Attention Male Racers: Banquet Attire Do's & Dont's
By: Christa Watson

Race season is over, and the banquet will be here before you know it, so if you haven’t thought about what you’ll be wearing, you should probably start now. Now, I understand that you are all “Manley-men”, and after such a long season, the last thing on your mind is what to wear to a banquet. Consider this: You spent a huge amount of time and money this year to look great on the track. Isn’t it worth a few minutes and dollars to look amazing to accept your award? Here are some basic “Do's” & “Dont's” for the semi-formal event.

	DO:	Keep your color choices simple. If you’re not sure if that color will “work”, you probably shouldn’t try it.
	DON’T:	Try to wear overly bright or bold colors for your main attire. You never should have to worry if you’re an eyesore. If you need some advice, ask a salesperson or lady friend.
	DO:	Match. Before you even think about making a purchase for the banquet or any event, be absolutely sure your outfit will match. If you’re matching skills are at all questionable, bring someone with you that will know.
	DON’T:	Go overboard on matching. If your shoes match your pants, that match your belt, that matches your shirt, that matches your tie… You have over done it. Something in your outfit should “pop”.
	DO:	Wear Black and White. If your nervous about what colors to wear, you can never go wrong with the simple black or white option.
	DON’T:	Wear faded Black or Dull White. If you want to look good, you need a fresh, crisp white shirt and new or newer pair of black pants. If you pull out a pair of pants seven years old, they will probably look seven years old.
	DO:	Monochrome (or all one color). With your Monochrome outfit, include a bright or bold tie to make this option classy and stylish.
	DON’T:	Wear different shades of the same color. Monochrome can definitely work, but make sure you pick shades that match. Black with Black is good. Black with those dull, use-to-be-black pants is very, very bad.
	DO:	The Right Size. Wearing a great shirt that is too big or too small will never be flattering. If your not exactly sure if it fits nicely, ask for help from a salesman. Sometimes they will even offer to make any alterations for you for no cost.
	DON’T:	Even think about a short sleeve dress shirt. It’s just not going to work.
	DO:	The Perfect Length Tie. Make absolutely sure your tie is not too long or too short. The tip of the bottom of your tie should just graze the top of your belt buckle.
	DON’T:	Loosen your Tie and unbutton your shirt. You’ll just look messy.
	DON’T:	Wear Novelty Ties… Ever.
	DON’T:	Even consider wearing a clip on.