A Guide To Social Dress Codes For Men: Business, Formal, Optional
When we hear the phrase “dress code” we’re most likely to associate it with workplace rules.
Lots of jobs still have written guidelines for employee attire – with varying degrees of strictness.
Much rarer are dress codes for social events.
These written requests for attendee attire are usually only one or two words long, printed on an invitation and meant to be understood by all guests.
Unfortunately – universal understanding of social dress codes is going the way of cursive handwriting.
It has an old-fashioned appeal to some people but most of us don’t bother with it anymore.
So if you’ve been invited to an event with a dress code – or you’re planning an event and you want to request a specific sort of attire from your guests – look no further!
Formal Dress Code For Men: White Tie
The phrase “formal attire” is misunderstood in modern society.
Formal attire does not mean suits and ties!
It is a substantially higher dress code – requiring clothes that most men don’t own.
If you request formal attire on an invitation (and you don’t belong to an extremely wealthy and upper class set), understand that you’re probably asking the majority of your guests to go through the rental process.
Formal wear for men changes depending on the time of day. In daylight hours, it means morning dress with a tailcoat and vest, while at night it means “White Tie”.
Both of these are extremely strict dress codes.
It would be unusual (and a bit presumptuous) to request full formal attire for a personal event.
Most White Tie affairs are diplomatic events or high-formality award ceremonies (and the occasional British sporting event).
Unless you’re a high society heir or heiress throwing a bash at a New York hotel, White Tie is probably too strict for your wedding or birthday party.
Semi-Formal Dress Code For Men: Black Tie
Don’t let the diminutive phrasing fool you – semi-formal attire is still the strictest dress code most of us will wear in our lives.
Like formal wear, semi-formal attire changes based on time of day.
In the evening, it is the familiar Black Tie (Tuxedo) ensemble while in the daytime, the “Stroller” (a relaxed alternative to morning dress) is appropriate.
Most modern guests will not be aware of the distinction.
Tuxedos at daytime events are a common occurrence nowadays.
If you, as the host or hostess, wish men to come attired in strollers, it may be worth your while to state this explicitly. Add a phrase such as “Daytime Semi-Formal (Strollers For Men)” in the “Attire” or “Dress Code” section of your invitation.
Some men own their own Tuxedos but for the most part this is another dress code that will force attendees to rent attire.
Use this request sparingly and only for events of great significance like weddings.
It would be very unusual for anyone outside of the jet-set to throw more than one or two semi-formal events in his or her lifetime!
If you receive a semi-formal invitation, give yourself plenty of time for the rental process.
Expect it to take several weeks from your first fitting and outfit selection for the clothes to arrive and be adjusted.
Be firm with the sales staff and make it clear that you are only interested in true black tie (or daytime semi-formal) attire.
These days, most of the offerings at rental outlets are cartoon-colored costumes for high school proms. This is not real formal and semi-formal wear.
Business Dress Code For Men
A “business” or “business dress” code means one thing for men: matched suits.
If an invitation has specifically requested business attire, it’s best to err on the side of formality and wear a dark, solid-colored or pinstriped suit.
Pair it with a white dress shirt, a conservative tie, and black leather oxfords, and you’re – no pun intended – in business.
There is a certain amount of leeway at social events – particularly daytime ones – so a lighter gray suit or a dark brown one are acceptable.
For the most part, though, “business dress” means the more formal end of men’s suits.
If, on the other hand, the invitation simply says “suits and ties for men”, “casual suits” with lighter colors or more vivid patterns are acceptable.
Strictly speaking, this isn’t a dress code. But it is a request you will see from time to time on invitations – particularly to dressed-up but light-hearted affairs like brunches and church outings. This is also what men should wear to court and other formal situations.
Men’s Business Casual Or Dress Casual
There are a number of variations on this phrase and they all mean the same thing.
For men, jackets are still preferred (but not required – and not as part of a matched suit).
