Dressing for a formal occasion can be quite challenging. This is particularly true for men who have to try and find the perfect balance between looking dressed up enough without looking like they are trying too hard. You want to look nice and feel comfortable, not overdressed or underdressed. However, you also don’t want to make a mistake that makes you unapproachable or less professional. With so many errors that can be made, it’s essential to know what you should wear and how to style it. Here are some men’s formal attire essentials you need to know.
THE SUIT
The suit is the most essential part of a man’s formal attire. It can be either a three-piece or a two-piece suit. When choosing a suit, make sure it fits you well and makes you feel confident. The color of your suit also matters since it’ll affect how you dress the rest of your body. For example, if you are wearing a black suit, you should wear black shoes and a belt to match.
JACKET
Typically, the first piece of a man’s formal attire is a jacket. This usually comes in two varieties: suit jackets and blazers. A suit jacket is typically made with wool and has two sleeves: single-breasted and double-breasted. On the other hand, a blazer is usually made of lighter material such as polyester or cotton with only one type of sleeve. Both are appropriate for a formal occasion, with many people preferring blazers because they are more lightweight.
TROUSERS AND PANTS
The most important part of your outfit is the trousers or pants you choose. Trousers should be slim-fitting yet comfortable. If you wear a suit, the trousers should be as close to your body as possible. Pants should also be slim-fitting around the legs but not tight. If you wear too tight pants, they will make it difficult for you to walk and sit down. For both men and women, the hem on the outside of the leg should fall a little over the top of your shoe so it doesn’t drag on the ground.
SHIRT
The shirt is the most essential part of any men’s formal wear. You want to ensure that you have the right fit for your body type. For example, a fitted dress shirt will look different on someone thick and muscular than on someone slim. And if you’re in-between sizes, it’s best to go with a size bigger so that you can tuck it into your trousers. Tucking your shirt in makes you look more professional but leaves some room for creativity.
THE TIE
The tie is always a key piece in men’s formal attire. Your tie should match the color of your suit, with some exceptions. If you are wearing a light-colored suit, your tie should be dark or vice versa. If you are wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and patterned tie, make sure to wear a matching tie as well not to look mismatched. You can also add interest if you don’t want to go monochrome by adding colorful socks or patterns on your tie.
SHOES
Shoes are often the most overlooked men’s formal attire. However, shoes are an essential component of your look. The shoes you wear to a formal event should be polished and plain in color. They need to go with the rest of your outfit and not draw attention away from your ensemble. The shoes you wear should be appropriate for the event you’re going to; if it’s a less formal event, then you can get away with wearing more lace-up or brightly-colored shoes.
