Formal Dressing Essentials for Stylish Men

Men’s formal wear is a very big deal nowadays. The focus on men to look sharp, crisp and neat is more than ever now. With such a big focus on personal style, there has been a big upswing of interest in this area as well. While the area may seem restricted, it is the small details that make you stand out from the crowd. Essential knowledge in areas of tailoring makes the difference between being a wannabe and who the wannabes want to be. It makes a huge positive difference in first impression people have of you, which is extremely important in a formal environment. Whether you’re a fashion newbie or not, whether you are just beginning a menial job or a top executive at a smart firm of the likes of National Debt Relief, you should look for the following essentials in your closet:

 

1) White Shirt

This is an essential for both men and women. A crisp, clean, well-fitted white shirt is an absolute must for any wardrobe. It pairs well with nearly everything else in any colour, and you won’t be at a loss for deciding what to team it up with. On casual work occasions, you could pair a white shirt with a pair of jeans and a blazer. Variations of this could be light colored shirts, which are an excellent choice when the temperatures rise.

2) Blazer

A well fitted standalone blazer is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in a man’s closet. Blazers are both formal and casual, so you can walk out of the boardroom and into the bar with ease, without feeling out of place. Stick to colours like grey and navy blue to keep up the versatility. The main types of blazers are tweed, sports and formal. If pressed for choice, choose the versatile tweed blazer which is appropriate for any occasion.

3) Tie

This is a often overlooked part of the wardrobe till it comes time to put one on. A tie complements and strings all the aspects of your entire look together. A well-chosen tie will quietly infuse class into an outfit. There are many varieties of ties available, from broad ties to skinny ties, single colour to patterned, and everything in between. A classic solid colour tie is a must, while you can keep pinstriped or subtly dotted ones for less formal occasions as well.

4) Brogues

If you can buy only one pair of shoes, buy brogues. Also called wing-tips, these work well in all types of situations. They are very well-suited for business formal events, and exude power and class. Make sure the pair you choose is in dark, strong colours like dark brown, oxblood or even burgundy. The colour makes for a break in monotony without breaking the formal facade.

5) Single-breasted suit

A well tailored suit is an absolute must-have in your formal wardrobe. There is no substitute, no matter how much you try. If possible, make sure the suit is custom tailored to your body-type, as this makes all the difference in the world. Choose a single-breasted classic design unless you can afford to keep up with changing fashion. Black, grey and navy blue are the classic go-to colours. If possible, look for a three-piece ensemble with a waistcoat.

6) Overcoat

It gets cold sometimes, even in your three-piece suit. An overcoat then becomes a lot more than a fashion statement. When you are selecting your overcoat, keep in mind that you will be wearing it across different seasons. Get separate ones for warmer and colder weather if necessary. Their fit should be such that you are comfortable despite layers of clothing underneath. If you’re tired of the usual colours, you could look into tan or rich beige as options.

7) Socks

Never overlook your socks! Most people tend to dismiss their importance, but in a formal event, every little part of your wardrobe counts. Socks are worn to match your pants, not, as popularly thought, the shoes. Essentially, for formal wear, you should have checked socks, broad striped socks, single colour socks and printed socks.

8) Accessories

You thought accessories were only for girls? Think again! Tie pins, a classic watch, a leather wallet, and a belt should also be part of your formal wardrobe. Invest in good ones. Tie pins can be subtle or more ornamental, as your style dictates.  The usual form is the straight bar that holds your tie in place. Actual pin-like options are also available which are less visible.
The importance of a good watch cannot be overstated. Nothing very flashy or fancy, something that is big but not clunky. The dial should be white or black, while the strap should not be childish. A good belt will serve you for many years and is worth investing in a black and brown one. A leather wallet just adds to the impression you make with good formal attire, and thus shouldn’t be overlooked.

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