Most Nigerian men are usually confused on what to wear to a “Dinner” or “Cocktail” or “Gala” etc. However; the blame might not be entirely theirs as some hosts do not even know what kind of event the are hoping to organize. In cases where they know, it is often poorly communicated. Nothing shows how gentlemanly you are like showing up appropriately dressed for the event. Here are five style tips to consider before attending an event.

1. VENUE

If the venue ‎is indoors and it is tagged “dinner”, then you should consider a cover-up look. A blazer and a work shoe are a must wear!
If the venue is outdoors and is tagged “cocktail” or “dinner”, only take out the blazer (if it’s daytime) but keep the blazer on at night. A great fitting long-sleeved shirt is a MUST for any formal gathering regardless the venue, you can however give a twist to the look by folding up the sleeves (for outdoor “dinner” parties)

2. WHO’S INVITING YOU

Be it a wedding or birthday party, who invites you determines how you dress, for example: your best friend’s elder brother’s fortieth (40th) birthday party, you are not expected to look over the top, especially more than your bestfriend, it’s his brother’s birthday after all. For a subtle “party” look, your good old denims are your best bets, good collar-neck tees or short sleeve shirts are their spouse.
For a subtle “dinner/cocktail/gala” look, you do not wear a colored blazer, keep the colors inside (shirt/tie/socks), that way you represent yourself as a man who is very much aware of his surroundings.

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3. THE INVITATION

Whether it is via text, cards or on social media, make sure you read carefully and study in details what the event is about. Make sure you call your host to confirm whatever details isn’t clear because you do not want to be the bald headed step child at a family’s thanksgiving dinner. If you are still not clear, call professionals to ask what to wear to whatever kind of event the I.V reads.

4 . DAY OF THE WEEK

Some people hold their events at irregular days of the week, i.e. : a wedding on a Monday morning, a family dinner on Thursday etc.
The day of the week is another influencer to what you should look like; if your friend decides to host his engagement party on a Wednesday, you are not expected to look as though it is a Saturday!, be in the work mode with a little twist. Rather than your material trousers, you can infuse a chinos (dark colors) and a good shirt atop it, maybe fold up the sleeves or throw on a sleeveless cardigan ‎for that semi-formal look.

Also Read: I have no control over the attention I get – Ninalowo Bolanle

However, you have no explanations to showing up at a party on Saturday afternoon looking like you just came off a board room meeting, even if you literarily just did! Before walking into that party, get those sleeves up and possibly fly our your shirt to appear relaxed.

5. ‎THE GUEST LIST

This is probably the most important of all, as it can change almost everything! Make sure you are aware of the kind and class of people you would be putting up with for the duration of the event, although I belong to the school of thoughts that echoes “it is better to be over dressed than under dressed”. There is no second chance to a first impression, you won’t have the chance to impress anyone again even if your Valentino suit is just nearby and you do not have it on at the time. If it is a Gala organized by a multi-national company (bank, telecoms etc.), you sure want to wear that suit you’ve always saved, but if it is your youngest sister’s matriculation party, you should tone it down, because you do not want to look like you are also a freshman, a little “grown-look” is key.

So Gentlemen! Go out there and impress!