Staring into the emptiness of your wardrobe gnawing at you because you don’t know what to wear can be the worst part of an evening engagement—especially if it’s a low-key but sophisticated destination.
It’s not uncommon for a guy to have his go-to style for work—he has to wear it most days, after all. Professional, sociable, respectful to seniors without feeling like a complete rave to his peers or that cool client who comes in town for meetings now and then.
But trust begins to crumble in those wayward evening engagements. Those call it definitely invites to unofficial But it’s not like “just wear anything” casual, fake casual saying slyly, “I naturally dress well even unofficial are compiled.”
“Ah,” I hear you say, “I have no interest in that.”
But I will defend and say this is probably just the frustration and annoyance of always staring at your locker 45 minutes before you’re out somewhere on a random Friday evening, feeling like you have no idea what you’re wearing, and hating that you have to think so much about it.
Well, I hear you. I’ve run a men’s website for 14 years that has helped millions of men clarify, simplify, and upgrade their personal style, and I still am. regularly They have the same experience.
That’s why I put together this casual outfit that will come in handy anytime you have somewhere to go for the evening. unofficial But still need refinement.
Not only that, I have included some skins where a simple swap can modify the outfit to be more suitable for different scenarios.
Casual evening wear inspiration
The first thing I start with with any evening outfit, no matter what the dress level, is the color. since Black tie dress code Is the uniform of society, literally the definition of Western culture to wear clothes on purpose, we can make two logical conclusions. Firstly, strictly speaking, adding bright colors to clothing reduces its formality, and secondly, wearing dark clothing “looks” more deliberately.
So while we move back down the formal ladder into something more casual, we’ll stick to darker clothes to be in They wear casual clothes but It looks more formal. What comes after the equal sign in that equation is relaxed casual attire, never feeling out of place next to a guy in a T-shirt. or a Jacket.
bomber jacket: levi
polo jacket with johnny collar: Nordstrom
charcoal jeans: guide Alternative budget: Amazon Basics
He watches: Tissot
socks: Nordstrom
sport shoes: Nike
Cologne: Tom Ford Ombre Leather
Bomber jacket
The bomber jacket, also known as the flight jacket, is one of the most popular casual jackets types of jackets. Originally created as a functional jacket for the US Army after World War II, it is now a fashion staple. The bomber jacket was first adopted by British subcultures as a strict alternative to collars Harrington jacket In the late 60s. Over time, it was embraced by male icons like Steve McQueen and sent by famous designers like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior Homme, Givenchy, and Zegna. The MA-1, a nylon jacket first issued to US Air Force and Navy pilots in the 1950s, replaced its predecessor, the B-15. Today, the bomber jacket is available in a variety of colors and thicknesses and can be found at stores such as Target, Amazon, Urban Outfitters, and Nordstrom.
the bomber jacket Incredibly versatile when it comes to style, it can be worn with different levels of dress, especially for casual and chic casual look. Look for jackets with less bulkiness for maximum versatility; It makes it the kind of jacket you don’t have to take off when you go indoors. You can wear a bomber jacket with jeans, chinos or slacks. It also pairs well with a file Simple T-shirt (see below), Jacketor Button up the shirt.
Polo jacket
Nordstrom / Budget: Saks Fifth Avenue /Alt: Abercombe
Polo jacket, as the name suggests, is a combination of a jacket and a polo shirt. Unlike the standard pique polo shirt, the polo jacket is made of knitted fabric and is softer, warmer and more comfortable. Also known as a knitted polo, it is perfect for smart casual wear, especially during the colder months. Depending on the perspective, it is either a Stylish polo Or a cute turtleneck sweater, either way you can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion.
this collar type Specifically known as a johnny collar. It features a low cut crew neckline with an open front (no buttons) round neckline. This style of collar is usually less formal than the traditional shirt collar on a dress shirt but still provides a polished look.
You can wear it with jeans, chinos or slacks, it also goes well with a jacket or jacket, even a cool and comfy choice with sweatpants for a relaxed home look:
For more tips on how to style a polo jacket, check out Why a knitted polo will change the way you dress. Also, check out Four tricks for wearing a polo if it makes you feel like a fool.
More casual swap: Bomber jacket with a T-shirt
T-shirt: lucky
A polo sweater is a great option to dress up or down, but maybe it is smidge Stylish to where you’re headed. You can easily customize this evening outfit by swapping it out with a dressy shirt for another shade on the casual spectrum.
More color swap: a vibrant woven polo
If you want to introduce some color, either to be less formal or to be more fun, you can replace the polo jacket with something Dwayne Johnson will definitely rock. Unfortunately, more budget retailers haven’t caught up with the trend, so here’s the trend Not cheap but from nobody The best men’s clothing brands.
Charcoal jeans
guide Alternative budget: Amazon Basics
Charcoal jeans are a great alternative to regular blue jeans. It is quite universal, but it has a more sophisticated look. Dark gray is less harsh than dark black, making it easier to pair with different styles. The Rover Pant at Huckberry is a great choice, made from 73% Cotton, 25% Sorbic, and 2% Lycra, offering durability and stretch.
He watches
If you’re in the market for a high-end watch that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Tissot PRS 516 Powermatic. With a 42mm case and a sleek 316L stainless steel case with a ceramic bezel, this watch is sure to turn heads by watch nerds and casual folks alike. As a Swiss brand with over 150 years of watchmaking experience, Tissot has a solid reputation for producing high quality timepieces at affordable prices. The Powermatic 80 automatic gives you an impressive 80 hour power reserve.
socks
It’s easy to assume that if you wear sneakers you’ll wear casual socks like athletic socks, but I prefer crew socks akin to dress socks. It makes the outfit feel cohesive with the rest of the intended pieces and this is especially important if you end up as a house guest without shoes.
High top sneakers
the The Nike Blazer Mid ’77 is an iconic high-top sneaker It’s been a staple of sneaker culture since its launch in 1973. With a sleek, simple design, the Nike Blazer ’77 has been a favorite among sneaker fans for decades. Features a suede cap toe and a large vintage swoosh. Blazer ’77 has been updated over the years with new materials, colors, and patterns, but overall it remains a classic.
This is the closest thing to a high top killshots You’ll find, and in black, pull off this line of sneakers and boots. The leather makes it a bit more dressy than what you’d get with a pair of high-top boots (which would also be a good trade-off if you’re looking to switch things up).
A trade-off for stiffer or more solid: chunky Chelsea boots
If high peaks Just not your thing Or you’re looking to add a little more formality to your outfit or A little more rugged, a pair of chunky Chelsea boots is an edgy style that’s secretly super comfortable. I was wear them for years.
Cologne
When it comes to men’s style, fragrance is a staple that can easily be overlooked. Cologne is a subtle yet powerful tool that can enhance your personal style and leave a lasting impact on those you interact with. One fragrance that has been making waves in recent years is Tom Ford’s Ombré Leather Parfum.
This perfume is perfect for those who prefer woody and smoky scents. Middle notes of jasmine sambac and orris give a floral touch, while base notes of leather, woody notes and tobacco give a warm and masculine scent that lasts all day.
If you are looking for a fragrance that exudes confidence and sophistication, then Ombré Leather Parfum by Tom Ford might be worth considering.
edit dresser
This makes for such a solid base, that we can keep swapping out items for a full casual work mod on this outfit:
sports coat: Todd Snyder / dress pants: Spire and Mackay Suede loafers: Winthrop Hamilton (also wear here)
like this look? Chat with me in the comments!
