It’s November! Know what that means? Nope not talking about the face stuffing, food coma inducing activities that will ensue on Thanksgiving Day. It’s ball season. As in Formal ball, “Black Tie” ball, the type you dress up for, not the ball season that includes slam-dunking and rim wrecking. But along those same lines, if you stick with SUITABULL your look will definitely be a slam-dunk. Unfortunately for some, they end up falling into some of the land mines that pop up when dressing for a formal. But instead of losing a body part they suffer another type of loss...dignity. So SUITABULL is here to help you steer clear make it through the night in style.
1—It’s a Gala, not your wedding, which means don’t show up looking like a wedding cake topper, or the Monopoly man. No need for tailcoats or all white tuxes with white hats. Instead, keep it suave. Not quite English wedding style, but more like James Bond with a 2019 spin. As mentioned in New Wears for New Year’s there are a few options that will serve you right. From tuxedos, to dinner jacket combos. Consider the setting, and the audience. A black tie fundraiser event may keep the traditional tuxedo dress code, whereas the Met Gala allows for more creativity in your ensemble.
2—You’re a man, not a mannequin. Don’t get me wrong, most mannequins look great but they can’t move, mostly because they’re not alive. In any case, I would imagine that if your clothes were just as tightly fitted, that you wouldn’t be able to move either. Tailor your clothes for fashion and function. No use looking that good if the only way you can’t sneeze without ripping pants. In case you don’t know, see below for how to immediately identify that your clothes might be a tad too fitted. (1) you can see the type of coins you have in your pocket and the year they were minted, through your pants. (2) You can take a pulse through your jacket. (3) Your jacket buttons look like they’re hanging on to the edge of a cliff for dear life. (4) You can’t move…like literally. (5) If you can actually move, you’re only able to waddle like Penguin from the Batman movies. If any of these apply to you, it’s time for a refitting or a new outfit.
3—Don't reinvent the wheel. If you’re pressed for time, don’t panic. When in doubt go with the “formal event uniform”, black tux, white shirt, white pocket square, black patent leather shoes and of course the black bow tie. You can’t lose, unless you don’t properly tailor it! It also helps to purchase a black tux so you already have it available for situations like these. Every gent has a need for a black tuxedo at least once a year.As always paying attention to detail will have you stand out from the pack even if 10 other gents standing next to you have the same black tux with accessories. Consider these detaild: (1) Again, tailor your tux. Whether rented or purchased, ensure that it “hangs” on your body in a flattering way and please hem those slacks with no “break” or crease at the shins. (2) Your shirt should fit like a shirt, not a blouse. Go for a tailored or extra slim cut shirt, like those offered by Charles Tyrwhitt, to ensure that there’s no bunching and bulging happening under the jacket (3) Fold and iron your ‘square. There’s nothing like a crisp pocket square to set off your look. (4) Shine your shoes. There’s no use wearing a tux, if your shoes look like football cleats. If you have suede or velvet loafers, brush them with a soft bristle brush to even out the tone.
4—Bring a date. Even if she’s just your friend, having someone to lighten the mood of a potentially stuffy event always helps you feel and look better. While you might be tempted to flip through your phone and call up a date with 2 coconuts and a peach emoji next to her name, make sure she’s a good time. She may look good on your arm, but you’re bout to still be board if she isn’t able to fathom subject, noun, verb agreement in her sentences. Plus, you’ll need someone to laugh with when you do see that dude that overdid it, looking like the Monopoly guy.
5—Leave the belt at home. Stakes are higher at formal events so please resist the urge to wear your WWE, Wresting Championship sized, designer belt, with the hubcap-sized buckle. Instead, It’s expected of you to exercise 1 of 3 options: (1) Slacks tailored exactly to your waist size. (2) Pants adjusters, which allow you to do exactly as the name implies, so whether you’ve gained a few pounds since your last event, or your last plate of “pigs in a blanket” during cocktail hour, you’re covered! (3) Suspenders will hold up your slacks and show off y some extra style skills at the same time. And by the way, please have suspender buttons sewn inside the waistband of your pants. Unless you’re ten years old, I pray that you will not be using the version with snaps.
There’s nothing worse than an “almost” moment.. He almost made that touchdown. He almost got the girl. He almost won the lottery. Or worse.. He almost nailed that look, but he didn’t. Don’t be that dude. Come and see SUITABULL for a consultation and be the guy that makes the statement when he walks into that formal.
Be SUITABULL guys.