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How to Crack Any Dress Code

13 November, 2018 DRESS FOR AN EVENT

Whenever an invite or job interview mentions the words 'dress code' you get that inevitable sinking
feeling. Each dress code tends to have its own set of rules that are easy to nail once you know them.
We're here to help you learn some of the tricks so you crack these codes with ease. Read more Men’s
Style Guide features.

The Idle Man – Jeans

The Idle Man – Coat Farah – Jumper

Black Tie Dress Code for Men

One of the most feared of all dress codes, and yet probably one of the easiest to get right. Black tie
has so many rules that it doesn't leave a lot of room for interpretation, so generally, you've only got a
few variations to choose from and less chance to mess up. If you're getting ready for a black tie event,
the most important thing to get right is the Qt of your suit. Formal attire for men can really just consist
of a good suit and tie - the cuTinks, tie pins etc, are just extras, and once you know how a suit should
Qt your body then you can focus on them. The basic rules to follow are;
For the jacket, the seam connecting the torso to the sleeve should run across the top of your shoulder.

Your jacket sleeves should graze the joint where your thumb meets your wrist.

Your jacket should be Qtted in at the waist but not create an X shape across your torso.

Your trousers should Qt comfortably around your waist without the need for a belt

Your trousers should brush the tops of your shoes when you're standing.

How a Suit Should Fit

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Black Tie - Shirt

If you're going for a black tie outQt then you really need to keep your shirt as neat and Qtted as
possible. An Oxford or dress shirt in a pure white is the best choice, and you should avoid any colours
or fancy collars, as you want a clean and classic Qnish. Make sure your shirt is perfectly ironed, and if
you've got the time and inclination starch your collar to keep it straight and stiff. Make sure it's long
enough that you can tuck it into the waistband of your trousers, but not so long that you run the risk of
it bunching up, and ensure that your sleeves reach in between your wrist bone and hand.

mens black tuxedo trousers mens

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Black Tie - Suit and Trousers

When picking a suit for a black tie event take some advice from the name. Navy, red, tweed, pastel pink
- all those suits are out, and instead, it's time to go back to the basics and grab yourself a sleek black
suit instead. If you're a traditionalist then you might want to avoid a plain black suit and go for a tux
instead. The silk or satin lapels adds an extra boost of elegance to your look, and you can complete
the outQt with matching black trousers, including the traditional silk lining along the side if you want.

PHOTO CREDIT: I am Galla

mens black tuxedo trousers mens

The Idle Man – Trousers

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Black Tie - Shoes

Here's where the rules really come in. Although it's technically Qne to wear any kind of black formal
shoe, we'd really recommend choosing a patent leather pair to keep the look sleek, elegant and
traditional. You can try out a few variations of styles, but in general it's best to stick to a pair of lace-up
brogues or some monk shoes. Loafers are out, as are any kind of boat shoe, desert or chukka boot, so
just keep it simple and smart.

Hudson – Formal Shoes

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Smart Business Attire

So we're not expecting every man to go into the oXce wearing a full tux, but a lot of places won't
accept smart casual clothes either. You need smart outQts, but the right kind of smart outQts. As if
work wasn't stressful enough. Still, if you're tackling with men's smart dress you can help yourself out
by grabbing some basic staples that you can mix and match together to create various work
appropriate outQts. Here're a few things you need in your wardrobe.
White Oxford Shirts - They go with everything, are @attering to all body types and look great with pretty
much every suit. Get yourself Qve or six so you don't end up doing a panic laundry wash on a
Wednesday night.

Black, Navy and Grey Slim Fit Trousers - Flattering, smart and in two versatile colours. Perfect for
winter and summer outQts.

Black, Navy and Grey Blazers - To match with your trousers when you feel like creating a uniformed
look.

Formal Summer Shoes - That means some sleek leather loafers and a pair of brown oxford shoes

Formal Winter Shoes - Black brogues and some patent leather lace up shoes.

The Idle Man – Shirt

£20

Selected – Blazer Selected -Trousers

£89 £20

Smart Casual Dress Code

Now we get to the real pain of the dress code world, smart casual. This has been analysed, stressed
over and muddled through by men for generations, and some are no closer to actually understanding
what a smart but casual dress code actually is. What makes it diXcult is that there aren't any set rules
on what makes a smart casual outQt, and so it's hard to work out whether you've cracked it or not.
You're also dealing with the tough job of merging something smart with something casual, and that
gives the impression of matching a sports jersey with a tailored pair of trousers. Men's smart casual
fashion is really all about looking sharp while being comfortable, so even though we don't know
exactly what smart casual is, we have a pretty good idea of how to pull it off.

mens smart casual look blazer and t-shirt

PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest

The Idle Man White T-Shirt mens selected blazer navy blue mens

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£24 £4 £99

There's a huge range of smart casual outQts out there, verging from slim Qt T-shirts with chinos and a
blazer, to oxford shirts and raw denim jeans. Like with black tie, Qt is the most important thing, so even
if you're dressing up a plain white T-shirt, make sure it @atters and complements your shape.

Smart Casual Outfit Ideas

Now, rather than list all of the smart casual outQts in the world, we'll just pick a few of our favourite
combinations and ones that are pretty much bound to suit everyone, regardless of body type. If you're
new to the smart casual look, start simple and work things out from there, adding on accessories later
on if you feel the outQt is too plain.

the idle man tweed blazer grey mens

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