Choosing Formal Wear That Suits You and Your Personality

Formal wear, formal apparel or full formal dress is the classic Western wear code applicable for all the most formal events, including weddings, Christenings, confirmation ceremonies, funeral, holidays, corporate events, etc., as well as some state dinners, ball, and other special occasions. This type of wear can be categorized into many items that are worn traditionally as part of the Western wear code, but are also found in a great variety of other Western clothes styles. Some examples include: evening gowns (usually worn with tuxedos as part of the attire), top hats (sometimes also worn with evening gowns), tails, top hats with feathers, trench coats, blazers, suits and jackets, waistcoats, blazers, bow ties, cummerbunds, fancy shoes, gloves, socks, shoes, belts, boots, stoles, stiletto heeled boots, formal shirts, top hats with fur, coats featuring cuffs or bracelets, pants with vests, trousers featuring zippered fronts, tuxedo tops, and suits. There are also less common items that make up the entire Western wear code for formal occasions.

Formal wear has come a long way since its inception over one thousand years ago. During earlier times, all the clothes people wore were simple and functional, composed mainly of garments that consisted only of trousers with underskirts and coats. Today’s fashions have changed significantly and are more attractive than ever, even if they do not change much from their historical roots. For example, the “formal wear” worn by elite class in earlier times included elaborate clothing items including long dresses that were laced and knotted, elaborate garter belts, and tailcoat-like or “mocktop” coats. A lot of the difference today between the types of formal wear and everyday wear can be attributed to the influence of women on men, which resulted in each group using specific items of clothing to signal their status.

When discussing clothing for different occasions, it is important to remember that all formal attire should be appropriate to the occasion. The purpose of the dress is usually to create an impressive first impression and to project a relaxed, confident, and professional mood. The dress code for different occasions will vary depending on the cultural expectations and norms. For example, in many formal gatherings, women traditionally cover their heads with scarves and various other forms of head gear, whereas men’s attire tends to be less restrictive. Generally speaking, the most important criteria for choosing and wearing formal wear is not what is formally termed “formal wear” but what suits your personality, your level of ability and confidence, as well as what is most comfortable to you and most suitable for the particular event or occasion.