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Understanding dress codes and what to wear to a ‘formal’ event isn’t always easy. Formal wear for men has traditional routes, but it continues to evolve and change as fashion trends do.
Whether you’re attending a wedding as a guest, a black tie dinner, or a semi-formal event, knowing which suit style to wear is essential. The tailors of Phillip Alexander Bespoke Tailors have created this comprehensive style guide to assist you in your formal wear planning.
We have been dressing gentlemen since 1876. Interested in a consultation with our tailors? Contact us today and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.
Black tie
Also known as the tuxedo, black tie is worn for evening formal dinners, formal parties, and balls. You’ll know to wear black tie if the invite indicates so.
Black tie dress code consists of a black dinner jacket, matching trousers, a formal white dress shirt, a self-tie black bow tie, and black patent shoes. A cummerbund or waistcoat is always recommended to fit with the formality of the occasion.
White tuxedo
Think of white tuxedo as a form of black tie; simply replace the black jacket with an ivory or white tuxedo jacket. The trousers, shoes, and bow tie should remain black, and your formal tuxedo shirt should be white.
You can expect to wear a men’s white tuxedo in the summer months, or if you have an event in a warmer climate.
White tie
White tie, the most formal type of eveningwear, is reserved for the most important events. You will be expected to wear white tie dress if you’re attending a royal wedding, prestigious award ceremony, formal galas, or state dinners.
It typically includes a black tailcoat – unbuttoned – with a white cotton pique waistcoat, a white dress shirt featuring a wing collar and bib front. The final touch is a matching white bow tie.
For a white tie occasion, it may be best to consult an expert tailor. Not only should you wear a suit that aligns with the dress code, but it should fit you perfectly so you can feel confident throughout the evening.
Morning suits
Wearing a morning suit means you’ll be wearing black or grey, traditionally. Morning suit trousers should match in colour and pattern, with a stripe down the leg. A single or double-breasted waistcoat should also match the cloth of the rest of the suit.
The main attraction of a men’s morning suit is the formal jacket. Peak lapels; swallow-tail. A top hat is often worn with this style, alongside a tie and black Oxford shoes.
Find out more about how to wear a morning suit in our Morning Suit Wedding Etiquette Guide.
Smoking jackets for men
Originally made for gentlemen’s affairs, smoking jackets are a smooth design made from velvet or silk materials. They are worn today as casual, semi-formal dinner jackets.
Styled with dinner trousers, a formal shirt, a bow tie and velvet slippers, this ensemble exudes class and elegance – especially if you are the host.
Tailored Men’s Formal Wear from Phillip Alexander
Knowing how to dress appropriately for a dress code can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
With locations in Cheshire and Savile Row in London, Phillip Alexander offers a range of tailoring services, including bespoke suits, made-to-measure suits, and tailored suit hire. Whichever option you choose, our tailors will be on hand to guide you through the entire process, offering styling advice to help you look your absolute best at the event you’re attending.
Ready to feel confident in a well-fitted, tailored-to-you suit? Book an in-person or telephone consultation to speak to one of our tailors about men’s formal wear.
Blogs you may be interested in:
- What is the difference between white tie and black tie?
- Morning suit rules: how to choose between a morning suit and other suit styles
- Tuxedos vs suits for the groom: a guide to wedding suits
- What is a smoking jacket: the ultimate guide
