It’s easy to assume that formal wear is becoming less and less essential in an era where It’s evident from the term itself—formal, as in formula. However, rules are rules, regardless of how flexible they may be. It’s always important to show respect to others and the customs of the moment.
Here are some fashion rules and dicta that contemporary guys should definitely aim to follow in 2024.
Business dress is more informal, and the distinction between work and play is blurred. However, the need for appropriate attire remains, even in these more casual settings. Dressing is definitely going down instead of up—at least until a certain point, when appropriate attire is still needed—far beyond “smart casual.”
While certain events—like weddings and job interviews—might not happen often, it’s crucial to remember that you can’t show up in a T-shirt and sneakers. Being prepared with appropriate attire is a sign of respect and knowledge of the occasion.
Take Action: Make Fit
When dressing formally, the importance of a good fit cannot be overstated. Like all other clothes, ready-to-wear tailoring is available in conventional sizes. However, a suit cannot be worn in many different shapes like casual wear can. Therefore, if you don’t think it’s worth it to pay for made-to-measure or even custom, at the very least, have your suit tailored for the best fit possible.
While adjusting the length of the legs, sleeves, and even the chest is simple, how the coat falls over the shoulders is impractical to do yourself. So, at the very least, ensure it fits appropriately while choosing your outfit, and consider professional tailoring for this aspect.
Avoid: Breaking the Rules
Certain events call for formal attire, adding an element of elegance and sophistication. While most individuals consider the need for a morning dress or white tie to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a black tie is still required for many events, offering a chance to showcase your refined taste.
If they do, dress in a black tie, which consists of a dinner suit in black or midnight blue, a bowtie, a white dress shirt, and black dress shoes. It’s not about expressing yourself here but about respecting and considering the occasion’s format.
Avoid: Attempt Novelty
Whether you like it or not, formal attire primarily follows a pattern established by society over many years, but it’s important to note that this pattern changes gradually. Instead of attempting to defy it, it’s more about assimilating your personality into this evolving framework.
Go for those nuanced aspects that let you truly express who you are. These could be subtle color combinations, unique accessories, or a personalized fit. But whatever you do, resist the need to veer toward novelty or gimmickry. You stand out by attempting to defy convention and wearing that Mickey Mouse tie. Regretfully, you are unique for all the wrong purposes.
Avoid: Do Not Wear Black (If You Can Avoid It)
Since the late Regency era, black has been the standard color for formal attire, a symbol of tradition and history. It was the uniform of gentlemen, a mark of respect and formality. However, times have changed. While black still holds its place for dinner dresses, it’s best to explore other options for most formal occasions.
Hotel employees and nightclub bouncers may have popularized the black suit, but it’s time to break away from this trend. Embrace the versatility of the traditional male palette staples, such as navy, charcoal grey, and mid-grey. These colors offer a wide range of styling options and can be a refreshing change from the ubiquitous black.
Do: Put on appropriate attire.
As you prepare to dress up, it’s important to understand the role of attire in blending in. Each formal wear occasion has its unique cultural context, and your attire plays a key role in this.
Understanding the formality of different occasions is key. For instance, a wedding with 500 guests in a cathedral requires a different formality than a Swain gathering of close friends in a restaurant. This knowledge will make you feel more informed and prepared.
It’s not just the event that dictates your attire, but also the audience. Different industries and professions have varying ideas of formality. For instance, the banking sector is more traditional than the IT sector. So, when choosing your attire, consider the expectations and preferences of the people you’ll be interacting with.
Avoid: Thinking Stiff
When dressing formally, it’s important to avoid a look that resembles a historical play. While your grandfather can be a fabulous fashion inspiration, you can still maintain a modern approach to your attire.
Strive for a balance between classic and trendy elements in your formal attire. Avoid following fashion fads, such as seasonal experimentation with cut or proportion. Instead, consider incorporating more trendy aspects like button fastenings, lapel widths, materials, colors, or trouser rises, unless you highly value out-and-out classicism.
Try Separates, please.
Remember, a suit is not always the answer for formal attire. Men are increasingly embracing the versatility of separates, a fashion secret that women have known for decades. A pair of flannel pants paired with a stylish blazer is just one example of how separates can elevate your formal look.
If you must wear separates, however, make sure they are separate. Wearing pants and a jacket of nearly the same color and material gives the impression that you are trying too hard to put on a suit. Also, pay attention to the fit of each piece, as a well-fitted ensemble can make a significant difference in your overall look.
Instead, consider complementing rather than matching. For instance, a pair of navy trousers can be paired with a light grey blazer, or a charcoal suit jacket can be worn with black trousers.
Do: Perspire Over Little Things
With all this discussion of rules and regulations, expectations, and standards, wearing formally might seem incredibly limiting to guys who like the enjoyment and opportunity for self-expression that comes with clothing. However, you can still express your individuality despite the requirements of wearing a sober suit, shirt, and tie.
When it comes to choosing a suit, don’t overlook the power of texture and color. Each fabric has its own unique personality, and the variety of grey and blue hues is vast. Pay attention to the little details, such as drapery, pleats, and lapel shapes, as they can make a big difference in your overall look.
Remember, despite the formal dress code, you still have plenty of opportunities to express your individuality. So, don’t be afraid to sweat the small stuff and make your mark.
Act with consistency
Dressing formally involves more than just donning the appropriate suit. That looks bad when you pair it with a shirt that can’t hold a tie or sneakers (which are inappropriate for actual formal dress, such as a black-tie event, regardless of how trendy they may be).
It’s important to remember that wearing flawless tailoring and covering it with an anorak is not a good look. Similarly, certain accessories like skull earrings or festival bands can detract from your formal attire. By avoiding these inappropriate items, you can feel guided and confident in your formal dressing choices.
When it comes to formal attire, it’s crucial to consider every element of your outfit. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re always well-prepared and informed about your dressing choices.
