Women's Dresses: The dress code version of a business professional is formal, a dress code usually reserved for events like award ceremonies and charity dinners. For this type of attire, it's appropriate to wear a dark-colored dress or skirt, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. Whether you're attending a gala, a wedding, or an important business meeting, knowing how to combine the right clothes and choose the appropriate accessories is essential to creating an impeccable look. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about dressing formally, with practical advice and tips on how to style your clothes for any occasion.
The essentials for a formal look
To create a formal look, it is important to start from a base of essential pieces that can be combined in a versatile way.
For women:
Long dress or sheath dress: An elegant dress is the perfect choice for a formal look. Opt for models in high-quality fabrics such as silk, which gives a luxurious and flowing look, chiffon that gives a light and sophisticated air or wool, especially suitable for the colder seasons. The clean lines of these dresses help create an elongated and proportionate figure. A black silk sheath dress with a simple but elegant cut is perfect for a gala evening, while a long navy blue chiffon dress with delicate embroidery can be ideal for a wedding.
Pencil Skirt: This skirt is a staple of a formal women's look. Pair it with a dressy blouse or top for a sophisticated, professional look. Wool or tweed pencil skirts are very durable and hold their shape, while silk or satin pencil skirts may be more suitable for formal evenings. A gray wool pencil skirt paired with a white silk blouse with mother-of-pearl buttons creates a refined look that is suitable for the office or an important meeting.
Structured Jacket: A well-cut jacket adds a touch of authority to any outfit. Wool or tweed jackets with defined shoulders and a waist-defining belt are very popular. A double-breasted jacket in black wool is a great piece that can be worn over a shift dress or pencil skirt for a more authoritative, formal look.
White Shirt: A timeless classic, perfect for formal outfits. The white cotton or silk shirt is a garment that adapts to many types of outfits. It can be worn with a pencil skirt , under a jacket or with a sheath dress. Embroidery or lace trim can add a touch of femininity, but it is important not to overdo it to maintain a sober look.
For men:
Tailored Suit: A suit in wool or fine fabrics is the basis of any formal look. Choose colors such as gray, which is a great compromise between style and professionalism, dark blue, a symbol of trust and stability, or black, the emblem of absolute elegance. A tailored gray wool suit with a single-breasted jacket and pressed trousers is a great example of a combination that adapts to many formal contexts, from a business meeting to a formal evening.
White or light blue shirt: The shirt is a fundamental element, to be combined with a tie or a bow tie. The cotton shirt is comfortable and durable, while the silk one is more luxurious and suitable for formal evenings. A white cotton shirt with a pointed collar and metal buttons is a great piece that adapts to any type of suit.
Classic trousers: Opt for well-cut trousers without creases, to match the jacket. Wool or tweed trousers are the most common choices for a formal look. They should be of correct length, reaching the top of the shoes in a clean line. A pair of dark blue wool trousers, combined with a jacket of the same color and a white shirt, creates a serious and professional look.
3. How to match clothes for a formal look
The art of matching is crucial to a formal look. Here are some tips on how to combine items harmoniously, further explored:
For women:
Dress + Jacket: If you’re wearing a shift dress, add a structured jacket for a more commanding effect. For example, if you have a navy silk shift dress , a black wool jacket with defined shoulders and a belt that accentuates the waist can transform the look into something more imposing and appropriate for an important event. The jacket can be left open or closed, depending on the look you’re going for.
Skirt + Shirt: Pair a pencil skirt with a white shirt and complete with a thin belt to define the waist. For a more sophisticated look, you can choose a shirt with embroidery or lace trim. For example, a gray tweed pencil skirt paired with a white silk shirt with lace trim and a black leather belt creates a sleek and professional look. It is also important to make sure that the length of the skirt is appropriate, preferably just above or below the knee.
Minimal Accessories: Choose discreet jewelry, such as stud earrings or a thin necklace, and an elegant handbag. Gold or silver stud earrings are a great accessory that won't distract attention but will add a touch of elegance. A thin necklace with a small pendant can be worn to accentuate the neck. The leather handbag, preferably in a neutral color such as black, gray or brown, should be sized to hold the necessary items without being too bulky.