The most conventional dress casual outfit for a man is a navy blue blazer with light to medium gray slacks or khakis. (This is such a common dressed-down alternative to full business attire that it’s sometimes called “the California suit.”)
If the word “casual” is on the invitation, a fair amount of flexibility is permitted.
Blazers or sports jackets are the dressiest look within the code. Sweaters or dress shirts without a top layer are more dressed-down.
In general, you’re better off showing up with a jacket and tie and then stripping one or both off if you find yourself too overdressed.
It’s easy to dress a blazer or sports jacket and slacks down but hard to dress a plain shirt up.
At the bare minimum, a “business casual” invitation still requires slacks or khakis (not jeans) and a collared shirt.
You’ll also need leather dress shoes and socks to match the trousers.
Casual Dress
A “casual attire” invitation is mostly open-ended but there is still the expectation of dressing up for a social event.
Neckties are definitely not needed, but a casual jacket could still be worn.
Similarly, jeans are acceptable if the invitation says “casual”.
Remember, they should be dark, fitted jeans – not plain work jeans or anything with rips and tears.
Leather shoes and collared shirts are still preferable.
The “casual” code tells you that the hosts aren’t putting any stock in formality.
They want it to be a relaxed event where guests can be themselves.
All well and good – but you should still look like you made an effort! It’s just polite.
Understanding “Optional” Dress Codes
Occasionally dress codes will come with the word “optional” attached.
This is mostly done at the higher levels of formality, i.e. “black tie optional.”
What that means is that the hosts are planning on wearing the listed code.
This encourages guests to do likewise if they wish.
It’s a way of dressing the event up without requiring that every single attendee meet a high standard that might require rental clothing or expensive purchases.
With an optional dress code, it is of course always appropriate to meet the listed code. (But don’t exceed it – you wouldn’t wear white tie to a “black tie optional” event.)
Alternatively, you can wear a close approximation at a slightly lower level of formality.
For example, if the event is “black tie optional” and you don’t want to rent a tuxedo, you can instead wear a dark business suit with a plain white shirt and a very reserved necktie.
This gives the same general impression of severe formality as a tuxedo, but without the need for exotic attire.
A slight variation is the “preferred” dress code: like “optional”.
This leaves it up to the guests but with the indication that the hosts would like guests to dress to the maximum standard if at all possible.
“Preferred” leaves a graceful out for guests who absolutely can’t meet the dress code.
“Optional” leaves it up to their tastes and preferences entirely.
These are good codes for hosts to use when they’re indulging in a very dressed-up appearance but want to make the event more accessible to friends and relatives.
Invitations Without Dress Codes
So what do you do if you receive an invitation that doesn’t list a dress code?
The simplest suggestion is always to ask the hosts. Don’t be embarrassed, especially in this modern world of e-mails and text messages, to shoot the host with whom you are most familiar a short note saying “how dressed up do you want people at the event?”
If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, ask around among other attendees.
And if you truly have no one you can ask, consider the time and setting.
Evening attire should generally be darker and simpler than daytime. Outdoor settings are more casual than indoor, and so on.
Always err on the side of being a bit overdressed.
As we’ve said before, it’s very easy to take off a necktie or shed a jacket and become less formal, but if you only showed up with a shirt and slacks there’s no way for you to become dressier.
Finally, in rare cases you may run into an invitation where the listed dress code doesn’t seem accurate.
For example, I was once invited to a wedding that requested a “formal” dress code.
I knew from speaking with the groom that he was only wearing a business suit.
Since the hosts will always be wearing the most formal interpretation of the event’s dress code, I knew that meant they only wanted nice-looking suits, not true formal wear.
It’s a bit of an awkward situation.
In a case like that you should dress to match your hosts, rather than adhering to the written instructions and drawing attention to their error.
Don’t even mention it to them – once the invitations are sent, there’s nothing they can do about it anyway!
And there you have it.
That’s all you need to know about dressing to meet social dress codes as a man. Easy, wasn’t it?
Check out this research on How Formal Clothing Affects Chances In Negotiation.
