Derek Hough recalls days when his style had to be 'very put together'

When Derek Hough isn't wearing tail suits in the ballroom (his favorite kind of "DWTS" costume) or a tuxedo at the Emmys (he's nominated for his choreography on "DWTS" again this year!), the television personality sports "casual" ensembles on the streets of Los Angeles. However, he wasn't always allowed to be so laid-back, style-wise.

"I grew up in England. I was in England for 10 years," the 32-year-old told AOL Lifestyle last week. "And there, you can't actually get into certain places unless you're wearing dress shoes. Even during the day, in restaurants, [you need to wear] a suit jacket, so my style growing up was very much put together. I tried to dress as best as I could."

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Though he does opt for more relaxed ensembles during his off-time these days, his dedication to polished style hasn't wavered. In fact, he sports a suit as a judge on "World of Dance" each week.

"When you look good, you feel good," Hough affirms.

PHOTOS: Derek Hough looking spiffy in suits

That's why he partnered with Men's Wearhouse for the 10th year of its National Suit Drive. The drive partners with over 170 non-profits across the country and collects professional attire for unemployed men and women re-entering the workforce. Hough says 1.3 million items of clothing have been collected over the years.

"[The initiative] is close to my heart because my dad has been donating collared shirts and suits for years [all] over South America," the famous dancer told us. "You can just see that people take such pride in how they look. It just gives them that confidence to succeed."

As for the most recent time Hough had to clean up nicely, it was for his famous sister's wedding to Canadian ice hockey player Brooks Laich.

"It was the most beautiful week," Hough divulged of the lavish affair. "It was timeless, effortless. It was perfect. It truly, truly was. It was the whole week. Six days of pure magic."

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