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Method 1: Organising Your Suit
- Wear a well-fitted suit. A jacket and formal trousers are the perfect choice for semi-formal occasions (and the expected attire). Dressing less formally than a suit would make you appear underdressed. You should have your suit tailored to fit your frame perfectly.
- Opt for lighter-toned suits during daytime events. It is traditional for gentlemen to wear light-coloured suits for daytime engagements. Choose from shades such as cream, beige, or brown.
- Wear dark suits for evening or night-time events. If attending a later-hour function, select navy blue, dark grey, or black.
- Wear a crisp button-down shirt beneath your jacket. Remember to tuck in the hem. Your button-down shirt offers an opportunity to showcase your personal style, so don’t shy away from patterns or non-white options. Exercise caution, however, against overly flashy or glittery fabrics, which may detract from a refined appearance.
- For instance, you could add interest to your suit with a lavender button-down featuring a subtle pinstripe pattern. But you absolutely don’t want to wear a shirt covered in watermelon motifs.
- Leave the tuxedo at home. You want to enjoy the event, not feel uncomfortable because you’re overdressed. Save your tailcoat for formal black-tie occasions.
Method 2: Accessorising
1. Tie a necktie to elevate your outfit. Should you attend an event where a slightly more formal appearance is desired, consider wearing a tie. Occasionally, a tie is more appropriate for evening engagements. Opt for a slim, understated tie, steering clear of loud or wildly patterned designs.
If you prefer not to wear a tie, do not feel compelled to do so. Going without can convey a more refined, subtly casual aesthetic.
If you do wear a tie for an occasion but feel overly formal, don’t hesitate to remove it for a more relaxed look.
2. Wear a belt that complements your suit. If your suit is dark, such as navy blue or black, pair it with a black leather belt. Opt for a leather belt with a simple design.
3. Complete your look with a smart pair of dress shoes. Ensure your shoes match your suit. Light-coloured suits pair with brown shoes; dark suits pair with black shoes.
Do not forget to wear plain, full-length socks. Exposed white sports socks at the ankles will ruin the carefully coordinated look of the rest of your outfit.
4. Exercise caution when wearing other accessories. If you genuinely wish to express personal style through accessories, opt for a simple watch or a pocket square. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery, as this will make your ensemble appear less refined and inappropriate.
Method 3: Avoiding Fashion Faux Pas
1. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
2. Never wear jeans or chinos to semi-formal occasions. They are never appropriate. Always wear a pair of well-fitted, smart formal trousers that match your suit jacket.
3. Do not attend your event wearing a polo shirt.
4. Do not substitute a sports jacket or waistcoat for a suit jacket. Sports jackets and waistcoats have their place, but not in semi-formal settings. Suit jackets offer greater weight and structure than their alternatives. Stick to the suit jacket to avoid looking out of place.
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