Click below to watch the video – A Guide To Social Dress Codes For Men
The post A Guide To Social Dress Codes For Men: Business, Formal, Optional appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
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By: Antonio Centeno
Title: A Guide To Social Dress Codes For Men: Business, Formal, Optional
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/guide-dress-codes-men/
Published Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:33:42 +0000
When most men think of buying a reliable, high-quality wristwatch, brands like Rolex and Audemars Piguet stand out. But what also stands out is the price tag of those brands. Ouch. But what about buying a Seiko watch?
Not every man has the budget for luxury, Swiss timepieces. With a Seiko watch, you can get a durable, high-quality timepiece starting around $100.
Seiko has been around for 142 years, and to this day, they are one of the world’s top watch manufacturers. With a wide selection of timepieces ranging from affordable options to high-end luxury offerings, they have cemented themselves for their durable and high-quality timepieces.
But why buy a Seiko watch over any other brand? What does Seiko do differently? Which is the best Seiko watch to purchase in 2023?
In today’s article I’m going to cover:
- Why You Should Buy A Seiko Watch
- A Brief History Of Seiko
- What Makes Seiko Watches Special?
- Top Seiko Watches I Recommend
- When And Where To Buy A Seiko Watch
Why You Should Buy A Seiko Watch
Seiko Watches offer a lot of benefits that other watch manufacturers can’t match. But why should buy one? Here are a few reasons why you should buy a Seiko watch.
The Brand
When it comes to Japanese watchmakers, there are really only 2 that come to mind for most men – Seiko and Casio.
While Casio is a great company and you can find plenty of classic Casio watches to choose from, they tend to offer more rugged and digital options than Seiko.
The key selling point of the Seiko brand is that regardless of which model you choose, you are always getting a top-notch watch from a company with great heritage.
The Value
Seiko has plenty of offerings that start around $100 – sometimes less depending on where you shop. But even on their high-end offerings, you are still getting an incredible value.
Often times, luxury brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe are only available directly from the manufacturer, if you decide to buy new that is. This means you could end up paying a massive mark-up on your watch.
Seiko is available almost everywhere you can buy a watch. With the digital landscape of 2023, you can easily head to a major online retailer and buy almost any Seiko watch you’d like.
The Design
Just because Seiko has affordable watch options, does not mean that you’re getting a poorly designed timepiece.
Unlike other watch companies whose claim-to-fame is only producing clones of famous designs – think Invicta’s clone of the Rolex Submariner – Seiko has real heritage and history behind their designs.
Over the years, Seiko has even given some of their watch designs refreshes to keep them modern with the times. This is the attention to detail that separates companies like Seiko from others with their dedication to design and authenticity.
The Selection
As I previously stated, there is a Seiko watch for everyone.
Anywhere from casual field watches and dive watches, to formal dress watches and everything in between. Do you want a Seiko watch to wear when hiking? They have that. Do you also want a Seiko watch you can wear with a tuxedo? They have that too.
Seiko truly has one of the best selections for beginners to get their feet wet in classically designed timepieces. And the best part is, they only go up from there.
A Brief History Of Seiko
Where It All Began
In 1881, Japanese clockmaker Kintaro Hattori opened a shop that was dedicated to selling and repairing watches and clocks in Ginza, Tokyo.
He excelled at this for the next 11 years, until 1892, when he founded Seikosha, the company that was to become one of the most important manufacturers of timepieces in the world.
It was here that Hattori produced his very first clocks.
Then in 1895, he built the first pocket watch, the Timekeeper. This was an important development for timepieces from Seikosha that heavily paved the way for Japan’s first-ever wristwatch.
How Japan’s First Wrist Watch Came To Be
After creating the first pocket watch in Japan, Hattori would go on to create the first wristwatch made in Japan, named the Laurel in 1913.
At the time, the company was only able to produce a small amount of watches. Then, unfortunately, in 1923, a large earthquake struck the company’s headquarters and the Seikosha factory burned down.
