CLOTHING
Dress Code 101: How To Create An Identity With Your Outfits
-Over the years I have learned that what is important in an outfit is the individual who is wearing it-
There is a popular style quote which says – “Dress the way we want to be addressed”. Basically, what you wear is how you present yourself to the world, therefore your clothes should communicate the exact message that you want to covey.
In this article, you’ll learn how to create an identify with your outfits. Leveraging these four components – dress code, clothing, fashion, and style, you will master the art of dressing the part as well learn how to dress in a way that reflects your personal style.
DRESS CODE 101: THE INTRODUCTION
DRESS CODE
A dress code is a formally or socially imposed standards of dressing. It is defined as – a set of rules, often written, with regards to what type of clothing certain groups of people must wear. Different societies and cultures have different dress codes such as Western dress codes, African dress codes etc.
Over all, dress codes are created out of social perceptions and norms, and they vary based on the occasion, purpose and situations. To some extent, DRESS CODE doesn’t take into consideration your personal style, however, you can introduce your personal style into a certain dress code as a form of self-expression (fashion).
CLOTHING
On the other hand, clothing is an “identification” tool. Basically, the identity of a person is embodied by a number of components which includes clothing, fashion, and personal style.
FASHION
Fashion is a form of self-expression. It not only embraces clothing, it basically allows people to express themselves through their outfits, footwear, accessories, hairstyle, beauty, body art, etc.
PERSONAL STYLE (STYLE)
Personal style is a person’s particular way of expressing themselves—whether that’s through clothing, communication, behavior, and lifestyle.
DRESS CODE 101: HOW TO CREATE AN IDENTITY WITH YOUR OUTFITS
DRESS CODE 101: FOR BUSINESS
This covers outfits you would likely wear to a business meeting, a business trip, to an office where the dress code is “strictly formal” or any business occasion.
When portraying the identity of a gent in business outfit. It should be noted that your dressing should be smart and classy. There should be no excesses, just smart, cool, and bold outfits.
A perfect combo for business casual would be blazers, worn over an inner shirt, tucked into trouser, finished with a pair of smart shoes.
For office business look or formal business looks, a dapper suit in two piece or a three piece suit should be worn. For footwear choices depending on the level of formality, you could wear Chelsea boots, dress shoes like Oxford, Derby or Monkstrap.
Accessories like long neck ties, cufflinks, and classy wristwatches should be put into play. When you’re seen pulling off this superb look, it simply tells the public that you’re “dressed to express”.
DRESS CODE 101: FOR CULTURAL OR SOCIAL IDENTITY
Do you want to rock a look that reveal a certain cultural or social identity? Pick clothes that identify you to a particular group based on various categories, including nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and religion? Here are a few great ideas.
Vintage shirts, Cuban collar shirts, African attires. Using monochromes or color blocking in your styling, brightly colored sweaters – and other amazing pieces to portray a certain social identity.
Don’t forget your accessories! Which ones you may ask? Head wear options include newsboy, fedora, and flat caps, durags, beanies and the likes. Wristwear should include wristwatches, fashion rings, and bracelets that match the occasion as well as the social identity you are creating.
DRESS CODE 101: FOR “THE FASHIONISTA”
For Fashionistas in the house. If you ever wanted to ‘shut down’ that event, with a high spice of fashion, clothing and dress code that reflects your fashionable style, this point is for you.
The goal here is to create fashionable look while staying true the dress code (the occasion, purpose and situation). To do this, consider infusing some unique accessories to your look such as scarfs, suspenders, stylish hats, fashionable bags, colors etc. Wear unique trousers – hemmed, folded or just tailored with a no-break finish. These are some little details which are not to be missed.
You should always explore your outfits to the extreme. Push boundaries with your style – yet stay confident and stay within the “dress code” space. That’s how you nail an outstanding “fashionista look”.
DRESS CODE 101: THE PERFECT MAN IDENTITY
What does it mean to create the ‘perfect man identity’? Well this entails looking smart, sharp and suave! It involves elevating your look to a dapper status. For instance instead of a regular two piece suit, you go for a double breasted suit. Instead of wearing a complete suit, you wear a broken suit (spezzato).
The “Perfect Man Identity” look can span across different dress codes – from casual to formal. This includes when attending occasions such as a special dinner date, a hangout at an exotic restaurant with friends or business partners, when attending a wedding either as a wedding guest or the man of the day (the groom). Generally, how would you dress to convey that you are ‘dressed to kill’ (i.e. to create a striking impression).
- For dinner dates, you could put on a classy jacket over a white long sleeve collared shirt. The shirt should be opened at the first two buttons from the neck. You could pair this up with a pair of jeans or dress trouser and tuck in; then you finish it off with a classy double monkstrap loafers in patent leather for a closing dapper statement. This is just the perfect man identity.
- For Weddings, of course the norm of three piece suit is cool, but you could consider switching it up for a dapper Tuxedo or Jacquard suit. Your tie should not be too basic by the way, you should opt for those fancy bow ties.
DRESS CODE FOR “A THEME PARTY OR EVENT”
Most people are often confused about the dress code or outfit style to wear for a Theme Party. Some would just wear anything that comes to their mind which can be very disrespectful to the host, even if you didn’t mean to.
Now, have you ever been invited for a “theme party” and let’s say you are required to come dressed in “80s fashion” or as an icon/legend? Knowing what to wear is usually a struggle for a many. So the first step to getting your outfit ready when going for a themed event is to work with a Stylist or an Image Consultant.
GET A STYLIST/IMAGE CONSULTANT
If you do not want to look like the only offbeat person around, you should consider consulting the service of a stylist or image consultant to prep you for that event. KOBI KOACHMAN is always at your service, you can book us to style you for any upcoming event or if you need help defining and building your wardrobe from grounds up – do get in touch, or simply book a virtual consultation.
FINAL NOTE
I’ll leave you with one final style quote from Gianni Versace.
It’s not about fancy clothes or popular name brands, it’s about feeling good about yourself, choosing clothing that reflects your personality while staying grounded by observing the relevant dress code.
I hope you take a hint from the above guidelines, outfit inspiration and quotes to create an identity with your outfits and become the person you want people to know you for.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for reading till the end. Until next time, continue to do well, live well, and dress really well. Stay Classy, always!
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