Cell phones and organisational tools are nice, however, and even a must for those frequently on the go, so try wearing coats or blazers instead with sufficient interior pocket space. A coat or blazer will smarten up your look as well as provide you with enough places to store your can't-live-without items.

Chunky shoes, wrong pants

Shoes with a significant chunky heel certainly have their place in fashion, though teaming them with slim-fit dress pants or a fitted suit results in what can only be described as a serious fashion transgression. Unfortunately, if the bottoms of your pants are very narrow, you'll end up looking like a clown, which is never a look most men strive to emulate. It's easy to understand how this blunder happens since most commercial shoe stores are filled with thick-soled shoes, but you must avoid purchasing this footwear with the intention of wearing it with everything in your wardrobe. With clothes that are more fitted to your body — and many labels cut their clothes this way these days — your shoes will be clunky and incongruous with the rest of your outfit. Opt instead for sleek loafers or Italian-style dress shoes. The dress shoes in particular may cost you a little more, but you'll gain fashion points for them for years to come.

Improper pant length

Of the four listed here, this lamentable error in fashion is probably the one you'll see most frequently when you walk down the street. Make sure you're not including yourself in this group of fashion misfits by paying attention to the length of your pants. As well, different kinds of pants look best at different lengths. The bottom hem of your jeans, for example, can extend all the way to the bottom of your shoe, and will actually make your legs appear longer and leaner if you follow this piece of advice. Dress pants, on the other hand, should cut off at the top of your heel, but be careful that your socks don't show when you walk and that no more than two inches of your socks are visible when you sit down.

When you buy new pants, if the length is not quite right but you love them, ask the store to alter them for you since many provide this service free of charge. For clothes you already own, particularly dress pants, try them on and take any that have an improper length directly to a tailor. Since most dress pants have extra fabric on the bottom, it's a breeze for anyone with sewing machine know-how to take them up or down a few inches.

We know that those of you who are guilty of these fashion crimes had no idea you were committing them. Follow these tricks and you won't be offending anyone's fashion sensibilities any time soon.

Getting away with that "little white lie"

Although everyone believes that "honesty is the best policy," most people have learned that there are some scenarios in which white lies can save everyone involved a lot of grief. Of course, in most cases, telling the truth is the best way to build solid relationships with the people around you, but in situations where a lie could avert a social catastrophe, the truth is not necessarily the best option. With that in mind, here are some common situations in which being insincere could spare you and those around you a good deal of anguish.

When asked your opinion

Sometimes, when people ask your opinion, they might not want the whole truth. For example, the correct response to the old question "Does this make me look fat?" has nothing to do with the word, "Yes." In that same vein, it's usually not the best time to offer an honest, critical response when your boss asks you how great his plan to save the company is, given that it has already been implemented.

In these uncomfortable situations, the way to safely avoid giving negative opinions involves not only a little white lie, but also an agile skirting of the issue, which will help move the conversation past the sticky point and keep anyone from being insulted. For instance, when approached by your girlfriend with the dreaded "fat" question, try something like, "That skirt does not make you look fat, but I think this other one is more flattering." Although you are lying, this suggestion also reveals your true opinion, resulting in an outcome that is actually favorable to both of you. Insincerity used in this way can provide a win-win outcome.

Comforting a friend

You know those times when you're best buddy's girl just cheated on him, so you tell him you've been there and that you completely understand? Moreoever, you go so far as to tell him that a million girls would rather date him than the super-jock he was dumped for? This may not be the truth, but it allows your friend to realise that his problems aren't permanent, and that he will feel better eventually.

Little lies are especially important to spare his feelings if, for instance, you know more about his girl's cheating ways than he does. Better to omit the gory details and save the poor guy some turmoil.

When discussing your past

Once again, most questions directed to you from your girl, your boss or your buddy deserve truthfuls responses. But if there are teeny tiny bits of your past that are less than upstanding, and which in no way affect your current relationship, it may make for a less rocky road to sugarcoat the truth.

To make it clear, any big issue should be handled with honesty, otherwise it can only lead to more problems in the future. However, if you were less than kind to a previous girlfriend — maybe you dumped her over the phone — it may be better to withhold this detail from your current partner, since you've learned your lesson. Useless details about the past can do nothing for the present except rock the boat. Be sure not to make up details, though, because you're more likely to embellish, and far more likely to be caught in your lie later. Instead, just pick and choose what to reveal and save everyone involved a needless headache.

Softening a rejection

If you're given an offer you'd rather refuse, it can be tough to do so nicely. Turning down an offer for a date or even some of grandma's spaghetti can be difficult to do without leaving someone's feelings hurt.

These situations often call for quick thinking and smooth talking. Instead of telling the truth, such as, "I actually had an eye on your more attractive friend over there," soften the blow with an answer that will rationalise your decision. For instance, telling grandma you're trying to cut down on your carbs is better than telling her that her meatballs taste like rubber, and turning down a date is easier if you make it seem like it's nobody's fault. Use the excuse that you're fresh out of a hurtful breakup or that you're working far too much to plan a date. Refusing a romantic request citing outside reasons saves you from looking like a jerk, and her from feeling like a loser. It's also helpful if you can lace the lie with real sorrow to make her feel like you'd agree to the date if the situation would allow it.

When manners require a compliment

When presented with a brand new baby or when face to face with a happy bride, it is expected that you find something complimentary to say, whether or not it is truly warranted. In this type of sticky situation, being insincere is the easiest way out. Instead of making up a blatant lie, though, you can still earn the good graces of others by commenting, rather than complimenting.

While there are some topics you don't want to lie about, like when the doctor asks how much you're exercising, telling the truth all the time is neither polite nor very diplomatic. Sometimes a slight reframing or rewording of an insulting comment can make an awkward conversation easier. The key is generally to just avoid insults or dirty details by re-direction, rather than actually lying. It may be true that honesty is the best policy, but a gentle nature is what maintains friendships.