In 1924, after a fresh start and under the new name of Seiko, the first Seiko brand watch went on sale.
For the next 30 years, Seiko would go on to create and innovate in the timepiece space, even, becoming the official supplier of pocket watches to Japan National Railways as the railway industry was expanding in Japan.
How Seiko Became So Prominent
From 1956 onward, Seiko solidified itself in horology by innovating and designing some of the most well-known components in wristwatches we know today.
Seiko went on to create the Diashock in 1956 – a component that Seiko used to absorb shock in their watches to better protect them. Then in 1959, they created their own proprietary “magic lever” system, which is an innovative self-winding system that is still used to this day in Seiko watches.
Hitting a pinnacle in 1960, when the first Grand Seiko model was created, Seiko wanted to create a watch that was more durable and legible than any other watch. It was their flagship and really set off the next 60+ years of innovation to where we know Seiko today.
Here are some more staple moments in Seiko’s history of innovation:
- 1964 – created Japan’s first wristwatch with a stopwatch on it, the Chronograph
- 1965 – produced Japan’s first diver watch to handle deep water pressure
- 1969 – introduced the world’s first quartz watch
- 1973 – introduced the world’s first 6-digit LCD quartz watch
- 1982 – introduced the world’s first TV watch
- 1983 – introduced the world’s first voice recording watch
- 1999 – created the Spring Drive – this gave mechanical watches quartz accuracy
- 2006 – introduced the world’s first E-Ink watch
- 2012 – introduced the world’s first GPS solar watch
What Makes Seiko Watches Special?
While it’s well known the vast majority of watchmakers use different types of the same components, what’s less known is the types of materials that each brand uses.
For example, Seiko creates their watches with commonly used materials mixed with proprietary technology and designs to create timepieces that are durable and high-quality.
What Materials Does Seiko Use In Their Watches?
Much like other manufacturers, Seiko uses a broad range of top materials to create their watches. This is a list of what you’ll find in most offerings of Seiko watches:
- Steel 316L – industry standard, used for watch cases, bezels, and bracelets
- Sapphire crystal – premium option, extremely scratch resistant, less shock resistant
- Mineral crystal (also known as Hardlex) – budget option, relatively scratch-resistant, more shock resistant
- LumiBrite – proprietary lume found in regular Seikos AND premium Grand Seiko watches – 10 minutes of bright sunlight = 3-5 hours of gradually fading light
- Premium Leather – used for straps and bracelets
What Movements Does Seiko Use?
Possibly some of the most interesting aspects about Seiko watches are the internal movements that make each watch tick – pun intended.
Now while I won’t get into too many details about the specifics and terminology of mechanical watches, I will dive into a few different movements from Seiko specifically.
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into mechanical watch research, check out the Ultimate Watch Buying Guide.
Here are 3 of the most common movements that Seiko uses and some features of each:
1. Seiko 7s26 – The Less-Expensive Movement
- Non-hacking, automatic and manual winding not possible
- 41 hour power reserve
- Accuracy somewhere between -20 to +20 seconds a day out of the box, settling down to somewhere in the range of -15 to +15 seconds a day or better
- Found on Seiko 5s and other older models
2. 4r35 – The Mid-Range Movement
- Hacking, manual and automatic winding possible
- 41 hour power reserve
- Date display
- Accuracy of -20 to +20 seconds a day, settling down to -10 to +10 seconds a day or better
- Found on Seiko Cocktail Times and newer lines
3. 6R15 – The Higher-End Movement
- Hacking, automatic and manual winding possible
- 50 hour power reserve
- Date display
- Accuracy of -10 to +10 out of the box, settling down to -5 to +5 seconds a day or better
- Found on Seiko Prospex and old Alpinist models
Top Seiko Watches I Recommend
It’s important to find the Seiko that’s perfect for you. But with such a wide selction to choose from, it’s understandable that you would want somewhere to start.
Without further ado, here are some of the best Seikos I’ve owned and some I wish I owned!
