EventWear
Your Guide to Summer Dressing
Our Approach to Summer Event dressing
Each season here at The Helm, our customers ask us how to best approach navigating a sea of invites to the many special occasion invites they receive. Dress codes seem to be evolving and becoming harder to decipher as everyone puts their unique spin on their wedding or garden party dress code; and no, “Dressy Casual” doesn’t provide anyone with clarity. The good news is, here at The Helm we find that you can be prepared for every occasion, every event across all venues with a simple four bucket approach. This article will provide a step by step breakdown of what to wear when, from least to most formal, in our must read guide to seasonal event dressing.
Oscar Wilde famously said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated” respectfully, we disagree. If you show up to a summer garden party in a tuxedo - you and everyone else will likely feel uncomfortable. That being said, the idea of presenting yourself in a positive manner and feeling empowered in your clothing IS something we do believe in, and that’s why we recommend never skipping the blazer to a special event. The formality of your outfit is not about one piece but rather the sum of it’s parts. If you think the event will be more casual, pick a blazer with less construction, lighter colors are often viewed as more casual as well. Another way to bring down the formality of your outfit is to opt for a sport shirt with a pattern, or instead choose a casual knit polo or t-shirt. You can select a cotton chino or 5 pocket pants instead of a wool dress trouser, and don’t be afraid to play around with silhouettes. Finally, this combination requires a loafer,driving shoe or an elevated sneaker.
Oscar Wilde famously said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated” respectfully, we disagree. If you show up to a summer garden party in a tuxedo - you and everyone else will likely feel uncomfortable. That being said, the idea of presenting yourself in a positive manner and feeling empowered in your clothing IS something we do believe in, and that’s why we recommend never skipping the blazer to a special event. The formality of your outfit is not about one piece but rather the sum of it’s parts. If you think the event will be more casual, pick a blazer with less construction, lighter colors are often viewed as more casual as well. Another way to bring down the formality of your outfit is to opt for a sport shirt with a pattern, or instead choose a casual knit polo or t-shirt. You can select a cotton chino or 5 pocket pants instead of a wool dress trouser, and don’t be afraid to play around with silhouettes. Finally, this combination requires a loafer,driving shoe or an elevated sneaker.
Smart Casual
Okay, so maybe this isn't a garden party, but rather a summer wedding. The sneakers and bold print sport shirt no longer fit the bill. Select a blazer that's got a bit more construction or in a darker color. This season, we like Boglioli’s Dark Green Wool and Silk K-jacket. It's still created with soft construction, and patch pockets, but the dark color and luster of the silk elevates the look immensely. Instead of a knitwear piece or sport shirt, choosing a simple but crisp cotton dress shirt makes a world of difference in elevating the look. The same concept applies to your trousers, ditch the five-pocket pant and reach for a dress trouser instead. A loafer is still appropriate here, but it’s not a bad occasion to select a proper cap toe dress shoe.
Okay, so maybe this isn't a garden party, but rather a summer wedding. The sneakers and bold print sport shirt no longer fit the bill. Select a blazer that's got a bit more construction or in a darker color. This season, we like Boglioli’s Dark Green Wool and Silk K-jacket. It's still created with soft construction, and patch pockets, but the dark color and luster of the silk elevates the look immensely. Instead of a knitwear piece or sport shirt, choosing a simple but crisp cotton dress shirt makes a world of difference in elevating the look. The same concept applies to your trousers, ditch the five-pocket pant and reach for a dress trouser instead. A loafer is still appropriate here, but it’s not a bad occasion to select a proper cap toe dress shoe.
Semi-Formal
If the occasion requires just a bit more, it’s time for a suit. If you invest in something simple, charcoal or navy blue, you’ll have a workhorse piece that can be styled a million ways. The three most tried and true ways to approach this:
- The most causal approach requires the suit be softly constructed - pair it with a knit t-shirt or polo and a loafer – suede is a nice touch in the summertime.
- If the above outfit seems too casual, swap the knit polo for an open collared dress shirt, and reach for a cap-toe dress shoe or a pair of monk-straps. This approach can be done in a casual suit with a soft shoulder and construction, or a more formal constructed suit.
- Your safest bet is to take your timeless dark colored suit, choose a white or soft blue crisp cotton dress shirt, and tie your favorite tie.
If the occasion requires just a bit more, it’s time for a suit. If you invest in something simple, charcoal or navy blue, you’ll have a workhorse piece that can be styled a million ways. The three most tried and true ways to approach this:
- The most causal approach requires the suit be softly constructed - pair it with a knit t-shirt or polo and a loafer – suede is a nice touch in the summertime.
- If the above outfit seems too casual, swap the knit polo for an open collared dress shirt, and reach for a cap-toe dress shoe or a pair of monk-straps. This approach can be done in a casual suit with a soft shoulder and construction, or a more formal constructed suit.
- Your safest bet is to take your timeless dark colored suit, choose a white or soft blue crisp cotton dress shirt, and tie your favorite tie.
Formal
We love when our customers are able to express themselves through their clothing, but If you've been invited to a black tie or evening wear event, this is not the time. The truth is, the best dressed men at black tie events, are the ones who follow the rules. At the bare minimum you need a dinner jacket, and if you opt for a dinner jacket you should pair it with a black dress trouser. The simplest and easiest route is a tuxedo, paired with a white formal shirt, black bow ties, and a patent leather lace up and slipper, or velvet slipper.
We love when our customers are able to express themselves through their clothing, but If you've been invited to a black tie or evening wear event, this is not the time. The truth is, the best dressed men at black tie events, are the ones who follow the rules. At the bare minimum you need a dinner jacket, and if you opt for a dinner jacket you should pair it with a black dress trouser. The simplest and easiest route is a tuxedo, paired with a white formal shirt, black bow ties, and a patent leather lace up and slipper, or velvet slipper.
Black-tie
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