Pete Hegseth donned a questionable fit during a recent meeting with former Fox News host Will Cain, prompting widespread mockery and heated debate on social media.

The US Defense Secretary appeared in a clashing, eccentric array of patterns during a Monday meeting at the Pentagon with the popular podcast host – an outfit some online likened to ‘a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.’

‘This is undignified for the US Secretary of Defense,’ Derek Guy, a menswear writer, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding, ‘Personally don’t think the sec of defense should dress like a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.’

Hegseth wore a navy blue ‘skinny windowpane’ suit, a red spotted tie, gaudy American flag socks and ‘inappropriate’ tan loafers during the high-profile meeting at the Pentagon.

The mismatched look drew stark criticism online, as some claimed the Defense Secretary ‘needs a stylist.’

‘Someone get this man a stylist. He needs nice shoes,’ one user wrote on X.

Another chimed in with detailed observations, zooming in on Hegseth’s one-of-a-kind ensemble and seemingly spotting ‘scraped horse manure’ on his visibly scuffed shoes.

Pete Hegseth donned a questionable fit during a recent meeting with former Fox News host Will Cain, prompting widespread mockery and heated debate on social media

Hegseth wore a navy blue ‘skinny windowpane’ suit, a red spotted tie, gaudy American flag socks and ‘inappropriate’ tan loafers during the high-profile meeting at the Pentagon 

One user applauded Hegseth’s flamboyant choice of socks – but once again criticized his ill-suited footwear.

‘I don’t mind a flamboyant sock but this seems to have tipped over into novelty and the visible heel is rather unpleasant,’ the user wrote, paying close attention to Hegseth’s bright red heel.

‘Now, about those shoes,’ the user added, skewering the Trump Administration appointee’s footwear selection.

Meanwhile, others seemed genuinely puzzled by the criticism, questioning what exactly was so offensive about the bold outfit.

‘Is it the shoes? Socks and pants mismatch?’ one user wrote in the thread.

Guy – who is also an editor at Put This On, ‘a blog about dressing like a grownup’ – fired back succinctly: ‘Everything: Skinny windowpane pants, fun socks, tan horsebit loafers, very corny.’

The US Defense Secretary (left) appeared in a clashing, eccentric array of patterns during a Monday meeting at the Pentagon with Will Cain (right)

Some jumped to Hegseth’s defense, cheekily challenging the outspoken fashion critic on whether the Defense Secretary’s style really matters.

‘How does this affect his ability to lead the Pentagon? Or are you just wanting to date him or what?’ one user quipped.

Guy responded firmly, calling the outfit ‘undignified.’

‘I don’t think it affects his ability to lead the Pentagon. I simply find the outfit to be undignified for the position.’

‘What’s undignified about it?’ another user asked.

Guy replied with a picture of Fruity Pebbles cereal, doubling down on his comparison between Hegseth’s multi-patterned attire and the colorful breakfast dish.

The mismatched look drew stark criticism online, as some claimed the Defense Secretary ‘needs a stylist,’ while zooming in on Hegseth’s ensemble and seemingly spotting ‘scraped horse manure’ on his visibly scuffed shoes

Some critics escalated the thread further by dragging in other questionably styled politicians.

‘But [John] Fetterman wearing shorts and a hoodie is fine attire according to Derek [Guy]. Weird,’ one X user commented.

Derek Guy, widely known as ‘the menswear guy’ on X, is a Canadian fashion industry writer and commentator. 

He gained widespread notoriety following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, when the site’s algorithmically curated ‘For You’ tab began promoting his account, @dieworkwear, to a large audience.