While menswear trends rarely change, it’s surprising how difficult dressing up can be. The wrong cut or fit will make a look sloppy. Luckily, it’s all about the basics for men. Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you’re looking just as sharp as your date.
Buy a suit
If the dress code allows it, ditch the tux and opt for a suit. While the tux is the go-to for formal occasions, a suit’s versatility will make the investment worthwhile. By buying a suit in a neutral colour (such as black, gray or a deep navy), you can wear it to multiple occasions, such as your cousin’s wedding, your first big job interview, etc.
Make sure your suit fits
There’s nothing worse than seeing a young man in a ill-fitting suit. A suit is all about proportions, and when it fits, it should make you look taller and leaner, not like you’re swimming in fabric. A great suit jacket should fit close to the body when buttoned up. If you feel like moving will cause the seams to split, then it’s too tight. If you feel like you can play basketball in it, it’s too big.
Also, keep the shoulders in check. A suit jacket’s shoulder pads should hit your shoulders, not beyond. Make sure the jacket’s length works for you. The sleeves end where your wrist meets the base of your thumb and the bottom of your jacket meets your knuckles. Look at red carpet photos of celebrities that have builds similar to yours. Study them and see how the widths of their lapels and ties work with their size. Last, go for slim pants (not skinny) that are hemmed to prevent fabric pooling around your shoes.
Avoid square-toed shoes
Don’t ruin all the hard work you put in finding a suit that fits with square-toed shoes. These shoes ruin the lean, slender silhouette a great suit creates. Opt for a shoe that tapers off more gently at the toe.
FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS…
Shawl collar
If you feel you can afford to make this investment, try a shawl collar tuxedo or dinner jacket. The look is classy and will keep you from looking like everyone else.
Inspiration: Drake at the Grammys
Bow ties
If you’re a Doctor Who fan, then you know bow ties are cool. Keep it classic with the black bow tie, or try out some patterned ones. Don’t buy a clip on. Man up and find a YouTube tutorial and learn how to tie one.
Inspiration: Ryan Gosling at the Cannes Film Festival premiere for Drive, 2011.
Patterned shirts Read more…
While scouring most dress shops, it’s frustrating to see the same thing year after year: neon coloured dresses with overly beaded bodices and poofy skirts. On prom night, you want to look good, not like you can direct air traffic with your dress. Avoid these prom-strosities and opt for these classic trends instead:
Lace
I’m not going to lie, I absolutely love lace — lace shorts, skirts, tops and even dresses! Lace can cover you up and show just enough skin, making you look both edgy and sweet. Don’t limit yourself to the simple black and white either. Find eye-popping reds, or even pastels layered underneath.
Inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence in scarlet lace Marchesa at a premiere for The Hunger Games.
Metallics
Metallics have been in for a while now and with good reason. They can add a rock and roll flare to any formal look with its sheen and flash. Keep your look clean and simple by pairing your dress with simple makeup. You don’t want to over do it. If you’re looking for a more subtle look, try pairing up a simple dress with some statement jewelry.
Inspiration: Selena Gomez in Dolce and Gabbana at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Bright colours Read more…
