Formal events are a chance for men to dress up. For the average man, formal events come few and far between so it’s something that shouldn’t be passed up. It shouldn’t also be wasted. Take advantage of these opportunities by really paying attention to what you’re wearing. Don’t just slap together clothes. Be more thoughtful about what you’re going to wear. It’s a time to really look your best, so get the full experience out of it. You’ll be glad that you did.
Here are some tips on how to really look good wearing formal clothes:
Find out the dress code
Before you start obsessing over what you’ll wear find out what the dress code is first. You wouldn’t want to go to an event looking dashing but wearing the wrong type of clothes in the end. Some invitations can be vague about the required attire. Ask if you’re not sure. The hosts will expect questions like these.
Choose classic clothes
It’s common to get pulled into fashion fads. Try to resist it when you’re going to formal events. This is a time to show yourself off and the best way to do that is by wearing suits that fit you and look good on your body type. Get suits that give you a flattering silhouette, that is, it will make your shoulders look a little broader and your waist a little slimmer. Although the trend right now is for really fitting clothes, don’t wear one if it won’t look good on you. On the other hand, don’t try to hide your shape with really loose clothes. It’s not just flattering. If you can get away with a cummerbund to hide that paunch, and the dress code does allow for it, then wear one. Proper attention should also be given to the collar. Make sure that it fits the neck perfectly. A sagging collar makes you look dowdy.
The word “classic” should also define your other choices. For example, you can never go wrong with a crisp, white shirt. Don’t go for fabrics that are too thin that it is almost becoming sheer because it is not flattering.
Be thoughtful with your accessories
Accessories complete your whole look. Make sure that you wear a tie that is perfect for formal events – no printed ties, please – especially those with wild patterns. Go for plain or muted colors for your tie. When the event is “black tie” it exactly means what it says. So don’t go to the event with any other color tie thinking that you’d stand out – you won’t even be allowed inside the event. Cufflinks are perfectly okay as an accessory; in fact, it’s one of the few accessories that goes great with formal wear. For shoes, leather is the only option available to you. Make sure that your shoes are clean and shiny. Nothing ruins a whole look than dirty shoes.
Wearing formal wear doesn’t have to be such a big chore. At the end of the day, your real goal is to have fun, while looking good, of course.
