Dressing for any occasion shouldn’t be a daunting exercise and you should never dread getting an invitation because of lack of appropriate attire. If you’re unsure about what to wear to an interview or what a dress code policy means, it couldn’t be simpler with Knot Standard: jump online and speak to one of our advisers about the best suit or use our guide below, order a suit online and have it sent to you, no sweat!
There’s nothing worse than turning up to an event in the wrong suit (other than in a poorly fitting suit of course!). So here’s our quick go-to-guide on how to decipher the dress code or suit-code for any occassion.
Whether it’s a suit for the office or a suit for an interview you need to strike the right balance of professional and friendly, we suggest going with a two-buttoned single breasted jacket. Show a bit of imagination and personality outside of the standard black suit with navy or grey. Partner it with a simple white or blue shirt and don’t go too over the top with patterns or bright colours, save that for the tie.
Lounge Suit or Cocktail requires a tie, a suit (that means matching jacket and pants), but is generally less formal so you can go with a light coloured suit during the day and darker suit for night time.
Business Casual dress code is one of those great occasions where a tie is not mandatory, it’s worth stashing one in your bag just in case, but it’s safe to say the intention is to have a more casual atmosphere. Wear a jacket if weather necessitates it, but make sure it matches the pants. A well pressed business shirt and dress pants will ensure you’re appropriately dressed.
Black-tie or formal only is not time to pull out the red suit (which you could also order from Knot Standard by the way!!). For formal weddings and you’ll need a tuxedo, regardless of your station or rank at the event. A black jacket with satin or grosgrain lapels, trousers, a bow tie, and a cummerbund, all available at the click of a button at KnotStandard.com. It’s a big step to buy your first tux, but you’ll feel a million dollars and be glad you made the investment when you get there.
White-tie or full evening dress is traditionally a tuxedo (tux) with tails, a top hat, an overcoat, a cane, and, of course, a white tie. Just think Fred Astaire and you’re in the right place.
Black-tie preferred if you’re in the wedding party, you’ll be wearing a white dinner jacket or a tux. If you’re just a wedding guest and don’t want to go the whole hog, a black- or charcoal-coloured suit is just fine.
Black-tie optional more popular for daytime weddings. The wedding party may be wearing a morning suit, you can wear a cotton, tweed or linen suit in an earthy colour or a classic dark colour.
Wedding suit dos and don’ts
· No white suits at night time weddings
· No tuxedos before 5 p.m.
· No sneakers, jeans, cargo pants or shirts other than button-down dress shirts — ever!
· Don’t wear something more formal than the wedding party
· Do not unbutton double-breasted dinner jackets
What to do when dress code isn’t specified:
The time and season of the event should give you a good indication of what suits to wear. Our guide below outlines your options.
Day time, spring/summer
With the warm weather and more relaxed atmosphere of daytime events, linen or twill suits are called for. If it’s a casual event like a beach wedding, go tie-less and wear a simple blazer and dress pants in shades of cream, beige, blue, or grey.
Night time, Spring/summer
Avoid wool suits for the warm-weather and opt for something cool and breathable like cotton. Since the event will be at night, choose a dark-coloured suit (navy, black, charcoal or grey).
Day time, Winter/fall
For a winter or fall suit you can go with either a cotton or wool suit for the cooler weather. It’s also a smart idea to stick to dark colours, like navy or black.
Regardless of the dress codes, Knot Standard has an infinite number of solutions to suit your style. Go to www.KnotStandard.com now and chat to an advisor about the best suits for your dress code.