For the Guys

Lately, I’ve been getting many questions about formal attire from the 'gents. They stated that be it a wedding, corporate, or social event the women run out and buy a new dress and accessories... so they asked, shouldn’t they, too, run out and buy a new suit? And, the next question was obvious: what should they buy?

Style is a very personal thing and careful consideration should be taken when purchasing and/or renting. Try not to go with something just because it is in style or because your favorite public personality is wearing it. Take your friends and make a shopping event out of it. If it is a wedding, involve your fiancee and get all the particulars about the bridal party style and colors.
Image courtesy of Jim's Formal Wear

Understanding event dress codes requires an education in sartorial elegance and for the dapper gents, its all in the details and the accessories. Typically, there are five categories -- Black Tie, Formal, Semi-Formal, Cocktail, and Business:

• Black Tie: The rule of thumb is that it calls for a bow tie. However, you can always put on your best black tie. For the younger guys who don’t like regular ties, you can put on your favorite skinny black tie. A tuxedo with satin lapels, classic notch, and black buttons with a classic white shirt is recommended as it is versatile for weddings to formal events.

• Formal: This is the traditional term or sometimes a synonym for black tie. A tuxedo, a black velvet jacket, formal dark three-piece suit or a standard dark suit will work. Again, stick to the classic white shirt. Today, traditional/cultural garb is also accepted as formal attire.

• Semi-Formal: This is the most difficult of the categories as it covers a broad range, but the rule of thumb is to steer clear from black, which as previously addressed, denotes formal and black tie. This can be anything from traditional/cultural attire, pinstripes, white jacket, regular suit and tie, sweater or blazer with trousers or dress jeans, to khakis and white pants in the summer.

• Cocktail: These events are usually in the evening and are not a sit-down affair. Typically, it allows for finger food, drink in-hand and working the room to mingle with the guests. You can jazz up your regular black suit with attention to your accessories for example, a pocket square, a tie bar, a vest, or substitute the suit jacket with a blazer.

• Business attire: This means the event is happening immediately after work and guests are coming straight from the office. Any nice suit will work although grays are highly recommended.

This article will not be complete without addressing the shirt and accessories. This is where ladies understand that, no matter how beautiful the outfit, what you wear underneath and how you accessorize will either make or break the outfit. This holds true for men as well. Consequently, selecting the appropriate dress shirt and accessories for any occasion will add to the finish look of your suit.

There are three must have shirts:

• Basic White: This is now a favorite among many and every man should have one crisp, white cotton shirt with a collar and cuffs. This extremely versatile shirt can go from office to formal wear by simply changing the color of the suit and accessories. Another must have white shirt is one with a French cuff, which when worn with a nice pair of cufflinks, gives you that haute couture look.

• Solid Colors: Most solid colors and/or neutral toned shirts will work well with any suit and tie in your wardrobe and can dress you either up or down. For example, you can dress up a pair of jeans with a nice solid shirt, which looks great inside any suit. By far the most popular solid color is the light blue shirt, which looks great with any suit, jeans, and skin tone.

• Pinstripe: This is another great versatile shirt whereby any color or stripe will do well for work or play, although caution must be taken when selecting a tie. Generally, a solid tie works best.

Last, but equally important are the accessories:

• These are the finishing intricacies to give you that GQ and/or haute couture look! Articles such as silver cufflinks, white pocket square, skinny leather belt, wingtips, and tie bar will set you apart from the rest of the herd at any event.

The above is just a basic guideline; however, there are many other details to consider such as: jacket lapels, shirt collars, pant cuffs, jacket breasts, buttons and more that go into selecting and putting together of a great and versatile wardrobe. Fortunately, there are many expert helping hands in today's men's formal wear stores to assist you.

If all fails, custom make is the best alternative. I stumbled across a site by some young innovative people who offer men a chance to design their own shirt. Check it out: http://www.blank-label.com or you can Ask the Style guy at GQ.

Good luck on your next shopping adventure!