Difference between revisions of "Dress Formally Without Feeling Uncomfortable"

#Asses the formality of the event. This information might be included on the event invitation. It’s important you dress for the occasion, because being under-dressed will likely make you feel uncomfortable during the event. The phrase “formal attire” is used broadly, but there are specific expectations for different levels of the formal dress code.<ref name="rf1">http://emilypost.com/advice/attire-guide-dress-codes-from-casual-to-white-tie/</ref>

#Pick clothing that makes you look your best. Confidence in your attire will make you feel confident about yourself.<ref name="rf2">http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/04/wearing-a-suit-makes-people-think-differently/391802/</ref> Think about colors and wardrobe pieces you’ve received compliments on, and use these as a starting point for putting together your ensemble.<ref name="rf3">http://www.whowhatwear.com/self-confidence-style/slide2</ref>

#Address your problem areas. If you have short legs, wear heeled shoes that elongate the leg. If you have excess weight around your stomach, a well-cut sports jacket can create a nice silhouette. De-emphasize the areas of your body that you feel self-conscious about by choosing cuts and styles that mask them.<ref name="rf4">http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g936/clothes-for-your-body-type/?slide=7</ref>

#Play up your positives. If you have fantastic arms, don a sleeveless dress. If your chest is trim, consider a slim-fit button-up shirt. If your eyes are an arresting deep brown, wear a color that makes them stand out. Drawing attention to the parts of your body you love will make the parts you feel uncomfortable about less noticeable, improving your overall confidence level in the process.<ref name="rf5">http://www.joyofclothes.com/style-advice/</ref>

#Let your clothes inspire self-confidence. Formal attire makes us feel powerful. The external change can create internal change. Use that positive surge to carry yourself with your head held high throughout the event.<ref name="rf6">http://www.vogue.com/869076/intelligent-design-how-clothing-affects-the-mind/</ref>

#Have your outfit tailored to fit. If you can afford it, take your dress, suit, or other formal attire to a tailor for a proper fitting. The right hems will keep you from tripping up the entire evening, and a proper fit that conforms to your body perfectly will leave you feeling confident and at ease.<ref name="rf7">http://www.businessinsider.com/how-mens-clothes-should-fit-2014-1</ref>

#Groom your face. Trim or shave facial hair the day before the event so your skin is not irritable on the day of.<ref name="rf8">http://au.askmen.com/grooming/appearance/20_formal-grooming-dos-donts.html</ref> If you’d like to wear a little makeup, choose one facial feature to play up while keeping the rest of the look neutral.<ref name="rf9">http://www.glamour.com/gallery/the-10-best-hair-and-makeup-looks-period#4</ref>

#Style your hair simply. Choose a style that you can set and forget. If you’re worried about strays and frizz throughout the event, you won’t be at ease.<ref name="rf10">http://blackgirllonghair.com/2015/04/10-natural-hairstyle-ideas-for-prom-2015/</ref> If you want a fresh cut for the event, have it done in time for your hair to relax into the new length and style.<ref name="rf8" />

#Wear a shoe you can handle. High heels may make you look great, but if you are not accustomed to them, they will hurt your feet. Oxfords with a tight vamp will pinch throughout the event. Choose a formal shoe that feels comfortable and familiar.<ref name="rf11">http://www.ties.com/blog/mens-dress-shoe-guide</ref>

#Break your shoes in before the event. No matter what shoes you decide on, you should wear them a few times before the occasion itself. Wear them around the house, but keep them looking clean and polished. This allows the shoe to conform to your foot, which will make you feel more comfortable during the event itself.<ref name="rf12">http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-make-new-shoes-feel-comfortable-1415211017</ref>

#Upgrade your outfit with smart jewelry. A bit of sparkly jewelry can turn a plain ensemble into formal attire.<ref name="rf13">http://stylecaster.com/dress-code/#slide-7</ref>

#Carry foot pads and blister bandages. If your shoes start to get uncomfortable throughout the course of the night, you can always run off to a quiet corner and remedy the situation by applying whatever gel pad, insole, or bandage you need in order to get you comfortably back on your feet.<ref name="rf14">http://www.instyle.com/news/everything-you-need-avoid-fashion-emergency</ref>

#Bring extra hair accessories, earring backs, and some safety pins. These will help you keep your look together if you should you drop a curl, a stud, or a hem.<ref name="rf14" />

#Cover your arms with the right coat, jacket, cape, or shawl. If the temperature takes a sudden drop, you will have a means of keeping yourself warm. Choosing a cover-up as a part of your outfit keeps you looking sharp even when the weather turns.<ref name="rf15">http://www.whowhatwear.com/holiday-events-outerwear/slide21</ref>

#Consider carrying a small clutch with a detachable shoulder strap. The clutch is considered the most formal type of handbag, and the strap gives you the option of either carrying it comfortably over your shoulder or in your hands. A clutch is a fashionable way to carry your backup items<ref name="rf16">http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Buy-a-Purse-Best-Purses</ref>.

*There’s no need to hide your style to dress formally. Take care to select an ensemble that merely presents a polished version of yourself.<ref name="rf17">http://www.forbes.com/sites/troyalexander/2014/09/14/youre-a-brand-dressing-with-confidence/#51519762417f</ref>

*If the invitation does not provide you with enough details about the dress code, ask the host directly, or ask another guest.<ref name="rf18">http://www.businessinsider.com/the-appropriate-mens-attire-for-every-occasion-2014-9</ref>

*Err on the side of being overdressed rather than under-dressed.<ref name="rf18" />