When dressing up for a formal event and following a dress code it can become very complicated and the last thing you want to do is turn up in clothing that’s inappropriate or makes you look ridiculous so it’s important to avoid some of the common blunders.
You don’t need to have the most expensive suit in the room to look the sharpest, it’s all about getting the small details right to create the overall put-together look which will have everyone’s heads turning for the right reasons.
So here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Trousers that are too long
If your trousers are too long and gather over the tops of your shoes it will distract from your outfit and could also make you look scruffy and unfinished so make sure your trousers are the right fit. If they are too long they could also become a trip hazard and you don’t want to end up flat on your face.
2. Trousers that are too short
Equally, if your trousers are too short it will ruin the look of your suit and show off your socks. Being able to see your socks is a real no-no so make sure your trousers are the right length, they should just sit flush with the tops of your shoes so no sock can be seen.
3. Choose the right shoes
Make sure you choose the right shoes to go with your suit. Boat shoes and trainers should never been worn with formal dress suits and the wrong shoes will just ruin your whole look. For the safest option always choose black lace up dress shoes to wear with a black formal suit.
4. Avoid novelty ties
Formal wear should always be worn with a proper size tie so avoid any skinny or other novelty ties. Opt for a traditional Windsor knot silk tie in a colour which matches your shirt and suit and complements your overall look.
5. Choose a matching belt
Make sure your belt matches your shoes rather than the colour of your suit, so if you are wearing brown leather shoes go for a brown leather belt. Make sure your accessories are co-ordinated fully to achieve that formal dressed look.
6. Don’t accessorise too much
Avoid wearing too many accessories with a formal suit. The most you want is a pair of cufflinks, a dress watch and perhaps a tie pin, but avoid wearing anything else like bracelets, or neck scarves, simple is better when it comes to being formal.
7. Don’t wear an over-size jacket
Don’t wear an over-size jacket in the mistaken belief that it will make you look cool. When it comes to men’s formalwear, big over-size jackets and shoulder pads are not in trend and you will just look like your suit doesn’t fit. Always choose a jacket to fit your body.
8. Shirt collar hanging outside
You never want your shirt collar to be poking outside of your suit, make sure it sits underneath your suit lapel and is the right size for your neck. An oversize shirt collar won’t look smart and will make you a talking point for all the wrong reasons.
9. Sleeves that are too short
On your jacket you need the sleeves to be the right length, ending at your wrists with a short amount of shirt poking out. If they are too short you will look like you are wearing a suit that is just way too small for you and it won’t look smart.
10. Trousers that are too snug
You don’t want to choose trousers which are too tight as they will be very uncomfortable to wear all evening and you might even risk them splitting if you are dancing or sit down too quickly, not to mention they will make you look ridiculous rather than sharp.
11. The wrong clothing
The biggest blunder you can make when going to a formal event is to turn up in completely the wrong outfit so make sure you check the dress code as turning up to a black tie event in jeans or going to a formal evening in an ordinary suit will be embarrassing but also means you probably won’t even be let into the event at all.
When planning a formal outfit there are many common blunders to avoid, to make sure you look really sharp but by following this guide you should be able to avoid all of the worst ones and make sure you are appropriately dressed for every single formal occasion.
From making sure your sleeves and trousers are the right length, to choosing a good quality fabric for your suit material, make sure you go for the best possible fit and highest possible quality so that you cut a sharp figure from the moment you walk into the room.
