You've created the perfect ensemble.
As you stare at yourself in the mirror, wearing a navy multi stripe wool suit, perfect for the night's winter chill, black buckle monk shoes, and blue paisley tie, you can't help but come to one conclusion: you look hot.
No, a more appropriate word would be sexy. Tonight, when you're at the event, there won't be a single head that won't turn your way. The women will give you admiring looks and flirtatious glances. The men will nod their head in appreciation of your style, all the while secretly wishing they had your fashion sense. Yes, it will be a night to remember.
As you walk confidently into the room, sure of what's about to occur, though, you take a look around. To your surprise, you're the best dressed man in the room. In fact, you're the only one wearing such formal attire. Did you overdress? And more importantly, what can you do about it now that you've already arrived?
Overdressed vs. Underdressed: Questions to Ask Yourself
Being overdressed or even underdressed for any event can be extremely stressful. As men, we're often taught to 'fit in.' Because of this, we don't want to dress more formal or casual than anyone else in attendance.
In most cases, being underdressed is a complete 'no-no.' Dressing too casually for an event can make it seem like you don't care about your appearance, don't care about the event, or that you don't care about the individuals being celebrated or those who are in charge of the event. Being underdressed can also make you stick out like a sore thumb. If you're attending an event where your employer or potential clients will be present, this can be affect their entire way of thinking when it comes to your abilities and performance.
With this in mind, you might be asking yourself: wouldn't I be better off overdressed than underdressed? In order to determine that, and decide how you should deal with being overdressed, we'll first need to consider a few questions.
Is it Really a Problem? When it comes to style and fashion, men often imagine issues that aren't actually real. If you're overdressed for an event, take a moment to consider- is it really a problem or all in my head?
Consider, for instance, that you're meeting your fiance's family for dinner at a nice restaurant. If you were to show up underdressed, without a jacket and tie, you might have a bit of trouble, depending on the restaurant you visit. Some restaurants have strict dress codes that require you to wear a jacket and tie, and if you show up without them, you'll either have to borrow them or be asked to leave. Overdressing doesn't usually have the same issues. If you were to walk into a restaurant that usually entertained casual diners wearing a suit and tie, would you be asked to leave or take off your jacket and tie? It isn't likely. In this case, no one else would have a problem with what you're wearing, and the perceived issue would all be in your head.
Do you Have a Problem With Confidence? If your choice to wear men's suits and ties isn't bothering anyone else, you may need to consider the fact that the issue you're having is your own. It could be caused by a lack of confidence. Sure, you may love the way you look when you're standing in front of the mirror at home, but if you can't retain that same confidence when you leave the house, it could indicate that the problem is personal.
Do you Know why you Overdressed? When men underdress for an event, it's typically because they didn't care to take the time or make the effort to pull together the right outfit. Overdressing is another matter altogether. If you overdress for an event, consider asking yourself why you did it. Was it to impress your boss, who you knew would be attending? Was it to appear more professional for a potential client? As long you understand why you took the time to dress sharp and what the end result would be, you'll be able to choose the right clothing and not appear out-of-place.
Is My Outfit Flexible? If you are still worried that you will overdress or underdress for an event, make sure to choose flexible ensembles that will allow you to change your entire look quickly and easily. Wearing a blazer, suit trousers, and a tie makes this easy. If the event calls for more professional attire, you can keep the blazer and tie on. If more casual dress is required, both the blazer and tie can easily be removed.
What's the Event? Before you even think about putting on any clothing for the night, think carefully about what the event is going to be. Is it a meet-and-greet with a client? Wear suits. Is it a birthday party for your nephew? Something casual, like a tweed jacket and chinos will work well. The type of event you're attending will tell you a lot about what to wear.
Does it Fit? There's no doubt that wearing men's suits provides a sharper, more formal appearance than wearing a men's tweed jacket and some chinos. However, your choices play a large role in how put together both of these ensembles look. How? By choosing clothing that has the right fit. Even if an ensemble is more casual, like a tweed jacket would be, the right fit can make you appear to be more 'dressed up' than you actually are.
It's for this reason that you ALWAYS have to pay attention to the way your clothes fit.
In order to quickly go from overdressed or underdressed to just right, you not only need to consider the fit of the clothing, but also the quality and the little style details. Focus on purchasing suits and men's tweed jackets made from high quality fabrics and avoid buying anything trendy or 'in right now.' These items will become dated rather quickly. Instead, stick to classic, timeless styles when buying your suits and jackets.
Worried about being overdressed or underdressed for an event? When in doubt, think carefully about what you're wearing, why you're choosing to wear it, and the fit of your clothing. And remember, most of the time it is far better to be overdressed for an event than underdressed.
FAQs
Which is better overdressed or underdressed? ›
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. 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.
Is it better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview? ›Overdressing for an interview is usually less of a concern than underdressing. You are more likely to turn off a hiring manager by dressing in a way that shows insincerity for the opportunity. It is important to consider the standard dress of a potential workplace, though.
What to do if you are overdressed at an event? ›- Ask yourself whether being overdressed is really a problem. ...
- Ask yourself whether this overdressed issue is actually just a confidence problem. ...
