How to wear a formal shirt?

The formal dress or shirt and pants are an integral part in a fashion conscious man’s wardrobe. The correct formal shirt selection can add character and individuality to an otherwise utilitarian office outfit. Formal trousers also require attention in terms of fit which end up giving you a crisp and smooth look. Hence careful consideration is advised when the time comes to refresh your work attire and how you put the two pieces together.

1. How to select formal shirts?

Always go for shirts with colors that are monochromatic and lighter in shades. They tend to highlight your upper body and also bring attention to the body as a whole. Colors such as whites, beige, browns and even blue looks good on men and can be paired with a darker shade pants. Remember to stay away from bright colors and the trick is to keep them lighter in shade as possible. You can bring life to the shirts by sporting on thin vertical stripes, checks and other patterns. Keep the pattern in line with your overall wear, so that it does not stand like the odd one out.

2. How to pair shirts with right kind of formal pants?

Pants for formal attires can be in darker or lighter shades and should match the color of the overcoat. Do not attempt to sport something different as it would turn to be a mis- match. Blacks and browns look best and so do lighter shade of grey and beige. It can be pine-stripped or have shiny stripes in a lighter shade. It accentuates the attire on the whole and looks elegant to be worn for any formal occasion.

3. The best way to look "put together":

Tucking in your formal shirt changes your overall appearance. It creates a more refined, polished you and makes you look that little bit more ‘put together’. You do it every time you attend work or an event that requires some sort of formal presentation. Avoid stuffing your shirt into your trousers through the use of moving your hand in a saw like motion around your waist. Nine times out of ten it looks hurried and far from professional. Instead pull up your trousers around a flattened crease-free shirt.

4. General tips for a formal appearance:

Always try to wear clothes that fit your body perfectly. Most of the formal attires that you buy from the shops come with a good fit. If you find them lousy, they can be altered as well. Some of the shops have in-house tailors who would alter the clothes. Most of the times, it is the pants that give you a lots of trouble. If they are either too long or a bit loose they tend to give out a shabby appearance which can be easily corrected with the help of appropriate alterations.

A man’s appearance at the workplace is as important as the work he contributes to an organization. Keeping this in view, the correct selection of formal shirts and pants is an important task to make the right impression and create a presence.

Oxemberg offers an array of men's wear ranging from formals like blazers and suits to casuals like jeans and shirts that augments a man's true personality.