The Best Outfits to Dress to Impress

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - 11:45

When you look good on the outside, you feel good on the inside, which is why people enjoy dressing to impress. It can be very satisfying to know that you’ve spent time picking out the right outfit and your effort is appreciated. Whether it’s to impress a specific person, or just to make yourself stand out from the crowd, what you look like says a lot about you and can make a lasting impression; so, make sure it’s a good one.

93% of communication is non-verbal, and people rely heavily upon visuals when they are forming impressions of others. This is why men are encouraged to wear suits to interviews rather than casual clothes – if you’re the one person in the waiting room in a tracksuit, you’re going to give the impression that you’re too laid back for the job.

But impressing your friends is completely different to impressing a date or a prospective employer. It’s important to think about the situation you’re going to be in before choosing your outfit. But that doesn’t mean you need a wardrobe full of expensive items, here are some outfits you can make with a set of wardrobe staples that will impress on any occasion.

Dress to Impress…at Work

Gone are the days of everyone being expected to wear a suit to the office, but that doesn’t mean you can get away with turning up in sloppy t-shirts and holey trainers. The new style has been termed ‘business casual’, but the emphasis should definitely be on ‘business’ not ‘casual’, especially if you want to be noticed.

Chinos are a versatile and timeless item of clothing that works for any situation between suit and jeans, and are the perfect option for business casual workwear. It’s worth investing in a few pairs in different colours, but don’t be tempted to go for anything loud or bright. If you keep your chinos neutral, it gives you more options for combining with shirts, blazers, and jumpers. Good colours would be black, navy blue, shades of grey, and beiges.

A v neck jumper is another good investment. You can wear over a shirt and tie for a more formal look, or a t shirt to keep it casual. Choose colours that contrast with your trousers – for example a blue jumper and khaki chinos – for an eye-catching smart look that will give you a cutting edge.

Dress to Impress…Out on the Town

When you’re going out with a group of friends for a bit of fun, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed if you’re wearing something you know shows off your best bits. Regardless of where you’re going, you’ll be aiming for something on the smart casual scale.

For something more casual, like the cinema or bowling, you have a lot more options to choose from. The classic t shirt and jeans combo is perfectly acceptable, if you choose the right kind. A lot of fashion jeans nowadays have designer rips and tears in them, but unless the ripped look is 100% your thing, you’re not going to be impressing anyone by flashing a bit of pasty leg. Pick a classic cut that fits you well and looks lived in, rather than ripped off.

Going somewhere more fancy like a casino or restaurant? Add an extra layer for added sophistication. Pop an open shirt over your t shirt or add a blazer or jacket to a shirt. Make sure you avoid clashing colours and keep prints appropriate to the situation. Again, classic neutral colours go with anything, so a navy blue, dark grey, or black jacket will compliment most different shirts. Beware overdressing, as you’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons. Casinos don’t need you to wear a tuxedo, and if you’re visiting and online casino like Virgin Games, your pyjamas are perfectly acceptable!     

Dress to Impress…at an Interview

You might not be expected to wear a suit to the office, but it’s a must for an interview. Every man should own at least one good suit that fits well, and it’s definitely worth paying extra to get one made to measure. Don’t go oversized, or you will look swamped by your outfit and give off the impression that you shrink into the crowd. If you struggle to get a two-piece to fit because of some unusual sizing issues, then a closely colour matched jacket and trousers is a better option that too short sleeves or baggy shoulders.

Pay attention to your accessories too. Socks can let down the whole outfit if they’re too short because you don’t want to be showing skin between your trousers and shoes. Get a plain black or dark grey pair which go over the calf for maximum coverage. Avoid bright colours and patterns at all costs, although a classic Argyle or tweed pattern would work with most outfits.

Summary

The best way to dress to impress is to be appropriate to the situation and aim to be smart. Less is often more, so don’t overdo it – turning up to a lunch date wearing a full tux is going to make completely the wrong impression.