- Know the situation. ...
- Wear flexible outfits. ...
- Focus on the fit of your clothing.
wearing clothes that are too formal or special for a particular occasion: Everyone else was wearing jeans, so I felt a little overdressed in my best suit.
What does it mean to feel underdressed? ›/ˌʌn.dəˈdrest/ wearing clothes that are not attractive enough or formal enough for a particular occasion: Everyone else was in formal suits and I felt completely underdressed. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Wearing clothes.
Does it matter how you dress for an interview Why or why not? ›A clean and neat professional appearance is an important step in making a good first impression. You want the interviewer to focus on you and your skills not your clothes. Dress as you want to be seen: professional, successful, and the kind of person the company wants to represent it.
What is unprofessional not to wear to an interview? ›Keep tight, revealing, and hole-filled clothing off your list of options. Anything that shows underclothing, cleavage, too much skin, or midriffs is unacceptable. While ripped and tight clothing can make a positive impact and can be trendy, it would be detrimental in a job interview.
Does how you dress matter in an interview? ›First impressions matter. How you dress in an interview can be seen as a reflection of your knowledge of the career field and your employer, as well as your level of seriousness in the interview. Ultimately, you want a potential employer to focus as much as possible on your skills and abilities during the interview.
How do I not overdress or Underdress? ›If you are still worried that you will overdress or underdress for an event, make sure to choose flexible ensembles that will allow you to change your entire look quickly and easily. Wearing a blazer, suit trousers, and a tie makes this easy.
What is the saying about being overdressed? ›"You can never be overdressed or overeducated" - Oscar Wilde.
Why do we dress up for events? ›
We might “dress up” in order to show the honor and respect demanded of a particular activity or because these are community affairs and we want to appear at our best when seen by others.
What does slightly underdressed mean? ›(usually disapproving) wearing clothes that are too informal for a particular occasion.
What is an underdress called? ›A petticoat or underskirt is an article of clothing, a type of undergarment worn under a skirt or a dress.
What is the sentence of underdressed? ›— underdressed
They were underdressed for the wedding. I was underdressed for the weather.
: to dress or adorn to excess. felt overdressed for the occasion in his tuxedo. intransitive verb. : to dress oneself to excess. it's better to overdress for the party than be too casual.
Why do people underdress? ›The main reasons why people wear underwear are for protection, style, and comfort. “Underwear provides a barrier to your clothes, provides comfort and support,” said Dr.
Is always better to be slightly underdressed? ›Coco Chanel Quotes
It is always better to be slightly underdressed.
The fabric of our clothing is also important. It might seem obvious, but if you're wearing soft, comfortable garments, you're much more likely to be in a positive mood. “You have probably noticed if you have ever worn a very cheap fabric, some of them may actually itch your skin or feel uncomfortable or hot,” she says.
What is a good response to the question what is your biggest weakness? ›Be positive.
A classic technique in answering this question is to share a weakness, what you have done to overcome it, and where you stand now. For example, you could say that your weakness used to be that you would get nervous before giving presentations, but with practice, you have become a better public speaker.
Your appearance can send messages to potential employers about your motivation, judgment, professionalism, and “fit” within the organization. For an interview, you want to communicate respect, so you should dress a little more conservatively and formally than employees typically dress at that organization.
How can I be presentable in interview? ›
- Practice Good Nonverbal Communication. ...
- Dress for the Job or Company. ...
- Listen. ...
- Don't Talk Too Much. ...
- Don't Be Too Familiar. ...
- Use Appropriate Language. ...
- Don't Be Cocky. ...
- Take Care to Answer the Questions.
- Age or genetic information.
- Birthplace, country of origin or citizenship.
- Disability.
- Gender, sex or sexual orientation.
- Marital status, family, or pregnancy.
- Race, color, or ethnicity.
- Religion.
Avoid: Red
In some cases, red works for interviews — but you have to be careful. Wearing red can portray you as powerful, according to the CareerBuilder survey. However, because it is such a high-power and high-energy color, it can become a bit jarring and overtake a room.
- Bad Attitude.
- Drinks.
- Candy/Gum.
- Smartphone.
- Reading Materials.
- Competitor's Products.
- Hats.
- Friends & Family.
Wear smart slacks or dark coloured jeans, tailored jeans are often best for interviews. A knee length or midi skirt can also work. For shoes wear flats or small heels with closed toes. Choose a blouse or shirt that fits well, avoiding low-cut tops.
What color dress pants to wear to interview? ›For a formal interview, you'll want to wear navy or gray dress pants. Black is acceptable, but may look a little too formal in certain contexts.
Why should we hire you? ›“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”
Is it better to overdress or underdress for first day of work? ›Dress to Impress
If you dressed up for the interview, dress up for your first day, too. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed when going into the office, or even just when attending your first Zoom meeting with your colleagues. If you're overdoing it, somebody will let you know.
If you say that someone is overdressed, you are criticizing them for wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the occasion because they are too formal or too smart.
