You Don't Wear Jeans To a Wedding & Other Short Stories

Men violating dress codes and the number of children dying in Africa as we speak have something in common - it's happening. A lot. My due respect and condolences to the latter.


From men who wear jeans to a wedding to those who wear Crocs to... well, anywhere for that matter... the violation of dress codes by men all over the world is a very real and a very serious dilemma that must be given due attention.


And this is me doing my part to make the world a better (dressed) place.






Barbeques/Picnics/Roadtrips


There are actually a wide range of outfits that you'd be able to reasonably wear to a barbeque/picnic/roadtrip. And 7 out of 10 guys are going to wear a logo tee and some bastardized form of shorts.


Nonetheless, a personal favorite of mine is the combination of an untucked shirt with sleeves rolled up (neatly) and a pair of fitting bermudas (shorts that are exactly knee length). Alternatively, and especially if you're of athletic build, opt for a fitted polo tee in place of the dress shirt.

I'd personally also recommend loafers/flip flops instead of the shoes as depicted in the photograph above.


But if you happen to be the one tending the barbeque, you might want to consider leaving your good clothes in your wardrobe and simply donning something you don't mind stinking up.

Weddings/Other Semi-Formal Events


There are so many things you shouldn't wear to a wedding (jeans included) that it probably makes more sense for me to just list down the things you should be wearing to a wedding.


Overseas, you'd want to settle for nothing less than a good suit.

However, in a tropical country like Malaysia, there is a risk of looking overdressed in light of our country's adversity to good dress sense (and good weather for the matter).


Play it safe with a nice dress shirt, slacks, a good pair of leather shoes (preferably brogues).

Don't be afraid of using color to make your outfit stand out.

Parties/Nights out


A very safe bet would be the same outfit you'd wear to a Malaysian wedding (see above), a dress style also known as 'smart casual' - i.e. smart but not prick-formal. If it isn't too warm outside, a blazer is always a welcome addition. But remember, we're practical guys.

A blazer can easily transform you from a T-Shirt and jeans kinda guy into a... much better looking T-shirt and jeans kinda guy.

Velvet blazers = YES.

Other options include the rock-chic look as endorsed by Usher Raymond - leather jacket and dark indigo/vintage jeans.

Some say there is nothing more essential than a well-made fitting leather jacket. Jacket by Dolce & Gabbana

Work


It's probably best for you, the reputation of your sexual orientation and your career to not sport anything too flashy at work (unless you work at John Varvatos.).


Your essentials should simply consist of a good quality oxford shirt, slacks and leather brogues.

And oh yes, no matter how practical or 'cooling', there is almost never an occasion to wear a short sleeved oxford. Unless you're aiming to rock that forty-something year old high school principal look.

Home

Wear whatever you want, your mother is going to love you no matter how you look anyways.

But if you're really some fly, stylo-milo kinda guy, I'd recommend the Hugh Hefner look - luxurious satin/silk pyjamas coupled with a pair of equally luxurious slippers. I don't know, i guess you could stumble out into the street once in a while to exhibit your awesomeness.

Who'd have guessed that the secret to being a ladies man lay in a pair of great PJs.