Seiko Ion Prospex SRPB55
- Quality dive watch
- 200m of water resistance which matches other luxury watches (think Tudor)
- Around $400
Seiko 5 SNK793
- Highly affordable dress watch
- Features day-date, sunray dial, and exhibition case back
- Around $100
Seiko 5 SNZF17J1
- A more adventurous Seiko 5 option
- Features a chunky, unidirectional stainless steel bezel and lumed hands
- Around $200
Seiko 5 SRPC61
- Smart-casual Seiko 5 option
- Features 120-click unidirectional bottlecap-shaped bezel
- Around $300
Seiko 5 SNK800
- Classic field watch style
- One of the most versatile Seiko options available for the price point
- Around $100
Men's SNK805 SEIKO 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Green Canvas
$187.72
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPB43
- Classic style dress watch that works for both office and cocktail attire
- Features mid-century design with a sunray dial combined with 3D markers
- Around $400
Seiko Alpinist SPB121J1
- One of Seiko’s most popular watches online – design slightly updated in 2021
- Features sapphire crystal, 200m water resistance, and a 70 hour power reserve
- Around $700
Seiko Prospex"Alpinist" Compass Green Dial Sapphire Glass Leather Watch SPB121J1
$664.90
Seiko Prospex SBDC051
- Premium dive watch that combines old and new design
- Features a rugged stainless steel case with 200m water resistance
- Around $1,000
When And Where To Buy A Seiko Watch
The easiest answer to this question is “when you have the funds”. But the better answer is that it depends. And this goes for any watch, not just a Seiko. Let me explain.
A watch is highly visible on the wrist, making it a deeply personal part of a man’s wardrobe. For this reason, a good time to buy a watch is at a major life event such as graduating college, milestone birthdays, getting married, or a promotion at work.
But whatever the reason, the best time to buy a watch is when you are ready to buy one. Find your perfect watch, not someone else’s.
Certain iterations of Seiko watches may have more value at one time or another if you’re into collecting. Regardless, if you are looking for a good quality watch at a decent price, Seiko is one of the best options on the market.
As far as where to buy a Seiko watch, unlike other luxury brands that require you to go direct to the manufacturer or risk massive mark-ups from dealers, Seiko can be purchased just about anywhere.
Online is probably the most viable way to get one in 2023 but some large department stores, retailers, and dealers, will have plenty of Seiko options for you to choose from. When in doubt, a certified Seiko dealer will be your best bet.
That’s it. I hope this guide helps you to find your next Seiko watch so that you can finally get your hands on a well-designed, classic Japanese-manufactured watch that has withstood the test of time.
The post Ultimate Seiko Watch Buying Guide appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: Ultimate Seiko Watch Buying Guide
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/seiko-watch-buying-guide/
Published Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:24:39 +0000
Most men have no clue when it comes to mixing and matching colors.
If you err on the side of caution and avoid bringing any color into your wardrobe, you’ll look dull. Or, if you get it wrong and add too much color – or the wrong colors – you’ll look like a clown.
This article will help you understand how to match colors in men’s clothing.
You will learn how to:
- Focus On Neutral Colors
- Use Small Pops Of Brighter Colors
- Don’t Overthink Your Skin Tone
What Does Understanding (And Using) Color Do?
- Avoids blatant mistakes
- Guides people’s eyes
- It makes people subconsciously “feel” things (red enlivens, brown = trust, dark navy or gray = power)
- It makes shopping MUCH more straightforward when you know what works best for you
But how does that translate into an actual outfit?
It’s not enough to know that red and green are complementary colors that go well together.
Even though the colors are good in combination, the wrong shades or the wrong amounts of each color will make you look like a Christmas decoration.
Menswear has to find a good balance between the dominant colors of the suits and shirts and the accent colors of things like neckties, pocket squares, and jewelry.
Combining colors tastefully is one of the hallmarks of the genuinely well-dressed man.
Although people have written dissertations on color-coordinating your wardrobe, the basics are pretty simple. All you have to remember are these 3 quick rules for combining colors in men’s clothing (courtesy of my friend Barron).
