shirts

 1. Just say "no" to translucent

White is the safest colour for a man's formal shirt. By the way, white is also the most boring. In some circumstances, however -- including job interviews and black-tie events -- a white shirt might still be the best option. In more relaxed settings, you should stay traditional, making use of soft, muted colors, and/or placid patterns like stripes. In formal settings, translucent or see-through shirts are never suitable.

2. Size matters

I cannot stress adequately the significance of getting a shirt that truly fits well. You can manage to squeeze into a range of sizes, but without the proper fit, the sleeves will leave your wrists exposed if they're too short or will bunch up if they're too long. furthermore, a tight collar will look terrible and choke you when you put on a tie. A loose-fitting collar will look absurd. Make sure the sleeves and collar are the right size to fit comfortably and look crisp and clean.

3. Button your buttons

On a shirt, all buttons should be done up, including the small ones on the side of the sleeve near the cuff. Although these buttons might not seem practical, they stop your forearm from showing through the opening where the sleeve is unfastened. A button-down collar must also be fastened. If left unfastened, the buttons below the collar will stick out awkwardly.

4. Learn to Tie your Tie

pants

5. No pastel pants

Experimenting with pastel shirts and ties can be fun for semi-formal occasions. If you are considering wearing some powder blue pants to a formal event, reconsider this thought. Unless it is a Halloween costume, you will look ridiculous.

6. Size still matters

Much like with shirts, you have to get the right fit with pants. Pants should rest at the waist and should be long enough so that there is a slight break before the bottom touches on the top of your shoe. They should not bunch up at the bottom. Needless to say, the opposite rule pertains as well: Pants that are too short will make you look like you are all set for a flood.

I take for granted you already know that pants should fit your waist correctly. If the waist is too small, you'll be in pain. If it's too large, your pants will look baggy.

7. Pant Cuff

These days, the current style seems to be abandon pants with cuffed bottoms. While contemporary fashion does not completely ban wearing cuffs, they should be avoided, particularly in slim-leg pants.

8. Pleats be gone

Popular style is doing all in its influence to eliminate pleats from pants. Pleats are still evident on some of today's pants. Keep away from Pleats. Just let it go and adopt the flat fronts.

shoes & socks

9. Always match

Do not, under any circumstances, wear a black belt with brown shoes or vice versa. The colour of your shoes should always match (or at least go with) the colour of your belt. Those colours, by the way, do not extend beyond black and brown when it comes to formal occasions. Additionally, your formal pants have loops for a reason, so make sure you wear a belt.

10. Formal shoes should look formal

Imagine how sneakers would look with formal attire. Even shoes you wear to a bar or to the office are probably not formal enough for very elegant occasions. You should have at least one pair of ultra-formal shoes that you indulged on for such events,. These shoes will last a long time, since they will be used less than the other shoes in your closet. A nice pair of formal shoes will also give your look that subtle added flair that other men at the event might be lacking.

11. Forget the flashy socks

Your socks need to be ultra-conservative for formal circumstances. Choose muted, neutral solid tones. The options do not extend beyond very subtle patterns. The colours of the sock should also go with your ensemble. They should not stand out.

12. Get the type right

Would you ever wear gym socks with formal wear? You need a pair of dress socks. They should be long enough so that if you cross your legs, the skin of your ankle and calf remain unexposed. Moreover, formal socks should be fairly thin. Your socks should not be cushiony or have excess fabric that sticks out of the shoe.