CLOTHING
The #1 Guide For Men’s Dress Codes | Traditional Attire | Smart Casual | Casual Dress Code
Clothing, like all other aspects of human physical appearance, has a social significance, with different rules and expectations applying depending on circumstance and occasion. These rules are called dress codes. Today, let’s look at Men’s Dress Codes.
A gentleman’s life will always require him to show up for many occasions – it could be job interviews, business meetings, his best friend’s wedding and it could even be his own wedding.
And you know what? Society expects you to look a certain way, contrary to what’s comfortable and stylish to you.
You can’t fight it, you can’t argue with that, this “certain way” or style of dressing is called “dress codes“. It is nothing other than a set of written and, more often, unwritten rules with regard to clothing.
They were created for certain events, and the fact is – if you don’t dress accordingly, you won’t be accepted socially.
Why is it important you might ask?
Because, in this era, people judge each other by the external look rather than taking a deep look and knowing who you really are.
Is it fair that people make such assumptions in such a short amount of time without getting to know the person first? No, it’s not, but the truth is that YOU and I can’t help it, we’ve been wired that way right from birth.
While some might argue that the dress code rules actually impede on people’ right to self-expression, I still don’t think it gives anyone the reason to wear a suit to the beach. 🙂 just picture that.
Here is an example: Why must we dress in business formal attire for a corporate business Job interview?
In most cases, the same person after getting the job wears business casual or smart casual clothes to work.
I once wore a sharp business suit for an IT role, job interview. The first thing I was asked was why I was over-dressed in formals.
I ended up getting the job though, even though “I wasn’t dressed for the occasion” ‘cos as the saying goes – It’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed. Read about it here.
In this guide, I’ll offer great insights into the varieties of dress codes for all occasions and how to wear them appropriately.
So sit tight gentlemen, don’t move an inch as you learn the different men’s dress codes for all occasions.
The #1 Guide For Men’s Dress Codes | How To Dress For Any Occasion
#1: Traditional Attire Dress Code
Traditional Attire (also known as the Native attire dress code) is popular among stylish gentlemen in Africa and especially in Nigeria where I come from. That’s not to say it’s not popular outside this continent as they are gradually being globally recognized as an outfit choice in some parts of the Western world, especially America and Europe.
These days you see some folks in Africa wearing it wrongly, rocking a formal Native/Traditional attires (those made with suit fabrics) with casual footwear such as sneakers and slippers. And you see others wearing a casual native attire with dress shoes (with laces). This styling/pairing is wrong.
Today, we have taken the time to break down the dress code options for you so you can avoid making these style mistakes.
We hereby categorize the different native attire dress codes for men as: business casual, smart casual, casual and the formal native attire. See the pictures below for a better understanding.
(A) BUSINESS CASUAL (NATIVE ATTIRE)
Business Casual (Native Attire) – is an ambiguously defined dress code that has been adopted by many professional and workplaces in Africa. It entails neat yet casual attire and is generally more casual than informal attire but more formal than casual or smart casual attire. Casual Fridays preceded widespread acceptance of business casual attire in many offices.
(B) CASUAL WEAR (NATIVE ATTIRE)
This includes breaking up a native attire look e.g. wearing a casually styled Tunic top paired with dark jeans (see the first picture below), designing/creating a native attire using non-suit fabrics, or infusing African prints into western shirts, denim, t-shirts, Polo tops or casual shirts or dress shirts (see the pictures below for better illustration).
Casual Wear (Native Attire) – is a dress code category that comprises anything not appropriate with formal attire, semi-formal attire, or informal attire dress codes. In general, casual attire is associated with emphasizing personal comfort and individuality over formality or conformity. As such, this type of outfit may also be referred to as leisurewear. You can wear casual footwears with this style of native attire.
(C) SMART CASUAL (NATIVE ATTIRE)
Smart casual (Native Attire) – is an ambiguously defined dress code that is generally a neat yet casual attire.
(D) FORMAL WEAR (NATIVE ATTIRE)
Formal (Native Attire) – is the traditional dress code category applicable for the most formal occasions, such as weddings, christenings, confirmations, funerals, Easter and Christmas traditions.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide To Men’s Native Wears | Style Rules, What To Wear etc
#2: Casual Dress Code
You should already be aware that this is a relaxed look and incredibly easy dress code. So, to rock this dress code better, just invest in classic items like jeans, sweaters, sneakers, T-shirts, denim jackets, etc. This men’s dress code is perfect for a night at the bar or a casual meet up.
#3: Smart Casual Dress Code
Smart casual is an elevated look from the casual dress code, it is a relaxed and comfortable but dressy in a professional way. To correctly pull of this style, lose the tie and wear trousers and a sports coat or wear jeans with a T-shirt and blazer or chinos with a chambray shirt. A perfect attire for a dress down Friday or a movie date.
#4: Business Casual Dress Code
This men’s dress code is often confused with smart casual, it is very different from the latter. Business casual projects an air of professionalism than a relaxed tone but it doesn’t require a suit. Instead of a casual look like a jean and sweater, dark jeans with a checkered button-down and a blazer is the perfect attire.
Finish it up with a smart footwear like brogues, monk-straps, loafers or Derby shoes in suede or leather and you can still wear this to the office or a meeting.
#5: Business Formal Dress Code
Business formal is one of the conservative men’s dress codes meant for the office and corporate meetings or events. It is a smart style of men’s dress code that is stylish and simple. A navy blue or charcoal grey suit is the ideal color for the office, add a standard business shirt (blue or white), a tie and black leather shoes such as Oxfords or Derby.
#6: Semi-Formal Dress Code
Semi-formal is a tricky dress code to pull off, it is a dressed-up version of the business formal look.
Semi-formal attire is different for daytime and nighttime events. If the event is an evening or night time event (after 6:30 PM), the outfit choice should lean towards formal. If it’s a daytime event, the outfit choice should lean towards business formal.
For a semi-formal day time event, a suit (three-piece suit, double-breasted suit, etc) is a better choice than a tuxedo and your appearance should be over the top, a dark suit or dressy suit is a good option.
For a semi-formal night time event, a dark suit or a tuxedo which isn’t as formal as that which you would wear for a black tie event is most appropriate.
#7: Black Tie Dress Code
Black Tie dress code is a formal men’s dress code. You’re required to wear a tuxedo/dinner suit. The tux should be partnered with a white, formal shirt, a black bow tie and a smart dress shoe, such as a black Oxfords. You can also wear a black waistcoat or cummerbund to add more elegance to your appearance. A formal dinner or a wedding is the best place to dress this attire.
#8: White Tie Dress Code
White tie is the most formal of all dress codes and it is reserved for fancy events, such as balls, galas, and weddings. You need to dress more elegantly than a black tie tuxedo, wear a black tuxedo with tails, a white tuxedo shirt, with a pleated or bib-front design, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, and a pair of black patent leather dress shoes. You can also wear a pair of white gloves and a black top hat but it is not necessary.
Final Thoughts
People assume better things about well-dressed people. Make every effort to dress right at all times and dress perfectly for the right occasion.
I assure you it’s not such a difficult task to pull off once you know the basic rules.
So, gentlemen, that will be all on the different men’s dress codes for all occasions.
Until next time, continue to do well, live well and dress really well. Stay Classy.
Yours in Style,
Kobi O. Mbagwu (Mr. Kobi)
Founder, KOBI KOACHMAN
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