Trust me; it’s a lot easier than you might think.
For this article, I collaborated with Barron Cuadro from Effortless Gent, a men’s style blog that guides you towards building a lean wardrobe.
Do you ever look in your closet and think, “I have all this clothing, yet there’s nothing I want to wear”? If so, you’re in luck! Barron has helped many men like you take advantage of a flexible and interchangeable set of clothes for daily use. He makes it an effortless task regardless of your age, body type, or budget.
Whether you’re starting your wardrobe from scratch or just bringing in a few classic pieces to fill in the gaps, I highly recommend browsing Effortless Gent. You might also want to visit the EG online store for some stylish items that will upgrade your wardrobe even further.
Now for Barron’s 3 essential rules for how to match colors in men’s clothing.
How To Match Colors In Men’s Clothing Rule #1: Focus On Neutral Colors
Think of all the possible clothing color combinations like a pizza. You’ve got the base made up of bread and cheese and then an assortment of toppings that cater to different tastes.
Which would you say is more important: the base or the toppings? No-brainer! What kind of pizza has no crust? Similarly, a stylish outfit needs a good base of neutral colors like these:
- Black
- White
- Gray
- Navy, Light & Sky Blue
- Brown & Khaki
- Olive Green
These are the colors that go with most others. They set up the foundation for your outfits, making your job of finding matching clothes in your closet much more effortless.
That’s why they should constitute the majority of your wardrobe in terms of color percentages. With the right proportion of neutrals and non-neutrals, you can focus on the following rule (and have fun with it).
How To Match Colors Rule #2: Use Small Pops Of Brighter Colors
This rule is where you do get to do a bit of experimentation. Just remember what happens to a pizza if you overload it with multiple veggies or meat types that don’t go well together. The same principle applies when it comes to color in your wardrobe.
The key, as always, is moderation. Stick with only small touches of 1-2 brighter colors to prevent them from clashing with or overpowering the rest of your outfit.
A yellow or pink pocket square, for example, will pair well with a charcoal sports jacket and all other neutrals you have on (white or light blue dress shirt, dark blue jeans, black belt, etc.). It will easily pop out with that combination. The same goes for a red necktie or gold buttons on a neutral-colored jacket.
Shoes are slightly trickier. While black is the only option in some cases, e.g., formal dress, shades of brown complement most of the neutrals above far better. So what’s your best bet here? In a nutshell, brown is the answer. For a more thorough explanation, check out this article on matching dress shoes with neutral-colored suits.
But what if you’re planning instead to wear a bright suit color for a friend’s wedding or another special event? A bit of trial-and-error is in order. Do a bit of research on your best options. Ask the groom’s opinion. Or the bride’s. And remember – there’s always Pinterest and Instagram to help you out!
How To Match Colors Rule #3 Don’t Overthink Your Skin Tone
When dressing up, men often wonder: “Does this color look good with my skin tone?” Ever asked yourself this? Don’t worry about this too much. It’s more a secondary issue and not a huge limiting factor in what colors you can wear.
Shouldn’t skin color matter here? Well, yes, to a certain extent. But it should only play a part in about 10% of your decision-making regarding your color choices for clothing, and only after you’ve considered the two rules mentioned above.
It does help to know the type and amount of contrast between your skin tone and hair color. But that info should only require minor adjustments to your style. Don’t let your skin completely overhaul whatever you’ve taken time to put together. Stick to the neutrals and pops of color mentioned above, and chances are you’ll look good regardless of your complexion.
Matching colors is essentially a personal skill. There are no official rights or wrongs. The rules listed in this post – and all other rules about color – are not strict. As much as it helps to follow them (especially if you’re beginning to upgrade your style), there are times when you have to follow your gut simply.
With some practice, you’ll eventually be able to tell whether your outfit works with a single glance in the mirror.
