Many men fear fashion because fashion has plenty of rules, but having this fear is no excuse in today’s internet-ready world. Fortunately, they are not all are hard-and-fast rules, with enough room for play. You don’t have to be afraid of fashion as long as you keep a few points in mind — such as when to tuck in your shirt.
Hem Length
If the shirt stops just below your belt line, about midway down the zipper of your pants, you can leave your shirt untucked. If the shirt hangs lower, it’s designed to be tucked in. Leaving a long-tailed shirt untucked is not a good look, regardless of the occasion.
Hem Style
As you probably guessed, the hem is the bottom of the shirt. Generally speaking, if the hem is curved or rounded, the shirt is designed to be tucked in. If the hem is straight, the shirt is designed to be left untucked. However, this fashion item is not a hard-and-fast rule.
Pockets
Image via Flickr by Jonathansworld
Shirts with one pocket can be left untucked. Shirts with no pockets or two pockets are specifically designed to be tucked in and will not look presentable otherwise. The “Pocket Rule” is one of the “hard rules” of fashion, but it works in your favor. The rule is easy to remember, so it’s easy to follow.
Occasion
Depending on the event, situation, or occasion, you may leave your shirt untucked — as long as it doesn’t hang to your knees like a nightgown. More formal occasions require your shirt to be tucked in, such as the following:
- Funerals.
- Weddings.
- Graduations.
- Sit-down restaurants (ones that require reservations).
- Art shows and openings.
Some people consider job interviews, first dates, and business meetings to be formal occasions as well. However, if your shirt is not designed to be tucked in and you feel it looks better untucked, use your best judgment.
Depending on the type of job or meeting, tucking in your shirt could make you come off as overdressed, which could make other people uncomfortable. Many formal events include less formal situations where it is OK to untuck your shirt, such as after parties.
Accessories
When it comes to personal style and fashion rules, your accessories play an important role. If you wear dress shoes, a tie, or a sports coat, you should probably tuck in your shirt. However, some popular and trendy styles have been achieved by ignoring this “rule.” More recently, formal hats have been paired with casual dress to influence a modern, dressed-down look. However, not everyone agrees with that stylistic choice either.
Knowing the appropriate attire for the right occasion and how to wear it can mean the difference between success and failure. You get only one chance to make a first impression and not taking the time to learn some basic fashion etiquette sends the message that you couldn’t be bothered or don’t care. Once you know the rules of fashion, you can break them, but certain occasions are not appropriate venues for showcasing your personal style.
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