From Casual to Formal – How to Wear Shirts for Any Occasion
All men should consider it essential to own a selection of stylish shirts in their wardrobe. They are undeniably versatile and can be worn in the office for work or leisure. In my latest article, I will touch on a few tips allowing you to learn how to wear shirts for a variety of different occasions. Continue reading to find out more!
How To Wear A Shirt For Formal Occasions
There are a multitude of different functions that require a shirt –
- Work
- Weddings
- Certain Parties
- Christenings
- Funerals
Even though your outfit may differ depending on the event, wearing men’s shirts for a formal occasion must abide by these standard golden rules.
- Always Tuck Your Shirt Into Your Trousers
- Always button up your shirt, although the top button can be left open.
- Keep sleeves rolled down and buttoned.
If you stick to these three important points, your outfit will have a formal appearance. You can up your game further and wear a tie for that extra professional look or if you need to follow a strict dress code. If you choose to wear a suit with your shirt, ensure the colour and style complement each other – there are many pitfalls in this regard, especially if you add pocket squares into the mix. Play it safe if you are worried, and stick with a white shirt, as it pretty much goes with everything.
How To Wear A Formal Shirt For Casual Occasions
Fortunately, shirts are versatile; you can effortlessly rock that office button-up at a casual event with a few tweaks. You can easily wear a formal shirt dressed down to the pub, club, or even on a date. Even a party environment with a smart/casual dress code can work too.
Follow these simple tips for a casual and laid-back style.
- Pair the shirt with casual trousers – jeans, shorts or chinos minus a suit jacket.
- Untuck your shirt for a casual vibe.
- Undo the top buttons.
- Roll the sleeves.
Instantly, you will appear more relaxed yet maintain an air of style, looking like a man who can dress well. A simple white shirt can work wonders and transform into casual if you follow the simple tips.
Remember, you can mix it up by incorporating a casual shirt into your everyday wardrobe, replacing a formal button-up. If styled correctly, they can blend easily into all occasions (with the advantage of being more comfortable and less stuffy). Additionally, you could even choose a patterned model, showcasing your more outgoing personality (just be careful not to select something too bold, as it can have the reverse effect!).
The Importance Of Colour Choice
Selecting the right colour for your new shirt can make all the difference between something sleek, modern, and fashionably on point and a garish, unattractive mess! Popular options for formal settings include classic white, black, grey, or blue (although you can play with more unusual hues such as burgundy or olive).
For casual occasions, you have a lot more options – reds, blues, greens, or even patterned numbers can easily complement your chosen outfit! Double Two (which, incidentally, is the brand I’m wearing in the attached image!) offers a wide variety of different shirts in bold, eye-catching colourways.
Fit Is King
Regardless of whether you need a shirt for a formal or casual setting, you need to ensure that the shirt fits correctly – even a luxury shirt (that boasts a high price point) that fits poorly will look cheap when worn (no matter the quality of the fabric). Whether the button-up is overly baggy and loose or too tight, it can negatively affect your overall style presentation. Grab a tape measure to find out your exact body proportions, then compare them with the size guide on a clothing retailer’s website so you can choose the best size for you.
Alternatively, take these measurements and order a bespoke button-up, built from the ground up to your exact body shape, which will show off your silhouette with a perfect fit. Hockerty is an excellent clothing brand that offers fantastic customisation options (in shirts, trousers, and even full suits!).
Final Thoughts
With these tricks under your belt, you can wear formal shirts for any occasion. Any dress shirt can be easily worn to both formal and informal events. Follow the cheat sheet, and you can simply swap things up by changing the style, but always make sure not to fall foul of any fashion faux-pas!
What are your thoughts on my latest fashion article? Did it help you out? If so, would you like more posts like this on my blog? Let me know your thoughts below.
