Looking great without overdressing

CEBU, Philippines - There are always occasions in life that prompts one to try to look great. Mostly it’s out of a desire to make a good impression. But it frequently happens that, in an effort to look great, one ends up overdressing.

Say, for example, a new graduate is applying his first job. He walks into the reception area for his interview with that cool technology start-up company. Then all eyes turn on him – for the reason. He comes in a suit into a casual work environment!

Such a situation can be so embarrassing. And, yes, it can dampen his prospects of getting the job. Not that it is a big demerit to dress well but inappropriately – but the embarrassment can cause the poor guy to lose his self-confidence that he may not do well during the job interview.

The faux pas can happen to anyone, man or woman, but often the poor victim is a man. Most guys don’t do it on purpose. And so, Antonio Centeno, CEO of www.realmenrealstyle.com, offers helpful ideas to avert or at least minimize the possibility of ‘overdressing’. 

There’s a difference between dressing up and looking sharp, Centeno says. “The latter needs an outfit that gets one the positive kind of attention. It does the trick without going too far. So what should you do to look sharp and avoid overdressing?” He gives the principles.

Know the Dress Code. Your environment matters. That doesn’t mean you must dress exactly like everyone else, but be aware of the status quo. Always refer to the obtaining dress code so you don’t stick out – in a strange way – wherever you go. A little research will help.

Is everybody buttoned-up or in T-shirts? Do they stroll around in dress shoes or sneakers? What’s the norm when it comes to trousers? These are some observations you should make if you’re new to the place.

In the end, it’s striking a balance between personal style and blending in. The last thing you want is to attract the wrong kind of attention with what you wear.

Upgrade the Quality. Clothes of better quality sharpen your look further with small details (or lack of them). Take dress shirts for example. Are there loose threads? Are the gussets and placket sewn neatly? Those are some ways to tell whether you might want a new shirt from a different brand.

What if you’re aiming to look more professional, trustworthy or something along those lines? That’s when it pays to upgrade to a “higher” outfit than the norm. If you’re a lawyer in a small town – it helps you express “I’m your guy!” better than less formally dressed lawyers.

But remember not all occasions call for top-quality clothing. Sometimes it’s about modesty. You wouldn’t volunteer at a soup kitchen or attend a funeral wearing your best gray suit. If you’re not the star – don’t dress like you are. So never over-think the situation. Take it for what it is.

Understand Your Fit. This is the #1 rule to wearing anything well. Fit reigns supreme. You wouldn’t want to look less in shape than you really are!

It’s really helpful to work on fit with a tailor. Tailors who understand construction can do wonders with that blazer or pair of jeans you just purchased. Having a tailor adjust the fabric enough to complement your body – it takes ten minutes and a little cash. There’s no harm in getting their help.

Discover Your Colors. That’s right – everybody has colors that look best on them. The key point of reference is your skin tone. Colors that flatter you the most create a strong contrast with your skin. Darker tones contrast with light-colored clothing while lighter ones contrast with darker shades and deeper hues.

Monochrome generally works for most of the population. Studies show black, white and gray are neutral colors – meaning most clothes don’t look strikingly odd in them. They also denote someone of authority (gray) or someone who means business (black). So remember the psychology behind these colors.

Wear Versatile Outfits. There are cases when you’re not 100 percent sure how to dress. You might be heading to different places on the same day. What if it’s a sales role between rural and urban settings? Or what if you’re heading straight to a date after work?

The solution is an outfit that can ‘transform’ into something less formal while still looking good. A shed jacket or fancy tie make a couple good options. These are items you can easily take off or put back on – and they make a huge difference. You need flexibility to send the right messages in back-to-back situations.

Use Accessories. Some of us get so fixated on clothes and forget about accessories. Bear in mind people might notice an accessory before they look at everything else. It might be a nice watch – crystals like synthetic sapphire and mineral glass make excellent watches. Or maybe it’s your bag or pair of shades.

Practice Wearing the Outfit to Build Confidence. We can go on and on about dressing up nicely but personality carries just as much weight (if not more). Your outfit should highlight – not replace – the charm and confidence you can exude. Clothes alone don’t fully impress. You must be personable as well.

Finally, Centeno admits that clothes alone don’t tell the whole story. He cautions to keep it in the back of one’s mind to never be too serious about his outfit (or anyone else’s). And if one does find himself overdressed for something, there’s always something to the rescue: There’s saving power in smiling and giving firm handshakes.