A Millennial's Guide To Wearing Formals Like A Pro (2024)

A Millennial's Guide To Wearing Formals Like A Pro (1)

Give your office looks a chic update

Every day, spending eight to nine hours in a workplace demands motivation. Dressing up can be one of the key things that can keep you going. Unfortunately, many of us have a phobia that dressing for work would mean wearing the same dull boring shirts, trousers, formal skirts, suits and blazers every morning. We often end up feeling disappointed when we fail to find stylish ways to transform our office looks. While there is no typical rule for fashion and styling, here are some cool ways to style your formal wear like a fashion icon.


1. Add some hues to your formal look

Be it casuals or formals, colours can enliven any outfit. Some people are unreasonably scared of incorporating colours to their formal looks. They usually stick to monochrome, navy or grey outfits for office. Colours can add the element of timelessness too. Men can think about an olive green suit with tan coloured loafers, a white shirt with mustard coloured chinos whereas women can pull off a grey dress with a tangerine blazer paired with transparent heels or tan coloured flared pants with an oversized white shirt and waist clinched with a wide belt.

You can also experiment with pinks, maroons, mustard and brighter shades of blue that are versatile year-round shades. They will indeed lift your entire dreary office look in minutes. But remember to avoid going overboard when it comes to adding colours. Stick to just one or two and play around with them for an extraordinary look.

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(Also read:Add Spark To Your Formal Wear With These 9 Chic Jewellery Picks)

2. Stick to tailored-fit

When it comes to formals, getting the right fit is the biggest game changer. So get your formal wear tapered according to your measurements and invest on the same from the right brand. Not only will it make you feel comfortable, but it will also give you a polished look you always craved for.

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3. Bring in some stripes to your formal wardrobe

Be it a simple formal shirt, a blazer or a trouser, stripes can be a crowd puller. All you need is to pair it well. Since summers are making way, men can pair a linen shirt with plain black, blue or off white chinos, while women can either wear pencil pants or simply add a striped summer blazer to monochrome formal wear.

(Also read:7 Stylish Formal Shoes For Men That Are Must-Haves In Your Closet)

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A Millennial's Guide To Wearing Formals Like A Pro (3)

Stripes can be a crowd puller, be it a dress or a blazer

4. Glasses to the rescue

Pairing eyeglasses with your formal wear can help you create a sophisticated look. All you need to do is pick the ones that compliment your face cut. You can pick different shapes of frames to match your outfit and personality. For instance, if you are keeping the outfit minimal with a black tie, rimless frames will be the best choice.

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(Also read:Ditch Your Boring Office Wear With These Snazzy New Outfits From Amazon)

A Millennial's Guide To Wearing Formals Like A Pro (4)

You can pick different shapes of frames to match your outfit and personality

5. Add drama to your modest white shirt

It may sound silly but you can make your basic white shirt look luxe by simply adding some smart details. While men can carry a crossbody leather bag and wear tan coloured oxfords and a simple brown belt with their white shirt, women can add the fun element by wearing statement pieces like pumps, gold coloured bracelets with a metallic watch, a simple neckpiece, or an oversized blazer over their crisp white shirt.

A Millennial's Guide To Wearing Formals Like A Pro (5)

Make your basic white shirt look luxe by simply adding some smart details

To ace a polished formal look, it is also important to keep yourself groomed with manicured hands, blow-dried hair and a well-trimmed beard. So get ready to try these looks and dismiss the myth that office wear is boring. These styles deserve a spot in every millennial wardrobe as they are never going out of style.

About the author: Surya Suri started his professional journey with the Indian film industry and was a part of it for nearly 5 years. However, hailing from a business family, Surya eventually joined the family business. He is now the man behind Steele Collection, a custom-made men's and women's luxury apparel brand crafted to suit the taste of the classy new-age generation.

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    A Millennial's Guide To Wearing Formals Like A Pro (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the proper wearing of formal attire? ›

    Skirts should always sit at or just above the knee. A collared blouse or dress-material top is recommended, and should either be tucked in or fall just below your waistline. Tops should never hang below the hem of your suit jacket, or be so short that they show your stomach.

