Formal wear

Formal wear
Origin of formal wear

The quintessence of uniform elegance must surely be those described as “formal.” The exact opposite of “casual” clothes, formal garments are as curiously elevating and ennobling, as they are utilitarian and levelling.
The origin of formal wear is open to discussion and challenge, but one name forever associated with formality, uniformity, and simplicity was Beau Brummell-king of the dandies and a one-time favourite of King George IV. He is often referred to as the “father of modern male formal costume” as he eschewed the brightly hued silken finery and powdered wigs generally worn at court for a sober suit of midnight blue-black with minimal jewellery (a signet ring was permissible), no wig, no perfume but plenty of shaving and washing-a well-scrubbed appearance being the natural partner to formal dress.

8 types of formal wear for women

1. Pencil skirt Pencil skirts are perfect for meetings. It should not be too long or too short.
2. LBD or little black dress
   LBD is a must have. It’s your saviour for all the occasions whether it’s a party night or casual meets after office hours.

1. Saree
   In some countries like India, Cotton saris are mostly preferred as they are comfortable and won’t make you feel hot. Undoubtedly, you must know how to carry it well.
   

1. Trousers with straps for women
   Trousers with straps is a cool one for your Monday morning. A bit of Funky touch on formal wear.

1. An elegant dress
   This is something you must have for the business parties where you don’t want to over-do but look elegant at the same time.

1. Blazer
   A blaze that flatters your body curves is a must have for your formal look wardrobe.
   It gives you a Bossy look and most importantly saves you from the excess cooling temperature at your workplace.

1. A white shirt
   A white shirt is always a saviour. It goes with every colour and you can pair it up with anything you want, like, pants or skirts. You just need to tuck in properly and you are sorted.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR FORMAL WEAR

1. Be yourself in style
   Being dressed up formally does not mean that you have to be like someone else. You can wear outfits that are comfortable and within the guidelines of your organisation. There is no need to copy whatever that is followed in ages. You should dress in a relatively modest, office-appropriate manner, that is what matters.

1. Do spend on quality and not on quantity
   While purchasing your office outfit, consider the materials and mastery of the garments you buy. Then once you get perfect items, take proper care as suggested on the dress or by experts. Have them tailored with choicest craftsmen. If you previously don’t have a committed tailor, find one! The fit is everything for the business wardrobe! Not too tight, not too loose, not too long, not too short, but just right, that’s the way it should be. And a skilled tailor will serve you to achieve that.

Have them professionally laundered regularly as required, and hang them on the best suitable hangers (wire hangers may ruin your expensive costume!).

1. Keep your makeup simple
   Makeup at your workplace or in a meeting cannot be extravagant. Simple make-up is fit for office. If you like bold lip colour, feel free to go for it. But keep everything else natural keeping your look altogether neutral. Do not wear overplaying stuff like false eyelashes, smoky eyeshadow, or an excess of bronzer.
2. Don't be a too trendy “fashionista"
   Except you work in the fashion industry, the job space is likely not the place to test with the newest ramp trends. You need to represent yourself in classiness, style, and strength. An overly trendy look may become the focal point and may profess opinion different from what you may really want. You should appear to magnify your message of professionalism. There is nothing wrong with fusing a little trend. Just don’t let it overdo!

HAIR AND MAKEUP FOR FORMAL LOOK
You can do your makeup by doing smoky eyes and a deep eyeliner. Go hard on the highlighter and do contour well. It depends on your face if you want to do contouring on your nose and sculpt your face or not. You can rock it with your eyes mostly and make your cheeks glowy. Don’t forget mascara and kajal beneath the lower lash line. Nude lipstick would look good with a formal attire, though slightly pinkish ones or coral colours would look nice too.

If your dress has a lower back, then you can leave your hair open. If it has high neck you can perhaps tie it into a bun.

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR FORMAL WEAR

1. Attire for men
   Men's attire will vary according to the type of position a gentleman holds. However, a nice suit should be worn during the interview even if the job will require jeans or outdoor clothing. For men who work indoors in an office setting, a suit is preferred. Do wear a black, navy or grey suit that fits well. Wear a long-sleeve shirt in white or a light colour, and have the shirt pressed. The cuffs shouldn't be frayed or rolled up. Never wear a short-sleeve shirt with a suit. The pants and jacket should be the same colour and material. Businessmen should wear conservative or neat ties, not comic strip or silly ties. Do wear black or brown dress shoes rather than tennis shoes.

1. Attire for women
   Smart-looking pantsuits and dress suits are appropriate choices for women. Pantsuits should be tailored and creased, not flowing or too tight. A dress suit should have a skirt that goes no higher than 2 inches above the knee. Miniskirts, even in a suit, are not appropriate for business wear. If suit wear is not required, wear dress pants and skirts, never jeans. Don't wear skirts that are too long or billowy. Don't wear pants that are too snug on the body. Women's shoes should have closed toes, not open toes. Don't wear sandals or stiletto heels. Heels should be conservative; shoes with no heel are acceptable. Avoid wearing see-through garments or sleeveless shirts.

1. Accessories
   Piling on the accessories, even when wearing the appropriate clothing, looks sloppy. It's tempting to show off your jewellery collection or swanky new belts at work. Instead of missing the mark, wear just a few pieces of jewellery. For men, one ring and a watch are appropriate for work wear. For women, limit your jewellery to one necklace or bracelet, not both. Do wear earrings but not long, dangling or oversize earrings. Wear one or two rings but no more. Scarves are optional, but any scarf should be appropriate for office wear and not too long. Do carry a small to medium-size purse, not an oversize bag.

Keep these small points in mind and you will surely rock your formal look!!!