Formals are, by their very name, clothes that society dictates is okay to wear to a formal occasion so that you do not come across as frivolous, casual and disrespectful. Most common examples of such occasions being job interviews, most workplaces, and marriages. The exact opposite of “casual” clothes, women’s and men’s formal garments are as remarkably elevating and dignified, as they are sensible choices and leveling. Formal wear not only functions as a social leveling device for the people at a gathering, but it also provides a uniform backdrop.
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Formal dress for Men
The most recognizable formal wear costume in men is the black-tie usually referred to as the tuxedo and frequently shortened to “tux.” It’s true that early tuxedos bear similarities to their modern-day counterparts but the evolutionary changes are clean when you compare the tux outfits over the time. Another famous outfit for men is suits, and like any piece of clothing this too has a history.
Suits around 1900 were very peculiarly in “ sturdy fabrics, dark colors, dark netted, and heavy woolens” for most men. Those in more developed cities like Paris and London added a little more elegance to their get-ups than those Stateside, but the fit of everything remained basically constant across the world. High button-stances (often accompanied by the now unheard of four button jackets), slim lapels, unreasonably high arm-holes, and high paper shirt collars rounded out the look. Three-piece suits were common, often with a double-breasted vest worn under the single-breasted jacket. By 1950, during communism era in America, men started to dress up like clones, Dark suits, white shirts, dark ties, and white pocket squares didn’t just command—they were particularly a requirement in business. By the 2000s, In the new Millenium, the world of suits exploded into the multi-faceted and endless universe we know it to be today. Wide lapels and tight waists are some of the hallmarks of a Tom Ford suit, but it’s luxury and affluence that are its most memorable traits. If you’re trying to look modern with a wink at 1970s glamour, then Tom Ford is the man and the brand for you. A suit and tie combination is classic style every man’s wardrobe has. For elite events, a black suit is the perfect outfit you can opt for. A charcoal grey suit shirt tie combination is for a combination of vintage and modern look. Choosing a tie wisely according to the colour and pattern of the shirt, and to style a tie with a shirt according to the occasion is a challenging task. For a subtle look go for a blue shirt and tie combination. For a semi formal event a pink shirt with purple tie, the contrasting colours of shirt and tie will make you look dapper. Bow ties can also be considered in formal dress code and be matched with different shirts as mentioned above.
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Formal dress for women
It is difficult to trace back women’s formal dress history, as women fashion trends during 1920 lasted for over a decade and the new trends took six months to become mainstream. Evening gowns were considered as the formal attire back then. Heavy beading, laces, and chiffon material were common in dresses. Along with this skirts below knees with tailored jackets and coats or cardigans were also formal dress codes during and after the world war. As time changed so did the fashion in women formal wear changed. Ankle length well fitted pants paired with oxford shoes and a coal grey coloured coat with a white shirt is a perfect style for modern women. If you are looking for a sophisticated look, then beige is your colour. Beige flared pants with a ruffle white shirt and pair with pointed heels and a belt and get this 70’s office look. Working in corporate, with top notch meetings every week, requires an outfit which is classy and formal. A checked pattern dress on a white shirt with heels and a matching coat sounds like a perfect outfit here. Or a pencil cut skirt with a shirt and a coat is a common attire for the corporate world. Experiment with colours and use vibrant colored tops with patterned pencil skirts for a semi formal event. Don’t forget to be bold, get yourself a pleated skirt and pair it with a bold colored shirt and pair it with a stylish belt and a neck piece for a complete makeover. Go for a retro inspired monotone look once in a while. Go for a pastel coloured suit and pair it with heels. Go for checks, it is cliche but there’s no match for a check patterned suit.
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Indian Formal dress
Dress for the job you want to be in, not the one you have it. Indian formal dress code is inspired by the cultural value and the local fabric used with pride for dressing up in high notch meetings. Saree is the most common formal attire, this attire is commonly seen in the politician and government field. A simple cotton saree paired with a neckpiece and carrying it comfortably is the style of empowered women in India. Apart from saree plain Kurtis with patterned dupatta or shawls paired. Pair the kurta with leggings or salwars and opt for pastel colours, and these outfits are perfect for the Indian climate and keeps Indian fashion alive in workspaces. Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsico also wore a saree for her interview at pepsico, leading women in business in India are also opting for saree as a formal dress. You see famous social activists like Vandana Shiva and Medha Patkar always wear a simple sophisticated saree, and it suits their empowering personality.
Indian formal dress for men is trousers and shirt, and this is common. But as the fashion trends are changing men also are wearing khadi kurtis as office wear. Brands like FBB are promoting formal kurtas which are pure cotton and comfortable for men’s formal wear fashion. Creative field offices don’t follow a formal dress code as such, employees there can go in Tshirts and jeans.
