You look great no matter what you wear but some occasions call for specific styles. So, the next time you see “after 5 attire for men” on an invitation, show up like you know exactly what you’re doing.
What is after 5 attire for men?
There’s this thing called “the after 5 dress code” that a lot of men follow. It basically means that guys change out of their work clothes into something more spiffy after 5 o’clock. Their outfits have to be dinner-worthy and attractive, so that’s where the after 5 styles come into play.
You might see “after 5 attire” printed on a party invitation from time to time. It just means you’re expected to wear something semi-formal to the event. So, take what you usually wear to work and then spruce it up a bit with the right accessories. That’s usually enough to suffice.
Why do guys need it?
Men need good-looking eveningwear because many people believe that clothing makes the man. After all, your fashion choices say a lot about your personality, priorities, and background. That’s why showing up in the right outfit is so important. You don’t want to send the wrong message.
Furthermore, tailored cocktail attire tends to make a man feel more confident. That’s certainly something all guys can use, especially at important social gatherings. The good news is that men don’t need a full closet of options to pull off this look. In fact, it only takes a few key pieces to make this look happen.
The pros of after 5 attire for men
This look is not ideal for every man because not all men attend semi-formal events. However, there are some interesting pros that all guys should consider. Check this out:
- You get to feel refreshed after a long day of work.
- You’ll have an excuse to dress up.
- Your partner will enjoy seeing you look good.
For an even sharper look, ask your friends and family for feedback on a few different outfits.
The cons of after 5 attire for men
There are also some cons to the after 5 o’clock dress code that every man needs to think about carefully. After all, with great power comes even greater responsibility. Here’s what you need to know:
- You’ll have to take extra care of the semi-formal clothes in your collection.
- Your style choices might not align with the current trend.
- Some of the best pieces can be extremely costly.
For some savings on your style, look for men’s semi-formal clothing at discount stores or sign up for a subscription box.
How to get yours
Remember, looking handsome is a right and a responsibility. So, build your closet with the best stuff. That means making sure you have the following 5 items somewhere in there at all times:
- 2-3 long-sleeve, button-down, collared shirts
- 2-3 pairs of breathable dress slacks
- 3-5 colorful ties to coordinate with your shirts
- 1-2 pairs of polished dress shoes
- 3-4 pairs of clean dress socks
Meanwhile, keep a nice mixture of neutral and vibrant colors to ensure coordination with guests and themes. Then, pick out pieces that can be mixed and matched so your wardrobe grows without your closet overflowing. Or, you can always rent men’s clothes to keep your space fluid.