For men:
Suit + Shirt + Tie: A tailored suit paired with a white shirt and a simple tie is the perfect combination for a formal look. The silk or wool tie can be chosen in a complementary color to the suit, such as dark red for a navy suit or blue for a gray suit. It is also important to make sure that the length and shape of the tie are appropriate, with a well-defined knot and the point where it meets the belt.
Jacket + Pants + Bow Tie: For a more elegant occasion, replace the tie with a bow tie. Bow ties are a great accessory that adds a touch of style and elegance. A silk bow tie with a sophisticated design paired with a double-breasted jacket and gray pants creates a very refined look suitable for a gala evening or a wedding.
Matching shoes and belt: Make sure your shoes and belt are the same color (preferably black or dark brown). This creates visual harmony and a cleaner, more coordinated look. Also, the belt should be of quality and with a simple, understated clasp, while the shoes should be well-polished and in good condition.
How to Dress for the Office Women
For women wondering how to dress for the office, elegance and professionalism are the priorities. Mid- length skirt suits or palazzo pants, paired with blouses in neutral colors or with subtle pops of color, are an excellent choice.
Fabrics should be of quality, such as wool, cotton or silk. Shoes should be comfortable but also elegant, preferably with low heels or heels. Accessories such as leather bags, minimalist earrings and thin necklaces can complete the look. It is important to avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose and to maintain a clean and tidy appearance.
3. Pairings for Specific Occasions
3.1 Business Meetings
Top: Choosing a top for a business meeting is crucial. A white or blue cotton blouse is always a safe bet. Cotton is a comfortable and durable material, perfect for everyday wear. A high-quality cotton blouse, with a well-shaped collar and tasteful buttons, is a great piece that goes with many types of outfits.
Jacket: A grey or navy wool blazer is ideal for a business meeting. A well-cut blazer with defined shoulders and an appropriate length can transform a simple outfit into something more sophisticated.
3.2 Golden or Gala Dinners
Suits: For golden dinners or galas, men can opt for a black suit with skirt or a tuxedo. A tuxedo is a classic formal outfit that exudes an air of elegance and luxury. Women, on the other hand, can choose between an evening dress in silk, velvet or satin, with an elegant cut and fine details. Evening dresses in dark colors such as black, navy or dark brown are always a safe choice, but metallic colors such as silver or gold can also be used to create an impact.
Accessories: For these events, a key accessory for men is a colorful silk tie. Silk tie is a luxurious material that gives a look of elegance. Colorful colors can be used to add a touch of personality and dynamism to the outfit.
3.3 Marriages
Classic Look: For a wedding, a classic look for men could be a black silk waistcoat, a white blouse and Oxford shoes. The black silk waistcoat is an elegant piece that conveys an air of formality and class. The white blouse is a classic that pairs well with any type of formal suit.
Modern Look: For a modern look, men can choose a shiny blazer paired with colored pants. Blazers in shiny fabrics , such as those made of silk or a synthetic fabric with a bit of shine, are a great way to add a touch of modernity to an outfit. Colored pants, such as those in a deep blue or dark brown tone, can be an interesting alternative to traditional black or gray pants. This look is ideal for those who want to be modern and fashionable even at an event like a wedding.
3.4 Charity Events
Top: For charity events, a wool turtleneck sweater can be a great choice. Wool is a warm and comfortable material, perfect for the colder seasons. The turtleneck sweater is a garment that gives a relaxed and comfortable look, but also elegance. Natural colors such as brown, gray or beige are great for these events, as they are sober and do not distract attention.
Jacket: A khaki trench coat or lightweight blazer is a great complement to the sweater. The khaki trench coat is a versatile piece that can be paired with many different outfits. It’s a little more casual than a classic blazer, but still elegant. A lightweight blazer, such as one in cotton or linen, is a great choice for warmer seasons. It’s light and fresh, but also sophisticated.
Dressing formally is an art that requires attention to detail, choosing quality clothing, and understanding the context. Whether you're going to the office, a formal evening, or a special event, by following these tips you can achieve a formal look that conveys the impression of seriousness, professionalism, and elegance.