Ask The Expert: Are fanny packs cool? Plus other men's fashion doubts answered

It's important for men to know on how to match your colours. Photo: Zegna

Ask The Expert is a column on topics related to fashion and beauty.

Malaysian stylist Peter Lum answers your questions this month on all things to do with men’s fashion.

What are the top fashion faux pas a man should avoid when dressing up? – Davin, Damansara

One big faux pas is misunderstanding dress codes. Always dress right when attending work or events, and also depending on the level of sophistication.

Most offices now cater to business casual style, however, there are still companies who would be subscribing to athleisure casual. So coming in a fully coordinated suit may seem out of place. While attending a formal function on the other hand, never ever dress in athleisure wear.

Read more: Classic, not trendy: Menswear evolves, but traditional looks still favoured

Help a guy out by explaining dress codes. What do terms like business casual, casual, formal and black tie require? – Ben, Shah Alam

Business casual would require some basics such as a shirt with a band and collar and long sleeves, worn with tailored men’s pants, leather shoes and matching belt, and silk necktie. A navy blazer can be used to top up and complete the look.

Casual wear can be a relaxed-fit shirt, a polo tee, or even a crew neck T-shirt, paired with a pair of chinos or jeans, a pair of boots, or moccasin, or sports shoes. A blouson jacket, sports jacket, or even blazer can complete the look. If a necktie is required, you can pick a knitted tie instead of a woven silk tie.

Formal requires a full suit, a dress shirt, a silk necktie, polished leather shoes, and a belt to match. This is generally used when guests are expected at a wedding, No sports shoes, T-shirts or denim would be acceptable.

As for black tie, a full-tuxedo would be worn (not a suit), with a wing-collared dress shirt and a bow tie. Instead of leather shoes, patent leather shoes would be worn with silk socks. There is no need for a belt, as a proper tuxedo pants would not have any belt loops, instead, a cummerbund would be worn.

Matching a belt to shoes and a tie, yes or no? What are the rules for matching colours or patterns? – Philip, JB

Matching your shoes to your belt is the traditional menswear rule. However, with more choices available, you can consider matching, say an alternative colour choice such as red, yellow, green, or even white, with a brown belt.

However, try not to pick a brown belt and coordinate it with a pair of black shoes, and vice versa. As for grey or blue suits or pants, they work very well with the right tone of brown shoes!

When it comes to your tie, you may like to coordinate or to contrast with the shirt and jacket, but they are not meant to match your belt or shoes.

Peter Lum, who also owns his own fashion label, says that men should recognise the right occasion for certain styles of dressing. Photo: Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week

Can I wear a suit with sports shoes in the office or for a formal event? I’ve been seeing male models doing so on runways. – KT, Ipoh

No, sports shoes with a suit for the office are unacceptable. Sports shoes are totally unacceptable at a formal function.

On the fashion runways, stylists and brands often break the rules to have a photographable moment to feed and viralise social media. This is in order to gain notoriety and create buzz, as well as incite new trends in order for them to sell their wares.

My wardrobe is full of T-shirts. When is the appropriate time to wear T-shirts and when should they be left at home? – Michael, PJ

T-shirts are such a life-saver in our hot, humid environment. Traditionally, they were worn as undershirts for men – until the 50s when Hollywood heartthrobs like Marlon Brando, James Dean and others wore them in films trying to portray rebels and the everyday man. It struck a chord with the men of that time and helped make it a fashion staple.

Despite their popularity, T-shirts are still considered casual/sportswear, they will never replace men’s dress shirts.

T-shirts can be coordinated with a sports jacket or blazer, and paired with a pair of chinos or jeans for a more laid-back dressy-casual look. Nevertheless, they are generally not acceptable at the office, or can be worn at a formal event.

Read more: Ask The Expert: What you need to know about getting a well-cut suit tailored

Are fanny packs considered fashionable now? Or are they still not cool? – Louis, Kuantan

There are two schools of thought here. Fanny packs used to be deemed as a fashion faux pas, but nowadays, when we have to carry our phone, powerbanks, hand sanitiser, extra glasses and such, the ubiquitous fanny pack are making a return.

A modern way to wear it is as a cross-body bag and no longer around the waist.

What are the hottest menswear trends currently adopted by male celebrities? – Azlan, Ampang

It depends on where you follow trends. In South Korea and Asia, it’s generally, the louder the better! Clashing genres, styles, accessories and colours are worn to make them noticeable and stand out in a crowd.

Whereas in the West, it’s a little more chilled out and relaxed or perhaps even traditional.

I need an everyday bag to hold my phone, powerbank and wallet. What kind of men’s bag should I get? – Raj, Sentul

You can consider picking up a mid-sized postman bag, or city-sized backpack. If you are more fashion-forward, get a men’s tote bag or even a cross-body sling pouch to hold all your paraphernalia safely.

Do you have any questions on fashion and beauty? Email us with the subject heading Ask The Expert to [e-mail]. Please include your name, address, contact number and if you prefer, a pseudonym.