ALPHA MALE: Mastering Semi-Formal

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Marc Streisand, GoLocal Men's Style Expert

"No" to Patriots logo-wear, but "yes" to velvet: semi-formal.

It is not uncommon for one of our clients to call us prior to an event with questions surrounding a dress code. In fact, several of our bachelor clients call us quite regularly seeking appropriate dress for an event. Our goal in this week’s article is to remove the confusion surrounding semi-formal attire, and make sure that your choice of clothing hits the target the next time you are attending an event.

In the past, strict lines were drawn between different dress codes. Formal dress meant a tuxedo and semi-formal apparel meant dressier than everyday business attire. Today, lines are blurred. Business attire can mean a three piece suit or jeans with a button down shirt. A general rule of thumb for semi-formal dress is to dress up a notch from the office while leaving your tux at home. If you want to play it safe, it is hard to go

wrong with a dark suit and a tie.

If you want to approach semi-formal with an eye to style, you need to first consider the nature of the event. While semi-formal typically means a dark suit, a tie, and a muted button down shirt, a day-time event will permit different looks. For example, day-time wedding attire permits a lighter suit and more colorful tie, as a dark suit may come across as overly formal. Even at daytime events, avoid novelty ties. A South Park tie or New England Patriots suspenders are never cool.

Finally, the holiday season permits some flexibility in semi-formal attire. Green and red are appropriate colors (sorry my fellow Jews, blue and yellow is still a little bold for semi-formal attire). Accessorize – vests and holiday ties do the trick. As always, cool shoes and a great watch will make sure that you stand out from the masses.

Marc Streisand is president and owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, and takes the custom clothing business very personally. Having enjoyed a successful career in the clothing industry since 1985, Marc brings his clients extensive specialized experience in menswear. Prior to taking over the Marc Allen store in March 2005, he cultivated his knowledge of luxury male attire in New York and his home state of New Jersey, where he began his vocation at Wallach's Specialty Stores. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, he says, than seeing raw cloth transformed into a custom outfit that can directly impact his customer's lifestyle.

Don't miss Marc Streisand's style tips for men on GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.