For a country like the United Kingdom that has a rich culture and tradition, dress code has always been important. Following the correct dress code at different events reflect the manner and respect shown by the guests towards the hosts. Sometimes the correct dress code could even help you to make a good impression in front of other people. By wearing the correct dress code for an interview, you could also leave a good impression for your HR and this might even help you to secure your job.
The dress codes in the United Kingdom could be separated into casual, smart casual, business, Black tie and White tie. Black tie and White tie dress codes are mainly for important events such as state banquet, significant awards ceremony, formal ball, wedding and movie premiere. Most people will normally follow causal, smart casual and business dress codes in their daily lives. This article is going to decode what to wear for gentlemen at different dress code event.
Causal dress code mainly applies for really informal gathering and event. For example, a classic BBQ at parks or a pub based event. For gentlemen, a polo shirt is certainly the ideal choice and casual long trousers will make you look sharp and smart. The trousers could be cords, dark fitted jeans or chinos. A belt is also recommended for gentlemen to wear at this informal occasion. And finally deck shoes are often suggested for gentlemen to wear at the casual event, smart trainers will also be acceptable. Some important tips and ideas for gentlemen at causal events are do not overdress at casual events. Casual events are largely informal and therefore overdress will make you look awkward and out of place at the event. It’s always great to be well presented but overdress is definitely a mistake. Also, casual events don’t necessarily mean that you can wear anything you want. For example, T-shirts are strongly not recommended for gentlemen to wear at a causal event. There is still an expectation on some formality at casual event. And finally, always bear in mind the type of people you are going to associate with at a casual event, the importance of the people in your mind could have an impact on your choice of clothes. But overall a polo shirt and a long trouser will make you look absolutely fine at a casual event.
Smart casual is a level up of casual event and the events are most likely to be a cocktail reception or an informal business event. Normally a gentleman will wear a smart jacket or a blazer with a casual shirt. For the shirt both stripes or check designs are acceptable. Most gentlemen will also choose to wear a chino rather than a normal trouser or a suit trouser. It is the chinos that reflects the casual nature of the event and the blazer that represents the formality of the dress code. Smart casual is a combination of formality and casual. Some tips and advice for smart casual events are it is always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. This is mainly because some people will dress quite formally to a smart casual event. For example, some gentlemen might appear with a suit and tie, and therefore it is always better to be over-dressed than the normal smart casual requirements. Many fashion designers also suggest that the context of the occasion is the important thing. Smart casual at work should be formal and smart casual with friends could be more relaxed and less formal.
Business event dress code is the most typical dress code that entrepreneurs and businesspeople might face. This dress code is actually very simple for gentlemen to follow. Always appear with a suit and tie and you will never get wrong. A lounge suit is the ideal outfit for gentlemen to wear at business event and wearing a tie with a Windsor knot is also highly recommended. Gentlemen are also advised to wear Derby or Oxford shoes for the business event to demonstrate formality and style. A leather belt is also recommended for gentlemen to wear. Some essentials for business event dress code include get a second pair of matching suit trousers, as trousers always wear more than jackets. Also, for important business interview and business meeting, a gentleman should always wear a white shirt.
Black tie events mainly include formal ball, wedding, formal movie premiere and annual club gatherings. This is the most formal dress code that normal people will encounter in their lives. A gentleman should always wear a tuxedo jacket at a Black-tie event. The main difference between a tuxedo jacket and a dark lounge suit is that a tuxedo jacket has a silk or satin faced lapel. It is also single breasted with no vents, cover buttons also appear on a tuxedo jacket. A gentleman should also wear a formal dress shirt for a Black-tie event with pleated front, turn down collar. The most important thing about the Black-tie event is the bow tie that gentlemen wear. It is a tradition for gentlemen to use black hand-tied bow tie, but if you are experiencing difficulty about making a hand-tied bow tie, you can always use a pre-tied bow tie. Cummerband is optional for gentleman at Black tie event, however you should not be wearing a belt to Black tie event. The trousers for Black tie event are also a bit different to normal suit trousers. A gentleman will normally wear a tapered black dress trousers with single row of braid on the outer leg. And finally, a gentleman will always appear with a pair of Oxford shoe at the Black tie event.
And finally, we have reached the pinnacle of British dress code, white tie event. You will probably only need to wear white tie if you are invited to the state banquet held by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace. This is the most formal dress code for British men in history. A gentleman will normally appear with a tailcoat at the White tie event. Tailcoat is a black tailcoat jacket and its front must be longer than waistcoat but not go below waist. Gentlemen will also wear a dress shirt that has minimal decoration with bib-like front. A white hand-tied bow tie is the standard convention for gentlemen at a White tie event. Formal dress trousers and dress shoes are also recommended for gentlemen to wear at White tie event. Some essentials for gentlemen at a White tie event include never button up your tailcoat, it should always be left open. And watches shouldn’t be worn because it is considered to be rude to be checking the time at a White tie event.
Living in the UK could be a great challenge for a man’s wardrobe. Given the complexity and richness of British dress code culture, men always need to figure out what’s the most appropriate clothing for an event. Hopefully this article could be your companion guide on unlocking British dress code culture in the future!
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