How to Dress Professionally for Men

It's no secret that there are less and less events nowadays that require a guy gets all dressed up. Where people used to wear suits a generation ago we often get by with jeans without holes. But, this kind of lifestyle had made my generation less equipped to find something to wear when the situation does arise. Whether it's a one time deal or you landed a new jobs that requires dress attire every man should know how to dress professionally.

The first thing you're going to need to get straight is what kind of event you're headed to. Most can be placed into two categories, business and business casual. There are also rare events that will require a tuxedo, but most likely the professional who fits your tux can help you then. If you're going to an event and aren't sure what others will be wearing then dress up. If you show up wearing a full suit and everyone else is wearing polos than just take your jacket off. It is better to be slightly overdressed than be the slob of the crowd. Next time just be more careful to ask someone else what they plan on wearing.

A business casual event usually has food or entertainment and happens outside of normal business hours. Some events are company picnics, casual weddings, or church when you aren't involved in leading the service. You're goal at these type of events is to look professional, but relaxed at the same time. Men's attire can be summed up as a polo shirt, button down, or sweater, slacks, and tasteful accessories. By polo I mean a solid color or conservative pattern. Please leave all palm leaf and TV static patterns for your trip to the beach. The collar should fold nicely and no more than one button undone. I always leave the collar straight up when I hang them so that a lopsided or worn crease doesn't form. The shirt fits right if the shoulder seams are even or just barely past you actual shoulder and you can tuck it into your slacks and raise your arms without it popping out. Button ups are a good option, but long sleeved are much more professional looking than short. Basic sweaters can be worn in the winter, but refrain from reindeer.

The three best colors for slacks are black, khaki, and navy. Black and khaki being the colors you will get the most use from. Navy tends to be hard to match. If you pick black try to buy a pair with lower cotton content since cotton faced very fast. Make sure they fit right. Sit down in them and make sure not too much of your ankle is exposed and buy the correct waist size. You're not fooling anyone, not even yourself squeezing into a too small pair. And guys, iron them please.

Now, if you've somehow got wrangled into a business attire event that's a whole other story. These events may be conferences, business proposals, formal or semi-formal weddings, church when you have a responsibility during service, and hot dates at four star restaurants. The aforementioned list is going to require you look a lot more professional. In other words, it's suit time. Your goal here is to look as professional and clean cut as possible. Now, if you've only got the cash for on good suit buy black. I don't care how hot you look in any other color. Buy black. It matches more colors and doesn't send hidden messages about yourself. Everyone will notice if you're always wearing a beige suit. If you have the money buy more than one since suits look better if you don't wear them everyday. The fibers lose some of their energy if they're over worked. Get a fitting if at all possible, which is easy to do so suck it up. If for some reason you can't be professionally fitted make sure the suit fits well through the shoulders, leaves enough arm length for your shirt sleeve to barely peek out, sits long enough, and buttons up. Once again make sure the slacks are long enough and stout enough. They should just hit the top of your foot when standing.

Next, buy a few button up shirts to rotate out. White or light blue for business. If it's a wedding or social event you'll have a little more freedom in colors. Shirts worn with suits should not have buttons at the tips of the collar. Double check before buying. As for the ties pick out conservative pattens and colors that coordinate with the suit and shirt. It looks best if there is a hint of the suit color in the tie. Avoid clip ons, please.

Now for the finishing touches. These apply to both dress situations. Belts and shoes. I recommend every man owns one black set and one brown set. Your black set will most likely be worn with your suit so make sure they're snazzy enough. Never ever, ever wear black belt with brown shoes or vice versa. And, one of the biggest mistakes men make is wearing leather pieces past their prime. If they're cracking apart you don't look sharp. Get new ones. Wear dark matching dress socks. If you must wear jewelry keep it simple. No sports watches with Velcro straps, try to keep all chains tucked in your shirt or at home, and I'm going to highly suggest you remove earrings. Unless you're going to a fashion or social event you're trying to look professional not suave. One of the last accessories is one no one should notice. Many of these shirts require undershirts. This flattens the fabric and hides body flaws. Try to pick one that limits visible lines, like a T-shirt cut.

Guys, I know that this sounds like a bunch of dumb rules made by people with no lives. But, we only get one first impression. That's why many businesses insist on sharp attire. If you're feeling uneasy donning these duds remember, your elders will talk to you like you have more sense than other young men and your peers will think you know something they don't. It's a great feeling knowing you have a professional wardrobe to call on when you need it so good luck and happy shopping.