Navigating Communion or Confirmation Dressing: A Men’s Style Guide

Special occasions like communions, confirmations, and weddings are often filled with excitement and celebration, but choosing the right outfit can leave many men feeling uncertain. While some may opt for their standard 9-5 business suit, adding a bold tie or smart-casual shirt, these events offer a unique opportunity to stand out with your style. Whether it's a First Holy Communion, Confirmation, or a wedding, dressing for the occasion should be an opportunity for every man to shine.

The Smart Option

Sometimes a full suit feels too stuffy, while a casual outfit isn’t dressy enough. In those cases, a blazer-and-trousers combination is your go-to solution. A modern blazer has the structured polish of a suit jacket but is a notch more relaxed, making it ideal for events where you want to look smart but not overdone. Plus, blazers come in an endless variety of styles and colors, giving you plenty of room to express your personality.

One style tip: don’t automatically wear the matching trousers that came with your suit jacket. Instead, pair your blazer with trousers in a complementary fabric or color. For example, try grey wool trousers or cream chinos with a navy blazer and a crisp shirt (you can even add a tie for a bit more formality). This mix-and-match approach looks intentional and stylish, and it breaks up the monotony of a full matching suit. Thanks to their versatility, blazers are a fail-safe choice for almost any event. While a classic navy blazer is always a winner, you can also experiment with other hues and patterns. Rich green or deep red blazers are currently in vogue, and a tasteful check pattern can elevate your look when the rest of your outfit is kept understated.

The Super Smart Option

For those events that truly call for you to dress to impress, nothing beats a well-tailored suit. A suit is the ultimate classic for a reason: it instantly elevates your appearance and exudes confidence like nothing else. That said, not all suits are created equal. The key is to find one that fits you perfectly and also flatters you – for instance, choosing a color that complements your skin tone can subtly enhance your overall look.

Opt for a high-quality two-button, notch-lapel suit in a timeless color such as navy, blue, or grey. This will ensure you have a refined look that stands the test of time. Above all, focus on the fit. Even the most expensive suit will fall flat if it isn’t tailored to your body. Take advantage of alteration services (we offer complimentary tailoring at Louis Copeland & Sons) to get the jacket and trousers adjusted exactly to your measurements. Often, a few minor tweaks can transform an off-the-rack suit into something that feels custom-made for you, taking your style from ordinary to outstanding.

The Smart Casual Option

Smart-casual attire can be a little confusing because it’s all about finding the right balance between formal and relaxed. It’s not as simple as throwing on your favorite jeans and a hoodie – that would definitely be too casual for a special occasion. Instead, think of smart-casual as pairing the crispness of dressier pieces with the comfort of casual ones. For example, you might wear a neat open-collar shirt with clean, dark denim, or swap the suit jacket for a lightweight knit sweater. The goal is to make sure your overall look is neat and put-together, even though you’re not in a full business suit.

For an event like a communion or confirmation, it’s wise to lean toward the “smart” side of smart-casual. You might even wear a suit but give it a relaxed twist by skipping the tie and undoing the top button of your shirt. Or try a well-fitted crew-neck sweater with chinos or dark jeans for a comfortable yet polished look. If you’re ever unsure, you can’t go wrong with tailored trousers paired with a crisp shirt and well-polished shoes. This combo will always hit the smart-casual mark and ensure you look appropriate for the occasion.

Shirts to Look At

The shirt you choose needs to fit just right. Pay attention to the details: the sleeves should be slim (with no billowing fabric) and long enough to reach your wrists, and the collar should sit comfortably around your neck without gaping or choking. Also, make sure the shirt is fresh and wrinkle-free. Even a perfectly fitted shirt can look sloppy if it’s crumpled or stained, so give it a good iron and ensure it’s pristine. A crisp, well-fitting shirt will beautifully complement the rest of your outfit and keep you looking sharp.

Mastering Men's Footwear

When it comes to footwear, the rule of thumb is to match your shoes to the formality of your outfit. If you’re wearing a suit, stick to classic leather dress shoes to keep your look sharp from head to toe. If you’re dressing smart-casual, you have more flexibility – a pair of loafers adds a touch of sophistication, while clean, modern trainers give off a relaxed vibe. Just make sure whatever you choose is polished and in good condition. Well-chosen shoes will pull your whole outfit together and show that you’ve paid attention to the details.

Accessorise with Pocket Squares

A pocket square is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to elevate your look. Simply fold a square of fabric and tuck it into your suit or blazer pocket, and you’ve instantly added a dash of personality to your outfit. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. The right pocket square can complement your tie or shirt, or add a pop of color to a neutral jacket, helping you stand out with minimal effort.

Dressing Dilemma? Turn to the Experts

With all these style options in mind, you might still feel unsure about what to wear – and that’s okay! If you find yourself short on time, low on inspiration, or just not enthusiastic about shopping for an outfit, why not get some expert help?

Take Denis, for example: he came to us looking for guidance before his daughter’s Confirmation. Initially, he was hesitant to venture beyond his usual comfort zone, but he decided to try our personal shopping service and was pleasantly surprised by the experience. Our staff suggested a combination he hadn’t considered: a chic linen jacket with slim-fitting chinos, a crisp shirt, a tasteful pocket square, and smart leather loafers. The result was a stunning look that Denis loved, and it perfectly balanced style with his personality.

Stories like Denis’s show how a little expert advice can go a long way. You can always book an appointment at one of our stores for a one-on-one styling session. Our knowledgeable team will curate outfit options tailored to your preferences and budget, taking the hassle out of the process. Plus, you can take advantage of our complimentary tailoring service to ensure everything fits impeccably. In no time, you’ll be dressed to impress – feeling comfortable, confident, and perfectly suited for the occasion.

Key Highlights

• Expert Help: Our team at Louis Copeland & Sons can help curate your outfit, and our free tailoring will ensure you’re dressed to impress for any occasion.

• Blazer-and-Trousers Combo: Go for a modern blazer paired with trousers in a complementary color for a versatile, stylish look.

• Tailored Suit: You can never go wrong with a classic two-button suit in blue, grey, or navy for a refined, sophisticated ensemble.

• Smart-Casual Attire: Blend well-fitted open-collar shirts, fine knits, and tailored trousers to effortlessly master the smart-casual look.

• Shirts: Make sure your shirt fits perfectly and looks crisp to keep your whole outfit looking sharp.

• Footwear: Complete your look with the right shoes – classic dress shoes with a suit, or loafers and clean, modern trainers for a smart-casual vibe.

• Pocket Squares: Fold a pocket square into your jacket pocket to instantly add a touch of flair to your ensemble.