Overdress or Underdress? That Is The Question

Have you ever spent time looking into your wardrobe and figuring out what to wear, only to throw on whatever you can find at the very last minute? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

For most of us, being put together, all of the time - is no easy feat.

Chances are you have a few nice things sitting in your closet, like a great jacket or coat. The rest are bits and pieces that have accumulated over the years. Maybe some things go together, and some don’t.

Having a curated wardrobe is the key to looking stylish, more often than not. I'm going to take you through, when it’s okay to be underdressed, and when it’s not. (Hint: you can make your wardrobe work for you and never be underdressed).

When You Might Get Away With Being Undressed

I get it. Everyone has a few reasons here and there to be underdressed. Activities like going to the gym, running errands or perhaps casual Friday’s at the office.

They might be the types of days where you throw on what’s lying around, and walk out the door. Typical outfits might be some old shorts and a baggy t-shirt. The colors don’t match and maybe the size, isn’t quite right.

You might feel like you’d like to put more effort into your everyday casual outfits, but you’re a busy person. So you settle for throwing on what’s lying around and saying, that’s good enough.

When You Should Always Overdress

On the flipside, there are some situations where you can never be too overdressed. Events like social gatherings such as weddings and parties.

Important meetings or interviews are where you should always be looking your smartest.

The office and workplace events are other places where it never hurts to be a little more formal and professional.

But don’t just save overdressing for formal occasions. In fact there’s a saying - dress for the position you want, rather than the position you have. Dressing well gives you confidence and self-assurance, so from a casual lunch to the best gala in town. Dressing up, whether it’s swapping a tailored shirt for your polo or a stunning navy blazer for your casual pullover, can never set you wrong. 

The Secret To Adding Style To Your Everyday

When it comes to being overdressed or underdressed, the answer is - always, always overdress!

In fact, some people take casual situations as a reason to be underdressed. I'm here to tell you this doesn’t need to be the case.

You can spruce up your everyday outfits, and look a little more put together without going out and buying a suit and 10 dress shirts.

Here Are Our Top Tips For Never Looking Underdressed again:

Go Minimal: If you’re looking through your wardrobe for something to wear to the doctor’s office or to pick up tonight’s groceries. Remember, stick to the basics. Rather than old pants and a too large top. Go with a simple black or white v neck and dark jeans.

The Secret Sauce, Accessories: Mix and match with some high-end accessories. It’s hard to look underdressed with a great watch on your hand or some smart leather loafers. Whilst the rest of your outfit might be simple, you’ll stand out with these fashionable additions.

What to add:

·      A standout watch in classic silver, black or gold

·      Striking pocket squares in trendy colours or patterns

·      Silk bow-tie to dress up your tailored shirts

Tailored Fits Are Your Best Friend: It’s all about fit. Looking put together doesn’t need to mean keeping up with the latest trends, in fact classic pieces that are tailored well, will go a long way. A simple blue button down shirt in a slim fit is a great piece to add to your wardrobe that will go with just about anything. One of the best things you can do is visit a tailor and get bespoke clothes made or at least tailored to fit. You don’t need to stop at shirts, consider building up - blazers, silk ties and tailored pants are well worn pieces that will add style to your wardrobe.

Neutral Bases: Have a stack of neutrals. Jackets in beige and navy, a crisp white dress shirt. Neutrals that mix and match in your closet, mean you’ll take less time to put an outfit together and more chance of looking sleek and smart.

What to add:

·      Navy Blazer

·      Beige Linen Blazer

·      Slim Fit Tailored Shirts in different materials and fits

·      Tailored pants in dark and light colours like steel grey and khaki

Secret Pieces Up Your Sleeve: Finally, have a few “best of’s” as your secret arsenal. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful bespoke blazer or a classic three piece suit in your wardrobe. While every item in your wardrobe might not have to be the most stylish pieces, having a few superstars will take you from average to amazing.

Some good starting points:

·      A Bespoke Blazer: not only will a tailor craft a blazer to your exact measurements, they can add fine points like surgeons cuff’s, custom pocket materials and designed lapels. It all comes down to the details, you’ll have a blazer that shows off your personal style, adding class to every outfit and is a one of a kind.

·      Tuxedo Suit: Every year there always seems to be an invite to a wedding, an engagement party or special gala event. That’s when having a standout tux in your wardrobe comes in handy, giving you a secret killer style. You can choose something modeled off the runways in Paris, or perhaps get inspiration from James Bond’s Casino Royale.

If you are in doubt, the answer is you can never be too overdressed. Curating your wardrobe to make sure you have great fits, colors and some standout pieces mean, looking smart, will be a breeze.

These tips will take you from day to night, looking sophisticated and suave. You’ll never have to worry about bumping into someone not looking your best. Next event you’re at, you’ll be the guy everyone’s coming to for style advice.

Bobby Gulati

www.rajasfashions.com