FORMAL ATTIRE

after a long hiatus, i am back again contributing my thoughts and opinions. This time around I will not be talking about movies, i will discuss on FASHION ..

Fashion is a very very big topic but since now i am preparing myself, getting to know how to dress formal for an upcoming event which is the exhibition that is going to be held. I am the narrator and according to them i need to wear formal, therefore i have noted out some of the rules and tips on how to wear formal. So, GUYS PLEASE DO not repeat the mistakes that I have just said.

RULES ON HOW TO WEAR FORMAL…

SHIRT

1. White is the safest color for a man's formal shirt. Incidentally, white is also the most boring. In some situations, however -- including job interviews and black-tie events -- a white shirt might still be the best option. In more relaxed settings, you should stay conservative, utilizing soft, natural colors, and/or mild patterns like stripes. See through shirts are not flattering at all.

2. It is important getting a shirt that actually fits well. You can manage to squeeze into a variety 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. Moreover, a tight collar will look bad and choke you when you wear a tie. A loose collar will look ridiculous. Make sure the sleeves and collar are the right size to fit comfortably and look sleek.

3. On a shirt, all buttons should be fastened, including the small ones on the side of the sleeve near the cuff. Although these buttons might not seem functional, they prevent your forearm from being exposed through the hole where the sleeve is unbuttoned. A button-down collar must also be fastened. If left unfastened, the buttons below the collar will stick out awkwardly.

PANTS

4. For semi-formal occasions, figuring out what you can pull off by experimenting with pastel shirts and ties can be fun. Pants, however, are an entirely different story. If you are considering wearing some powder blue pants to a formal event, think again.

5. With pants, much like with shirts, you have to get the right fit. If you purchase a pair of pants that are too long, get them hemmed. Pants should rest at the waist and should be long enough so that there is a slight break before the bottom rests on the top of your shoe. If they bunch up at the bottom, they are too long. Of course, the opposite rule applies as well: Pants that are too short will make you look like you are going clamming. Pants should fit your waist properly. If the waist is too small, you'll be in pain. If it's too large, your pants will look baggy.

6. Prevailing fashion is doing everything in its power to banish pleats from pants. But yet somehow, they are still everywhere. MEN EVERYWHERE PLEASE DO NOT WEAR PLEATS. They are just horrible. That Z. Cavaricci look died in the '80s; just let it go and embrace the flat fronts.

SHOES & SOCKS

7. Never, ever, wear brown shoes with a black belt or vice versa. The color of your shoes should always match (or at least go with) the color of your belt. Those colors, by the way, don't extend beyond black and brown when it comes to formal occasions. Pants have loops, therefore WEAR A BELT.

8. Sneakers are not supposed be wear with formal attires. For certain formal events, always invest in a very posh looking shoe. It’s worth every penny. A really nice pair of formal shoes will also give your look that subtle added elegance.

9. For any formal occasion, your socks need to be super conservative. Always wear natural, neutral colors. The colors of the sock should also match the ensemble; you don't want them to stand out. For your info, socks with holes belong in the trash, not on your feet.

10. DO NOT wear gym socks. Always wear 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 relatively thin.

TIPS TO REMEMBER…

11. When dressing formally, make sure your clothing is in good order. In other words, ensure that your clothes are clean and pressed. This tip might seem obvious, but for some reason, ring around the collar still exists. This also applies to shoes: Make sure you keep them polished and odor-free. Finally, if a garment has a problem, either fix it or get rid of it. For example, if the white shirt turns yellow/blue/red, do not wear it out anymore.

12. Formal occasions demand formal accessories. Don't wear a sports watch or drugstore sunglasses. A fine timepiece is one of the few high-end pieces of jewelry that modern fashion allows a man to wear, so get one. Brand like Omega or Rolex will definitely be the best choice but since we all are just normal ordinary human beings opt for simple designs yet still formal looking. Also, be sure to match metal tones throughout your jewelry. For example, if you are wearing a watch, a ring and a belt, match the metals by wearing all silver, all gold or all two-tone. The blending of metal tones isn't exactly a mistake, but it also isn't ideal.

13. Finally, the well-dressed man follows certain rules in order to wear his formal attire with class and sophistication. Making even one of the mistakes explained above could potentially ruin an otherwise great-looking formal ensemble.

At the end of the day, Formal means formal -- no exceptions! There is, however, a little room for creativity, but use common sense. feel free to show off your individual style with your shirt and tie color combinations.

~aL~