Buzz
Although wearing untucked shirts isn’t recommended for formal occasions, they can certainly enhance the look of a casual outfit. Before choosing a dress shirt to wear untucked, assess it against a few basic criteria to determine its suitability. Then, feel free to experiment with different combinations of sweaters, jeans, and footwear until you discover a look that suits you, whether it's casual or formal!
Steps
Selecting the Perfect Dress Shirt
Opt for a shirt that falls just below your waistline. Stand in front of a mirror while trying on your dress shirt to gauge its length. Make sure the hem doesn't extend past the midpoint of your pants' zipper. If the shirt appears overly long and loose, try a different one. Also, ensure that the shirt remains in place around your midsection without riding up.
- Untucked dress shirts tend to look most flattering when they're slightly shorter in length overall.
- Raise your arms to assess the shirt's length. If it rises to expose your midsection, it's best to avoid wearing it untucked.
Opt for shirts with a straight hemline for a casual look. Check if the bottom edge of your shirt is straight rather than curved. While many dress shirts are versatile for both tucked and untucked wear, those with curved hems and obvious tails are intended to be tucked in.
- Shirts with curved hems and tails are meant to be tucked into formal pants, often paired with jackets, blazers, or suits.
- Shirts with straight hems may have squared-off or curved bottoms.
Choose dress shirts with relaxed collars for a more casual appearance. Test the collar fabric's stiffness by pinching it. If the collar feels stiff or heavily structured, reserve the shirt for formal occasions. Opt for shirts with looser collars for a business-casual or everyday look.
- Shirts with tight, rigid collars are typically intended for use with ties, dress pants, suits, and other formal attire.
Select dress shirts that fit comfortably for a professional appearance. Experiment with various sizes to ensure the shirt fits well across your back, shoulders, and torso. Avoid overly loose shirts, which can appear sloppy, and overly tight ones, which can be uncomfortable. If a dress shirt doesn't fit properly, avoid wearing it untucked.
- To ensure comfortable fit, take measurements
and consult a sizing chart to determine the best fit for your body type.
Consider the formality of the occasion before wearing an untucked shirt. Assess whether the event is formal or casual. For black-tie events, opt for a tucked-in dress shirt. For casual outings like drinks or informal parties, an untucked shirt is appropriate.
- When in doubt, err on the side of formality. If unsure, keep your dress shirt tucked in.
- For example, it's advisable to tuck in your shirt for weddings unless explicitly stated as casual.
Crafting a Relaxed Ensemble
Roll up your sleeves for a relaxed, on-the-go appearance. If you’re opting for an untucked shirt, free up your arms by rolling up the sleeves! Fold the cuff of your shirt sleeve back until it reaches your elbow. Aim for even rolling on both sides to maintain a polished and casual look.
- For warmer climates, consider wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt or polo instead.
Combine an untucked dress shirt with jeans for a laid-back vibe. Select a comfortable pair of jeans in your preferred style. Ensure the dress shirt doesn’t extend past your zipper as you assemble your outfit. Complete the look with either formal or casual footwear based on your personal preference.
- For example, pair a blue-patterned dress shirt with dark blue jeans. Roll up the sleeves for a relaxed feel or add a touch of formality with a watch.
- Belts complement untucked shirts well as an accessory.
Leave the top 2 buttons undone for added comfort. If you’re skipping a tie or similar accessory, there’s no need to fasten all of your dress shirt buttons. Leave the top buttons open while securing the rest. For a more refined appearance, leave only the top collar button undone.
- Fastening the top button can make your attire feel stiff and uncomfortable.
Opt for sneakers or athletic shoes for a casual look. If you’ll be on the move, choose shoes that offer comfort and mobility. Sneakers or trainers are ideal, but you can also consider tennis shoes or any other comfortable footwear option.
- For instance, pair a short-sleeved, untucked dress shirt with jeans and comfy tennis shoes.
Creating a More Formal Look
Opt for dress pants or chinos for a formal setting. Choose sleek, professional-looking pants instead of baggy ones. Opt for soft, muted colors suitable for professional environments, like dark green or tan. For a comfortable yet stylish look, consider pairing an untucked, short-sleeve dress shirt with your outfit.
- Accessories like belts, watches, and aviators complement this ensemble well.
- For example, pair a blue short-sleeve dress shirt with green chinos and neutral-toned desert boots for a polished look.
Add a sweater for added style. Layer a sweater over an untucked dress shirt for extra warmth in colder weather. Ensure the dress shirt fits properly and doesn't extend past your pants' zipper.
- Some people prefer to tuck dress shirts under sweaters, but it's also acceptable for the shirt's bottom to be visible.
- For instance, try a dark green sweater over a white dress shirt, paired with jeans and comfortable loafers.
- Loafers can complement dark jeans well.
Avoid pairing untucked shirts with jackets or blazers. While untucked shirts are suitable for casual occasions, they're not appropriate for formal wear with suits or blazers. Keep your shirt tucked in if you're wearing formal attire.
- For warmth, opt for a casual jacket or coat instead.
Tip: Trust your instincts when styling with a blazer. If it's a casual accessory, it might work with an untucked dress shirt.
Opt for loafers for more formal occasions. Choose shoes that add polish without being too formal. Loafers complement the relaxed style of an untucked dress shirt for parties or social gatherings.
- Since untucked shirts are for casual occasions, fancy dress shoes aren't necessary.