When it comes to understanding how to match colors in men’s clothing, remember this: If you like what you see and the outfit suits the occasion, go ahead with it! Forget about how much it defies conventions. Be confident – and it’ll show. And confidence always looks good.
The post 3 Main Rules To Match Colors In Men’s Clothing appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: 3 Main Rules To Match Colors In Men’s Clothing
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/match-colors-style-rules/
Published Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:51:28 +0000
Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/mens-dress-code-guide/
How do you build a wardrobe?
Have you walked into a store and been overwhelmed at the options that are available?
Or maybe you look in your closet and you want to know if you have everything you need? How can you tell if your wardrobe is good?
In the spirit of maximizing time, let’s quickly go over a few looks you should know.
Specifically, there are 6 looks that every man should be able to master. You should shop with these looks in mind or if you do wardrobe assessment, with the goal of being able to create these dress codes with your existing clothes.
Let’s discuss the looks below!
1. Semiformal / Business Attire
Professional attire is the look that gentlemen wear in very professional environments. It’s the uniform of lawyers, bankers, professors, Wall Street traders, and other business environments where decorum and professionalism are woven into the culture and fabric of the organization.
As such, the first step to mastering this look is to know your environment. Most businesses are explicit in saying that the dress code is professional attire so there is no second-guessing.
When a gentleman is dressed in professional attire, he’s communicating that he is about taking care of some serious business. His outfit says that his focus is sharp, that he’s intellectually capable, and he’s intent about the work that needs to be accomplished. There is a high level of respect that comes with this look.
Recommendations
- Suit: Navy is considered the power color but gray and black are also strong business suits
- White shirt: Plain white shirt is always a great option but you can spice it up with textured shirts or inconspicuous designs like window pane stripes or gingham print
- Neckties: Blue, gray, black are standard business colors for ties. Don’t feel limited as there are varying shades of blue and grey and designs such as polka dots, stripes, and paisley are great ways to add more style.
- Pocket Square: White, straight fold handkerchiefs adds a crisp and classic element to the overall look. Colored pocket squares can work depending on the environment.
- Oxford shoes: Shoes should be the same color as your belt; brown or black. Again, shades of brown vary so there is still a lot of variety available.
- Socks: Trouser socks that that matches the pant leg of the suit. It’s the safest bet to stay with solid socks.
2. Business Casual
If you are unsure how to dress for a job in a creative industry or wondering what to wear as a teacher then this may well be what you’re looking for.
Business casual is exactly what is implied in the name. It’s a casual look made for the professional environment. Just because this look is more comfortable, it’s still supposed to illustrate a high level of professionalism. A traditional business casual look is no suit jacket. It has now evolved to “no suit and no tie required.”
Business casual has been expanded to trousers and a nice button up or even slacks and a polo style shirt. Workplace environment is everything when it comes to professional attire so make sure that your version of business casual is in line with the culture of the office.
Recommendations
- Moccasins – Wear with or without socks if the work culture supports it.
- Loafers
- Oxford shoes
- Double Monk Straps
- Colored buttoned down shirts are acceptable
- Suits with no tie can be spiced up with a lapel pin and colorfully patterned pocket square.
The key to this look is no neckwear. The collar can be open or the top button can be buttoned up. Either way, there should not be a tie. Also the polo can be worn with the top button fastened as well. It’s personal preference.
If you’re not going to button up the top button, make sure you have magnetic collar stays in the collar of your shirt. This will keep the collar upright and keep the look sharp
3. Casual Attire
As a man of style, the days of the dad jeans and your favorite tee shirt is no longer allowed. Also, sporty doesn’t mean a jersey and gym shorts -although they definitely have their place. There is a way to be sporty and still be stylish. Think of it as weekend attire. It’s comfortable, fun, and flexible.
This look can be a pair of well-fitting raw denim jeans, a t-shirt, and some stylish sneakers. Another option would be a henley, khakis, and a pair of boots. It is the undefined look when you don’t really know what you are doing for the day but you want to be comfortably sharp.
