It’s easily noticed when watching any red-carpet event that there are far more exciting fashion options for women than for men. Of course, you will see a handful of boldly dressed men in elaborate suits or subversive outfits that catch the eye. However, for the ordinary man who is expected to look his best at a formal occasion, the choices can seem extremely limited. Fortunately, there is hope. It is no longer expected of every man at a formal event to dress in identical black suits or tuxedos. If this is what you enjoy wearing, then there’s nothing wrong with that, but you don’t need to adhere to old-fashioned rules about menswear anymore. Here are some ideas for dressing appropriately yet with flair for your upcoming formal occasion.
What’s the Occasion?
The first and arguably the most important consideration before choosing what to wear is thinking about the type of event or occasion you’ll be attending. For example, being invited to a wedding will have different dress expectations than going to a luxury restaurant or attending an important business meeting. Search online or check with the event hosts what the dress code requires. This will help you be creative within those boundaries. Perhaps you must wear a tie or a certain type of shoe, so it’s important to check ahead of time to make sure you don’t break any rules.
Borrow from Your Heritage
If the dress code of the event allows for it, you might enjoy looking back at your family heritage and borrowing from the traditional dress of the culture. For example, if your family is Scottish, you could take inspiration from the kilts often worn on formal Scottish occasions. Put a contemporary spin on these more traditional forms of dress to make a bold impression.
Suggested – The Best Champion Hoodies For Men
Accessories
How you embellish an outfit can make a huge difference to the overall look. Different accessories can enhance or even completely transform the style of your outfit. Even if you are wearing a plain black suit, you can add a touch of intrigue with some unique pieces. Take a look at some of these examples for inspiration:
- A tie with an interesting pattern or unusual texture;
- Exciting and impressive rings from Newman Bands;
- Shoes with fun socks;
- Eye-catching details, such as cufflinks, collar clips, or an elegant watch.
You would be surprised at how effective even the smallest burst of personality can be for the overall impression of an outfit. Use these as an opportunity to show off your individual style even if the dress code is relatively strict.
Break Convention
If the event you plan on attending isn’t enforcing a particularly strict dress code but still expects the guests to dress formally, you can take this as your opportunity to be creative with your outfit. Whether you want to subtly subvert the traditional menswear of a suit and tie or try something completely new, remember that fashion is all about creativity and enjoyment.