    What makes formal clothes formal? ›

    In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves. Some white tie functions also request that the women wear long gloves past the elbow.

    What do millennials wear to the office? ›

    Unlike their predecessors, Millennials and Gen Z prioritize comfort and self-expression. They lean towards more casual attire, favoring smart-casual or business-casual styles that blend comfort with professionalism. This shift has challenged the rigid standards of traditional dress codes.

    What is the best dress code for formal wear? ›

    A business formal dress code is characterized by a suit jacket with matching pants or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal. There are seasonal variations as well as matching accessories to personalize your look, but they should not be a distraction in any way.

    Why is it important to wear formal attire? ›

    A formal dress code promotes a professional image, fosters unity and equality, enhances confidence and self-expression, creates boundaries between work and leisure, and ultimately improves professionalism and performance.

    What is formal attire look like? ›

    Formal attire is definitely defined as a full-length gown, very fancy co*cktail attire from dresses to a really glamorous pantsuit. When it comes to men, formal wedding attire means a tuxedo.

    What does formal wear mean? ›

    Formal Wear – clothing that isn't classed as casual or “daywear” and is clothing that tries to reflect a particular event such as a wedding, dinner dance or knighthood. The definition of casual or daywear can be anything from jeans and t-shirt through to a sports jacket and slacks.

    What does formal dress mean for a man? ›

    Formal wear will almost always include a dark colored suit (tuxedo) and bow tie, whereas semi-formal dress for men is a bit more flexible. Try a lighter colored suit, or a blazer and slacks with a sharp belt. Semi-formal wear can include a tie, but doesn't always have to, and shoes can be smart or relaxed.

    What do millennials wear female? ›

    While Gen Z embraces baggy, low-rise pants in fun prints, millennials cling to their high-waisted, skinny-fit denim. "A great alternative to try for mom jeans since they're not as trendy right now would be high-waisted, wide-leg jeans," she said.

    What do Gen Z look for in clothing? ›

    Gen Z prefers comfortable and expressive clothing like loose-fitting jeans, crop tops, and oversized pieces. Born between 1997 and the early 2010s, Gen Z accounts for 30% of the world's population.

    What is the most formal attire ever? ›

    White tie is considered to be the most formal dress code, typically reserved for the most formal occasions like royal galas or extremely prestigious parties where only royalty, politicians, and celebrities are ever invited.

    Can I wear jeans for formal attire? ›

    In order to make sure your jeans are formal enough, you will want to lean toward formal and classy with your choice of shirt and jacket. A crisp dress shirt is always a good choice when paired with jeans, add a sporty button-up shirt can add a dash of personality to a more casual business office.

    Are jeans a formal dress? ›

    On their own, jeans are more casual, but you can easily style them to suit an office environment. Dress your jeans up with a button-down shirt and a sharp-looking jacket to transform an outfit from casual to business casual.

    What is a formal dress code for a man? ›

    For formal events, men should always opt for a suit or tuxedo. Tuxedos tend to be favored at many events, especially if the invite includes a phrase like “black tie optional” or “black tie preferred,” but suits are usually acceptable.

    What does formal attire mean on a wedding invitation? ›

    Formal Wedding

    As the name suggests, it allows more flexibility than a black-tie dress code. Men can wear tuxedos or formal dark suits, and women can wear anything from evening gowns to dressy co*cktail attire.

    Is formal attire a tux or suit? ›

    1) Dress Code

    A tuxedo would be appropriate if the dress code specifies a black tie. However, if the dress code is listed as “formal,” a suit is likely the best choice.

    Does formal wear mean you have to wear a suit? ›

    What is the formal dress code for men? The formal dress code for men is the most traditional option and generally consists of a full suit or tuxedo. Accessories, such as neckties and pocket squares, are not typically allowed. The modern formal dress for men stipulates tuxedos, bowties and tailored fits.

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