Formal Clothes Buying Guide
The way a man looks in formal situations is all important. Whether you need to look professional at the office, smart at a wedding or dashing at an evening ball, your outfit will be scrutinised and it's worth taking time to look your best. In these situations details are all important; paying attention to them in your dress implies you pay attention to them in all aspects of your life, an important perception to gain. There's no doubt your outfit contributes to making your first impression at any formal occasion, so it's important to get it right.
Men's Formal Evening Dress
The clothing you wear sets the template for your outfit and there are several degrees of formal dress that apply in different situations. They are traditional rules that date back through the centuries but still apply in today's society.
As these have been inevitably modified and amended through the ages, nowadays they break down into four categories like this:
White Tie - This is the most formal evening outfit, reserved for State dinners, balls, weddings and graduation ceremonies. The image comprises black evening tailcoat, black trousers with two stripes down the sides, a white shirt, white cravat or necktie and a white waistcoat.
Black Tie - This is a less formal evening outfit and much more widely used at many dinners, parties and balls. It consists of a black dinner jacket with silk or satin lapels, black trousers with a single stripe down the sides, a white shirt and black bow-tie. A black cummerbund or waistcoat is often added and a white pocket square is a good addition.
Morning Dress - This is the most formal day outfit, limited mainly to weddings and for wear at smart events such as Ascot. It consists of a black tailcoat, grey trousers, white shirt, grey waistcoat and a necktie or cravat. A grey or black top-hat is often added to complete the outfit.
Lounge Suits - This is the usual formal outfit that people wear to the office or many formal occasions. It consists of a jacket and matching trousers that can be in a variety of colours and possibly including detail such as pinstripes, a white, off-white or blue plain or patterned shirt and a necktie.
Formal Accessories
Due to the strict rules of formal dress, accessories are not only essential for many smart images, but also one of the few ways you can express yourself when wearing formal attire. You necktie is a good such example and there are of course countless designs so it is important to ensure that your tie represents you accurately.
Whether that is a modern contemporary design for a younger look or a traditional club pattern for a dependable image this is essential to get right. Collar stiffeners are a great detail and when inserted into your shirt collar will keep them folded down straight and true; nothing will ruin your whole image more than a floppy collar.
There are some excellent modern designs in tie-pins which are another great addition that will keep your neck tie from flailing in the wind. A smart, jet black leather belt or sometimes trouser braces are key items and of course cufflinks for use on shirts with french cuffs will get noticed and really finish off a complete formal outfit.
