How To Dress Down Your Dress Shirt

Formal doesn’t mean 24/7 formal, after all.

- Amit Vaidya

DRESS SHIRTS are a staple of every man’s wardrobe, regardless of their age, profession or style – and these days, a man’s dress shirt has become as adaptable to different settings as a dress is for a woman. As an avid traveller with a penchant for over-packing, I will always pack an extra one or two dress shirts over any other type of shirt. And on those trips where excess baggage is not an option, be confident that no matter what you pair it with, be it a pair of jeans, khakis, dress pants or even shorts, it will make its mark. Here, then, are some rules you should follow when deciding how to dress down your dress shirt.

To tuck or not to tuck?

That is indeed the question. It might seem like an easy choice, but it actually isn’t, and you should think about it before actually making the choice. There are some clues to help you when making the decision. If the shirt hem is even, it is generally left untucked, but the majority of dress shirts are uneven, so the rule of thumb is making sure the length of the shirt doesn’t go below the middle of your back pocket.