Dressing down is the new dressing up

If you’re unsure of how dress codes work for the men in your life this holiday partying season, here’s a tip: according to US men’s magazine GQ, the most versatile men’s accessory for holiday partying is the tuxedo jacket — no tie, no fancy pants or shiny shoes. Pairing it with jeans, chinos, a T-shirt, loafers, and if your man is gutsy, espadrilles is the best way to go. It’s all about balance. While you won’t find most of the magazine’s options for him locally, you can browse through the men’s section at Adora and help him pick up where GQ leaves off. Their current men’s holiday campaign revolves around the concept of taking it down a notch when it comes to party dressing.

Your husband or boyfriend doesn’t own a tuxedo jacket or isn’t fond of them in the first place? No problem. Going full penguin in Manila isn’t really as popular as suiting up anyway. Adora has a wide selection of jackets and coats that will work as great substitutes. Is he still sweating the surprisingly warm “ber” months? Just as well because they have other wardrobe options that can add up to a perfectly suitable, yet cooler, holiday ensemble.

 Here are some of Adora’s suggestions for men’s holiday dressing:

•Wear a T-shirt. It’s the most basic and comfortable piece in a man’s wardrobe and the best option for dressing down a look, whether plain, striped, or in bold graphics. Plus, they won’t put as much of a dent in his wallet as other pieces of clothing because he can use them all year round, season after season.

•Add a layer. The weather has been pretty unpredictable lately, so layering a T-shirt with a blazer, suit jacket or even another shirt balances comfort and class. If you’re traveling together for the holidays, suggest tossing a coat over his T-shirt, and hand him a beanie for good measure to fight the transitional weather.

•Choose jeans and chinos. As much as possible, tell him to give his slacks a rest. Jeans in both light and dark washes immediately dress down a look, but if he’s looking for a more subtle effect, suggest some chinos instead. If he’s looking for something different, tell him to try faded or aged denim washes for jeans and cargo pocket styles for chinos.

•Balance it out with footwear. If the rest of his ensemble seems too casual, tell him to opt for classic leather loafers or patent lace-ups. On the other hand, if he feels a bit too dressed up give him a pair of boat shoes or espadrilles for contrast. Going with colorful patterned socks or even sans socks are other techniques to explore.

•Lose the tie. If all his attempts at dressing down fail, his last resort to maintaining that rebellious stance is by losing the tie and undoing one or two buttons — that should be enough. Loosening his tie also works and while he’s at it, suggest a patterned shirt and roll up his sleeves.

 Think of it this way: most fashion rules were created to be interpreted creatively, not followed to the letter. It’s all about helping him find a happy median between not being fussy or strict when it comes to dress codes, and not looking like a sloppy embarrassment to you either. Of course, what’s most important is going with what makes him happy — after all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! What’s the use of celebrating if you’re not enjoying each other’s company? Lighten up!

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All items are available only at Adora, 2nd Floor Greenbelt 5, Makati City.