It doesn’t have to be hard to find the right formal suspenders for any event. No matter if you’re dressed up for a wedding, a formal event, or just to step up your everyday office look, formal suspenders can make your outfit look more put-together.
In fact, they’re making a big comeback in men’s fashion, which is great because they look good and work well. But how can you be sure you pick the right pair for the event? Let’s break it down. Carry on reading!
The Role of Formal Suspenders in Men’s Clothing
Suspenders have been an important part of men’s clothing for decades if not hundreds of years. Suspenders used to be the most popular way to keep pants in place before belts became the rule.
They are now more than just a useful item; they are a fashion statement that goes well with any formal attire. With the right selection, you can mix and match wedding ties, make your gent sets look better, and even use a sharp lapel pin to tie your whole look together.
However, dress suspenders don’t come in a single size that fits all. Like any other part of men’s clothes, the style, color, and fabric you pick will depend on the event and your own personal style.
Understanding Different Types of Suspenders
It’s important to know about the different kinds of suspenders before getting into color schemes. If you know what choices you have, you can make the best choice for any situation.
Button Suspenders
When it comes to style, button suspenders are the most classic. These have a more polished and old-fashioned look because you have to button your pants to connect the suspenders. When going to a black-tie event or a wedding, button suspenders are often seen as more formal and go well with cufflinks, shirts, and other items from the wedding shop.
Clip-On Suspenders
You can use clip-on suspenders instead of buttons if your pants don’t have buttons. These are easy to put on and give the same style and support.
But they might not always be as classy as what is expected at very formal events. Clip-on suspenders can be worn with more clothes in relaxed or semi-formal settings.
Y-Back vs. X-Back Suspenders
Y-back and X-back suspenders are different in how they connect to the back of your pants. Y-back suspenders have two separate straps that cross over, giving them a more stylish look.
X-back suspenders, on the other hand, have two separate straps that cross over, giving them more support. Although both types of suspenders are appropriate for formal attire, Y-back suspenders are frequently thought to be more stylish and up-to-date.
Choosing the Right Material for Formal Suspenders
Now that you know about the different kinds of suspenders, you should think about the material. How well your suspenders go with your formal attire is greatly influenced by the fabric they are made of.
Silk Suspenders
On wedding days and other black-tie events, silk suspenders are often the best pick. They look dressier because of their high-end sheen, which makes them great for tuxedos and other formal clothes. In wedding shops, you can often find silk suspenders in different colors that go with wedding ties and other items.
Leather Suspenders
When you wear leather suspenders, you can look tough at the same time make you stand out. These suspenders are ideal for country or outdoor weddings because they look great with gent sets that feature tweed jackets and earthy colors. Suspenders made of leather will last for a long time and should be a permanent part of your outfit.
These shoes go from formal to semi-formal events with ease, giving a touch of class to casual outfits. In addition, their unique texture gives any outfit personality, making your style better while keeping it grounded.
Elastic Suspenders
For a more casual look that still looks good, stretchy suspenders are a great choice. Even though these might not be the best choice for very dressy events, they can still look sharp when paired with a well-fitted suit.
You can find elastic suspenders in many colors and patterns, making them an excellent way to add a unique touch to your outfit. These versatile options can easily transition from casual gatherings to semi-formal occasions. Plus, they provide comfort and flexibility, allowing you to move with ease while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Matching Suspenders with Other Formal Attire
It’s important to know how to match your suspenders to the rest of your clothing. Going from good to great with your wedding ties, lapel pins, and shoes can help you look your best whether you’re dressing for a wedding, a business meeting, or a fancy dinner.
Color Coordination
It is important to match your suspenders to either the color of your shoes or your tie. For example, if you’re going to a wedding and your shoes are brown leather, brown leather suspenders would look great with them. For black-tie events, suspenders made of black or blue silk paired with a bow tie or necktie that matches create a smooth, classy look.
This attention to detail will elevate your outfit and demonstrate your style-savvy. Don’t hesitate to mix textures and materials for added depth, ensuring your overall appearance remains sophisticated and well-coordinated.
Patterns vs. Solids
Less is often more when it comes to patterns. A busy pattern on your suit or shirt will look out of place if you wear suspenders in a single color. When you wear a plain, basic suit, on the other hand, you can be a little more daring with patterned suspenders.
A simple outfit can look a little more interesting with polka dots, stripes, or even a light plaid. Just be sure the patterns don’t clash with your tie or pocket square. The goal is to add a pop of personality while keeping your overall look sharp and cohesive.
Accessorizing with Lapel Pins
For dressy events, suspenders and lapel pins go together like peanut butter and jelly. When worn with suspenders, a lapel pin in the right place can give your outfit some style and fun.
Like, if your suspenders have silver clips, a silver lapel pin will really tie everything together. You can also experiment with other metallic finishes to match your watch or cufflinks. Just make sure the colors complement each other to keep your look balanced and sophisticated.
How to Style Suspenders for Different Occasions
Not only are formal suspenders useful, but they’re also the best way to show off your style at any event. If you choose the right pair, you can easily improve your look and leave a lasting impact. No matter what the event is- a wedding, a business meeting, or a formal dinner-formal suspenders are the right accent.
Weddings
Some of the most common times to see guys wearing formal suspenders is at weddings. You want to look good without drawing too much attention to yourself, whether you’re the groom, a groomsman, or a friend.
You can find suspenders in many wedding shops as part of gent sets. You can match your suspenders with wedding ties, pocket squares, and even the event’s color scheme.
If the wedding is black-tie, wear button-down suspenders made of silk or leather, based on how formal the event is and where it is held. If the wedding is casual and outside, you can wear suspenders that are stretchy or a bright color that goes with the theme of the wedding.
Formal Dinners and Black-Tie Events
When you go to a black-tie event, you should always wear formal suspenders in a classic color like gray, black, or blue. In a perfect world, these would go with a tuxedo or a dark suit and a bow tie.
Silk suspenders will add a bit of class to your outfit, so go with those instead. If you want to look even more put-together, match your suspenders with your lapel pin or buttons. This little thing can make your outfit look and feel even better put together.
Office and Business Meetings
If you wear them right, suspenders can be a great addition to your working wardrobe. They show confidence and care for the little things.
Always wear neutral colors like gray, blue, or black to a business meeting, and make sure your clothes match your suit. In this case, clip-on suspenders will do, but if your pants let you, button suspenders will add a touch of class.
As you elevate your business attire, consider stylish suspenders that complement your overall look. They can be the perfect accessory to show a sharp, polished sense of style in the workplace.
Choosing the Perfect Formal Suspenders
Formal suspenders are the thing you needed but didn’t know you did. Aside from being useful, they’re also a strong way to make a fashion statement.
The right pair of suspenders can make any outfit look better, whether you’re going to a wedding, a formal dinner, or just want to look better at work. Think about your own style, the event, and how you can match your suspenders with other things, like your wedding ties and lapel pins, to make a finished and coordinated look.
Check out our other blog posts for more informative content!