Broad, weak Must-See sitcoms would have us believe that men never worry aboutwhat to wear.
Thats nowhere close to accurate.
Often, our casual, cavalier approach to our garbing comes from ignorance as much as laziness.
via keikari.com
Cant wait to not have sex!
From the formal to the business casual, to evening cocktail clothing, guys like looking dapper.
Because, again: Sex (and fragile male ego, but we definitely dont talk about that.)
Hence: Everything every man needs to know about dressing for cocktail galas.
Every formal party, event, or gathering would fall into one of those categories.
Modern Cocktail Attire
The zeitgeist has shifted, and shifted hard against us.
Even if youre dressed perfectly, you’re free to still look out of place.
Heres the basic requirements for mens cocktail attire these days.
Dark Suit
Deep gray, charcoal, or black is preferred.
Going big and bright is not what cocktail attire is for.
Dress Shirt
A plainwhite or smoky shirtis standard for cocktail attire.
These do not require specialized buttons or French cuffs as would be used for a tuxedo.
Necktie
Plain orsimply patternedis the way to go, with colors that are banal.
Your socks should be basic black and disappear into your pants no matter what position youre in.
Youre not there to show leg, however alluring you think your gams are.
Pocket Square
Normally apocket squareis a luxury accessory.
Here, its part of the ensemble.
Even a basic whitehandkerchief folded up properly is better than going in with an empty pocket.
That notion runs contrary to what cocktail attire is.
If its a wedding, the bride and groom are the focus.
At a funeral, its the family and the deceased.
At fundraising events or performances, its the charity and/or performer(s).
Youre supposed to blend in to help everyone enjoy.
Thats the whole purpose.
The key here is flexibility.
After all, most of the time youll be wearing this monkey suit to parties.
No matter what the event is, consider the average wedding to be your standard.
Obviously, if you receive an invitation that specifically states Cocktail Attire Reqd then thats what you wear.
But not every host or hostess is wise enough to know that their guests need some direction.
That is, only if the invitation doesnt expressly state something else.
Unless you know for a fact its a casual gathering.
The other time cocktail attire is to be considered is any event that you pay to get into.
This doesnt include movies, but does include live theater, classical music concerts or orchestral events.
Seeing pop stars or headbanging metal bands obviously doesnt need a suit and tie.
The answer is a definitive maybe.
Part of the point is to show respect to whomever or whatever youre there to see.
Dressing with that in mind will usually keep you on course.
Your hair should be well done.
Though a lot of guys take a stab at pull off the scruffy/sexy look, its a distraction.
