You have a big event coming up—so what on earth do you wear? Many men don’t attend formal events like weddings or galas very often, so it can be hard to know what to wear.
The event might require a suit, tuxedo, or slacks and a blazer, plus the appropriate accessories. If you’re the type of guy who normally lives in jeans, is there any hope for looking amazing for the event?
Yes! Men’s fashion is easier than you might think. To learn more, keep reading to find our simple men’s style guide for big events.
Understand the Dress Code
If you’re going to a big event, your first step is to find out the dress code—and take it seriously! You don’t want to look out of place.
Dress codes are a guide to what you should be wearing to the event, with a wide range of options including business casual, business formal, cocktail attire, semi-formal, and black tie.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about a dress code—search online for ideas, ask at a menswear shop, or speak to other men who will also be attending the event.
Get Inspiration From Others
When developing your own style, look for a men’s fashion styles guide to help out. This could be magazines, websites, or simply people-watching on a busy street in the city.
While you always want your style to be original, it helps to get ideas from others. What are they wearing, how are they styling it, and what can you learn from them?
Invest in a Tailor
One of our biggest tips when it comes to dressing for an important event is to invest in a tailor. Very rarely do clothes, especially suits and tuxedos, fit perfectly right off the rack.
Whether the body of the jacket is too big or the sleeves are too long, there are plenty of small tweaks a tailor can make to improve your look. A well-tailored suit can be the difference in a man looking average or amazing, so it’s worth the time and effort.
The cost of a tailor is probably less than you think, but be sure to start the process well in advance of the big event, as it can sometimes take several weeks to get the fitting right.
When you buy your suit, the shop should be able to recommend local tailors that can help.
Pay Attention to Your Accessories
It’s been said that accessories make the man, but this is especially true when it comes to formal events. Whether you need to find a tie for your wedding or select dress socks, the accessories are key in pulling your outfit together.
The most common accessories men wear to formal occasions include a tie, watch, socks, pocket handkerchief, and a belt. When designing your outfit, think of how your accessories will look together—you want to make sure they don’t clash with one another or overwhelm your clothes.
Often, men prefer to have their watch as a statement piece of jewelry, as a beautiful watch like a Rolex or Longines are sure to turn heads and attract attention.
Purchase Classic Pieces, Not Trendy Items
When shopping for clothing and accessories for your event, think classic, not trendy. Look at well-dressed Hollywood men like Robert Downey Jr and Colin Firth—one thing they all have in common is that they wear timeless, elegant looks to formal events.
Whether you want to channel your inner James Bond or Brad Pitt, you can learn from the celebrities by dressing in classic looks. Trendy styles come and go, leaving you with a wardrobe full of clothes you’ll never wear after a year or two.
You want to look for pieces you can wear repeatedly, like black dress shoes, a navy suit, premium shirts for men as well as cufflinks.
Classic clothes will never go out of style, which helps you stretch your budget further. If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a tux for a big event, renting can be a more affordable option.
Buy Clothes That Fit Well
Although you can have items tailored, it helps to try to always buy clothes that fit well. It’s often tempting to buy a smaller size, with the aim of fitting into it later in time, but your best bet is to always buy clothes that fit well at the time of purchase.
Clothes that fit well will always look more flattering than items that are too big or too small.
Have Confidence in Your Look
Lastly, always have confidence in your own style! Even the best suit in the world won’t look amazing on someone who is insecure or unhappy with their appearance.
It can help to wear your new suit or tux around the house a few times, getting used to how it fits and looks. Then, pair your new suit with a big smile and you’re sure to look great when you walk out the door.
Use This Men’s Style Guide to Dress to Impress
Are you ready to put your best foot forward at your next event? If so, use this men’s style guide to learn more about how to dress.
With a bit of research, preparation, and thought, you can create a stunning, stylish, and impressive look. Although men’s fashion can sometimes seem overwhelming, if you follow these guidelines, you can’t go wrong!
Get started today and you’re sure to look amazing on the big day.
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