Can you be overdressed for an event? ›If you're not sure exactly what a particular dress code means, it's always acceptable to phone the hostess and ask. However, if you do find that for whatever reason you are overdressed at a party, the only thing you can do is accept the fact and brazen it out. Don't skulk in a corner, don't apologise.
Is dressing up a form of respect? ›
The fact of being older or wearing a suit doesn't automatically make someone respectable, someone young and dressed casually might be equally deserving of respect. However, dressing up is a great way to show that you respect yourself, the people around you and the task at hand.
What do you call someone who is always dressed up? ›Definitions of dapper. adjective. marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners. “a dapper young man” synonyms: dashing, jaunty, natty, raffish, rakish, snappy, spiffy, spruce fashionable, stylish.
What is the opposite of overdressed? ›Verb. Underdress. underdressed.
How do you dress up for an event? ›For men, a dark suit is always a safe choice. A white shirt and black tie are also standard formalwear options. For women, a little black dress is always a good option, or you could choose a dress in a more subdued color like navy or olive green. Avoid bright colors and loud patterns.
How to look classy and expensive? ›- Steam or Iron Your Clothes. To avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed steaming or ironing your clothes before you leave the house is key. ...
- Grooming. ...
- Invest in a few classic pieces. ...
- Go with Neutrals. ...
- Easy Tricks to Elevate your Look.
The key to looking expensive is actually pretty simple: Confidence, a couple of tailored pieces, and good fit. “If you're unsure of your outfit, everyone else around you will be too,” says wardrobe stylist, Noah Diaz. Britt Theodora, celebrity fashion stylist, also suggests focusing on texture and fabric.
How do you dress up gracefully? ›- Use neutral colors as your foundation. ...
- Choose solid colors. ...
- Wear classic patterns. ...
- Try out a monochrome look. ...
- Don't wear more than three colors. ...
- Mix and match textures. ...
- Wear a high neck and high waist. ...
- Follow the rule of thirds.
- Try dressing in levels. Most of my outfits happen in two levels — a home level (one) and a going out level (two). ...
- Bake “getting ready” into your morning routine. Personally, I feel better when I start the day dressed. ...
- Close the gap between fantasy wardrobe and real life wardrobe.
Further, choosing to dress up according to your style and personal preferences not only boosts productivity and confidence but also increases dopamine levels! Don't deprive yourself of the privilege of slaying that sassy, classy dress just because you think it might be exaggerated to be glammed up for the day.
How does the way you dress affect your personality? ›The psychology of clothing is complex and taps into culture, symbolism, neuroscience, sexuality and many more aspects of the human experience. Fashion and clothing influences behavior in multiple ways; our perception of ourselves, how others react to us, our confidence and self-esteem.
Is it better to Underdress or Overdress? ›
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. 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.
Does how you dress really matter? ›When you feel like you're truly expressing yourself, you feel calmer, more purposeful, and more confident. When you feel like you're hiding who you are that has a psychological affect. When you dress authentically, you'll not only feel more confident in yourself, but you'll also attract like-minded people.
Why you should always dress up? ›- 1) Because It Improves You're Mood and Personality. ...
- 2) Because You'll Make A Good Impression. ...
- 3) Because Of The Cost Per Wear Rule. ...
- 4) Because Life Is Too Short To Be Wearing Boring Clothes. ...
- 5) Because Dressing Up Improves You're Confidence:)
Dressing well and staying well-groomed conveys more than just power, authority, and confidence. It shows that you have self-respect. The way you decide to present yourself to the world is how they'll take you.
Why you should dress your age? ›It can communicate your age, your personality, and even your level of confidence. And while there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing yourself, there are some helpful guidelines. You can follow these guidelines if you want to dress your age in a way that's both authentic and flattering.
Is it bad to be overdressed for a party? ›Being underdressed is common in the modern world, and no good host will notice. Being overdressed makes it seem like you're stopping off on your way to the opera. But since a dress code is specified, both should be easy to avoid. Yes, it's just as bad to be over-dressed as to be too casually dressed.
Why is the way you dress important at work? ›The major reason why dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional is because it presents a visual image and sends a message that the employees are professional.
How important is appropriate dress at work? ›To make a good first impression
Your appearance is often the first thing others notice about you. Dressing professionally can help form a positive impression to people you meet in the workplace. This is especially important for interviews and when meeting upper-level managers who make hiring and promotion decisions.
Underlying Benefits of Dressing for Success
A recent study shows that people who dress better have more confidence, feel more powerful, and are more focused on details. More importantly, people perceive well-dressed people as leaders, and go to them for support at a faster rate than those not as well dressed.
Studies have found that people tend to be less open and find it more difficult to relax when they wear formal clothes. On the other hand, a casual and relaxed dress code at work helps us become more friendly and creative.
What is the meaning of you can never be overdressed or overeducated? ›
Inferred from his famous quote, no amount of knowledge is going to do you any harm, nor is dressing well. Embrace everything, though be confident in knowing we can't be everything all of the time.
What does dress up mean biblical? ›The Biblical case for dressing up. We are indeed commanded to dress up. There are examples of those commands being fulfilled by priests and non-priests; Jews and Gentiles. Dressing up shows respect for God and worship as we publicly covenant with Him.