One of the biggest mistakes that men make is wearing TOO much. Most men don't know how to avoid being overdressed.
You've assembled the perfect outfit. A well-fitted sports jacket, a crisp, clean dress shirt, a 7 fold necktie, and a pair of dark brown double-strap monk dress shoes.
You feel like a million bucks. You're confident – ready to conquer the world. But then you walk into the room and notice you're completely overdressed.
In this article, we explain how to avoid being overdressed.
You will find out:
- Is There A Dress Code?
- Are You Overdressed Or Lacking Confidence?
- Do You Know To Dress For The Occasion?
- Do You Know How To Wear Versatile Outfits?
- Do Your Clothes Fit?
#1 Is There A Dress Code?
Often and not just in fashion, we often imagine problems that aren't there. When it comes to being overdressed, you have to take a moment and ask yourself if it is a real problem or maybe something that you are just imagining.
When it comes to the question of how to avoid being overdressed – your environment matters. That doesn't mean you must dress exactly like everyone, but be aware of the status quo.
Always refer to the local uniform, so you don't stick out – in a strange way – wherever you go.
Is everybody buttoned-up or in T-shirts?
Do they stroll around in dress shoes or sneakers?
What's the norm when it comes to trousers?
These are some observations you should make if you're new to the place.
Consider these common examples where it matters to dress appropriately:
- You shouldn't be all suited up in a California suburb or small country town since people there go casual.
- Men wouldn't don flashy, expensive clothes in a neighborhood with a high crime rate.
- You won't attend a baseball or football game dressed the way you are in the office.
- A well-dressed man wouldn't stray from what fellow students at your school normally wear.
In the end, it's striking a balance between personal style and blending in. The last thing you want is to attract the wrong kind of attention with what you wear.
If you think you are, check out this guide to social dress codes!
#2 Are You Overdressed Or Lacking Confidence?
If other people cannot see anything wrong with how you've chosen to present yourself, and yet you do, it may be worth asking if you have personal issues with confidence.
Certain professions benefit when the man in them decides to dress “higher” and “better” than what his position dictates.
A small-town lawyer can choose not to wear a suit as things may not be so formal there, but if he does suit up and runs into people all over town, he may appear to be an impressive and professional figure that they will consider hiring.
As long as you know WHY you're dressing sharp and your overall why – you will be able to pick out the right clothes for the occasion and not appear overdressed.
#3 Do You Know To Dress For The Occasion?
Take the time to examine the situation and look at the environment that you're going into.
Let's say you're applying for a blue-collar position in a company. The situation immediately makes it clear that the guys here were cotton shirts and an overall functional uniform.
I'm not saying that for your interview, you should dress this way. You should dress a little bit nicer to make a good impression but understand then if and when you start working with the guys, you should dress similarly.
#4 Do You Know How To Wear Versatile Outfits?
The key to dressing well for events you're not too sure of is wearing a versatile outfit.
An example of a situation like this is transitioning from a big city and a rural area quickly for work.
For guys with this kind of setup, pieces like sports jackets and ties are sure to go a long way. The beauty about these items is that they can be quickly taken off or put back on, so it is relatively easy to dress your outfit up or down for the situation.
Don't be afraid to change, especially if you feel that the situation warrants it and you want to send the right message.
#5 Do Your Clothes Fit?
When clothing fits you well, you immediately look sharper and more put together.
This is why it is so important to pay extra attention to how your clothes fit you.
Secondly, look into investing in the best quality of clothing that you can afford. Better clothing quality will immediately elevate even the most casual of ensembles.
Thirdly, pay attention to those little style details. Get rid of anything that feels dated and looks like it's not going to work.
That's it, gentlemen- the five tips on how to avoid being overdressed. Hopefully, you picked up some nuggets of advice in this post.
Click below to watch the video – How To Avoid Being Overdressed: