All You Need to Know About Formal Attire

If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that fashion is constantly evolving. One of the latest developments is that the pre-existing rules of formal attire are no longer. Casualwear is taking over, as comfort is starting to be prioritised above all else. Therefore, we’ve seen a decline in the number of suits being worn; however, it’s clear to see that it’ll never truly disappear. Despite this, individuals are taking their own spins on the wearing of suits, making them more casual, comfortable, and suitable for a wide array of applications. Read on to discover all you need to know about formal attire in a time that fashion rules are disappearing. 

What is Formal Attire?

So, what do we consider formal attire to be today? Traditionally, formal attire demands a black or white tie dress code. As a man, this used to mean wearing a black tuxedo and there was very little wriggle room within this. Despite this, the lines that define what formal attire is has since been blurred, meaning that people are able to sport a more casual version of formal attire. As long as a sleek appearance is maintained, one needn’t worry about presenting themselves in a black-tie capacity. 

You may even hear formalwear referred to in a business capacity, in which you won’t be expected to rock up to the office in a tuxedo. It’s all about context.

Formalwear vs. Semi-Formalwear

You may even encounter the term “semi-formalwear”, which creates another layer when it comes to dressing formally. For instance, formalwear typically involves dark colors, while semi-formalwear allows you to experiment with lighter tones. Similarly, formalwear will almost always involve a tie, while semi-formalwear might, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. Semi-formalwear often means that everyone doesn’t appear to be wearing the same thing, which can sometimes be the case when it comes to formalwear. The key difference between formal- and semi-formalwear is that semi-formalwear allows room for some expression. This isn’t always possible in a strictly formal capacity. 

The New Rules

As previously mentioned, fashion rules are constantly evolving, meaning that we can’t necessarily expect men to follow the same fashion rules that their grandfathers did. Dress codes have remained; however, the restrictions that they once presented have since changed. Detailed below are just some of the new rules that have emerged within the formal fashion sphere.

Simplify the Look

Firstly, instead of wondering how to wear cufflinks, you’re now invited to keep it simple when it comes to formal attire. Pocket watches, suspenders, pocket squares, collar bars, tie pins, etc.; they’re all outdated accessories that only clutter your outfit and make it look too busy. Keeping things simple is more effective, as this means that you’ll be able to uphold a sophisticated appearance.

Aim for Comfort

Comfort is more important than it ever has been, which is why some fashion rules have grown to become outdated. For instance, not too long ago it was all about the slim fit, as it was thought that this was the only way to create a polished finish. Since, we’ve discovered that oversized clothing can look incredibly sleek and effortlessly cool. Not only this, but loose-fitting clothing is much more comfortable and actually better for our physical wellbeing, due to the fact that circulation isn’t affected. 

Meanwhile, it was once a rule that leather shoes were an essential when it comes to formal attire. These days, though, it’s permitted to wear smart trainers for formal occasions. Ultimately, all fashion rules were made to be broken, meaning that how you tackle formalwear is completely down to you.