Male Fashion Etiquette
From LoveToKnow Men's Fashion
It's important to understand basic male fashion etiquette rules to ensure that you're properly dressed for any occasion, whether it's work or play.
While modern day dress rules have greatly relaxed from the times when men and women had strict dress codes that ruled everything from how they dressed at home to how they dressed when they went out (including daytime vs. nighttime attire), there are still those who know that how you dress has a great bearing on how others view you. First impressions do count a great deal, so knowing some male fashion etiquette will help you, especially if you're trying to advance in the professional arena.
Basic Male Fashion Etiquette Rules
What does every man need to know when it comes to fashion? Here are a few guidelines that will cover most situations. However, for some social occasions, the hosts may allow you some leeway (and will hopefully address any dress code confusion on the invitation):
Formal and Professional
- Black tie: Black tie is formal wear. Most men only get to wear black tie attire rarely, usually for a wedding or specific formal occasion. If your presence is requested at a black tie event, do the hosts and yourself a favor and show up in black tie clothing that adheres to the dress rules. This includes a black tuxedo (white dinner jackets are sometimes permissable), black shoes, a white shirt with pleated or ribbed front, a cummerbund and bowtie. Tuxes can be easily rented from menswear shops, especially those that cater to the prom and wedding market.
- Professional attire: In a conservative business environment, you're expected to wear a suit, tie and complementary accessories. Don't feel confined to one or two colors. If you're afraid to be adventurous, consult with a menswear expert or look through men's magazines for fashion advice. While a crisp white dress shirt, dark suit and plain tie will get you through the workday, so will a pink shirt (men no longer have to fear pink) paired with a charcoal or navy blue suit. A matching pocket square is a small accessory, but packs a lot of panache.
Casual and Accessories
- Hats: Although baseball caps seem to have become de rigueur for everyone from men and women to children, there are places where it's better to remove your cap (or any type of hat) before you enter the building. While most men seem to understand that a fine restaurant isn't the place to wear a sports cap, a lot of guys still eat in any kind of dining establishment with hats planted firmly on their heads. Men should always remove their hats before entering a building. Just because it's no longer commonplace to tip your hat to a lady, you should still observe this basic etiquette rule, even if you're overdue for a haircut and you don't want anyone to know.
- Casual shoes: Flip flops have their place, which is usually a boardwalk or the beach. While sneakers are incredibly easy to slip into, they don't belong in the workplace (unless you work at an athletic store or summer camp). Guys have many more options than they sometimes think when it comes to footwear; finding a nice, casual pair of shoes that aren't sneakers or flip flops is easier than you think. Consider loafers, boat shoes or slip on dress shoes.
- T shirts: No longer exclusively known as undershirts, tees are as ubiquitous as jeans in casual wear, but even this beloved comfortable shirt has its limits. T-shirts are acceptable when the dress code is extremely casual, but isn't presentable for the office environment.
- Jeans: Anytime a dress code calls for dressy casual or above, leave the jeans at home. It doesn't matter if you wear a dress shirt and nice shoes with it. Jeans are not dressy items.
Dressing Smart
It can be quite uncomfortable being the most underdressed person in a room. If you have any doubts about what to wear when, ask fashion-savvy friends, girlfriends, wives, partners or consult with menswear experts. There's no reason you have to wonder what's appropriate to wear in various settings – and once you get some style knowhow under your belt, you'll be properly dressed for any occasion.
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This page has been accessed 1,931 times. This page was last modified 02:04, 17 February 2009.
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