If there’s an executive party coming up, it’d be understandable for you to be excited. However, you could be nervous, too. After all, there could be many people there – like your boss or that cute new secretary – who you could benefit from impressing, but who could turn their noses up if you put a single foot wrong. To prevent that kind of thing occurring, you need to carefully consider what to wear for the occasion. Here are some pointers for keeping a fashion faux pas at bay.
Ask, in advance, what the dress code will be
Well, of course! Doing this could save you a lot of guesswork when it comes to assessing what your choices of attire should be. You will probably be told that this dress code will be smart, casual, or somewhere between the two. Whatever the answer, use this information as your starting point.
A little more conservative, a little less action please
Whatever clothes you choose, they shouldn’t look too funky or in-your-face. You need to keep in mind that, while you are preparing for a party, it remains a work function – and AskMen points out that “your colleagues, as well as clients, are likely from very different backgrounds or age groups.” Therefore, by wearing overly vibrant-looking clothing, you could end up offending some people.
Consider what the stars are wearing
There’s nothing wrong with ripping off – we mean, er, taking inspiration from – what various high-profile men are wearing. Ryan Gosling and David Gandy are both good points of reference when it comes to style, while David Beckham has shown his ability to impress in both a tailor-made suit and more smart-casual attire. However, you should also consider stars who are prone to style failings…
You don’t want to look either overdressed or underdressed. Putting on the same smart suit, white shirt and tie that you would for a corporate meeting could leave you coming across as an utter bore, while dressing as an elf could easily make you an object of ridicule.
The Irish Independent recommends a suitable compromise: “an outfit that ticks a few style boxes and should ensure you’re not turned away at the door of an exclusive bar.” Amusingly, the news outlet adds: “And should you ever be in doubt, ask yourself if Ed Sheeran would wear it: if the answer is yes, leave the offending garment on the hanger.”
Make yourself a shoo-in… or should that be “shoe-in”?
The right shoes are physically little things that can, nonetheless, make a big impression. The Irish Independent aptly declares: “If clothes maketh the man, then footwear is the sartorial exclamation point that punctuates the ensemble.”
However, the site emphasizes that the party’s dress code should dictate your choice of footwear. Polished Oxfords would be suitable for smart affairs and loafers for relaxed occasions. If the dress code is somewhere in-between, a pair of rugged work boots from Dickies, from which various other items of appropriate attire might be available, could be just right.