Recommendations:
- Chinos: Casual pants that can be dressed up with blazers
- Polo shirts: These shirts were originally for athletes and are a stylishly comfortable option that can be paired with jeans, chinos, or shorts
- Shorts: Jean shorts or chino shorts are acceptable.
- Casual deck sneakers: These are sneakers that are not for competing. They are usually made of canvas material with a rubber sole.
- Casual t-shirts: Solid colored or patterned t-shirts that can be dressed up with a blazer. They are versatile and comfortable. Do not confuse a casual t-shirt with a screened tee. An example of screened t-shirt is your favorite childhood marvel comic t-shirt.
Formal wear can be broken into three (3) different categories: Black Tie, Creative Black Tie, and White Tie. Most guys have no idea that there are three formal aesthetics, let alone the difference between them.
4. Ultra Casual
Admittedly, this type of look is the simplest to pull off. It’s for style and comfort. The Ultra casual look is a spring and summer go-to look as it’s for warm weather and functionality. That being said, there is still a way to stylishly pull it off.
Recommendations:
- T-shirt: The type of t-shirt is totally depending on your preference. Whether it’s a crew neck or v-neck is not as important as the fit and quality of the shirt. Make sure that both are stellar
- Shorts: Shorts should be funtional and worn above the knee. When shorts are worn below the knee it makes you look shorter (regardless of your height) and disproportionate.
- Shoe: Sneakers or moccasin/loafer. Wear either shoe with no socks or “no show” socks if your feet sweat. Socks with these kind of shoes are an absolute no-no.
- Accessories: Watches and bracelets are great additions to this look. They will stand out because of the outfit’s simplicity. Both classic and sporty watches will work well and leave a strong, fashionable statement.
Gents, grooming will play a big part in this look as well. There is a lot of skin showing so make sure that you are well lotioned. Shorts and ashy legs are not a good look.
5. Creative Black Tie
This can be considered the least formal aesthetic in the formal wear category. It’s a new school twist on traditional formal wear. It’s seen most often at Hollywood events such as red carpets and award shows.
The creative black tie look has a playful element that intelligently substitutes bold colors on subtle pieces for a bit of pizzazz.
Being that formal wear is a uniform of sorts, the creative black tie fun way for your formal attire to stand out in a crowd. This look is popular amongst millennials who typically defy the traditional conventions of menswear
Recommendations: The looks almost identical to traditional black tie with colored accessories such as:
- Vest
- Cummerbund
- Bow tie
6. Black Tie Dress Code
Less formal than white tie, but more formal than creative black tie – it is reserved for social functions and evening events. It is less regulated than white tie dress so more latitude for variations is given for this aesthetic.
Black Tie Recommendations:
- A jacket with ribbed silk facings on a shawl collar or peaked lapel
- Trousers with a single silk or satin braid covering the outer seams
- A black cummerbund or a low-cut waistcoat
- A white dress shirt, French cuffs and cufflinks, and a turn-down or detachable wing collar
- A black ribbed silk bow tie matching the lapel facings
- Optional shirt studs and cufflinks
- Black dress socks
- Black shoes—highly polished or patent leather Oxfords, or patent leather court shoes
7. White Tie Dress Code
White tie is the most formal style of dress and is usually reserved for high society events such as state dinners, formal balls and evening weddings. It is typically considered only appropriate after 6 p.m., but it has been extended to anytime after dark.
White Tie Recommendations
- Black or midnight blue dress coat with silk facings, horizontally cut-away at the front
- Trousers of matching fabric with one single wide stripe or two narrow stripes of satin or braid and are worn with suspenders
- White plain stiff-fronted cotton shirt
- White stiff wing collar, preferably detachable
- White bow tie
- White low-cut waistcoat matching the bow tie and shirt
- Black silk socks or stockings
- Black court shoes
In Summary
Click Here For A Full Infographic On A Social Guide To Dress Codes For Men
The post Men’s Dress Code Guide appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: Men’s Dress Code Guide
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/social-dress-codes/
Published Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:41:42 +0000
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