Formal Wear in a Casual World
Tis’ the season for bow ties, dinner jackets and tuxedos.
Black tie, cocktail attire, black tie optional… what does it all mean, and how do I dress for it?
So glad you asked! Let's dissect each, and talk about what I’m seeing as popular and modern looks for formal wear this year.
Black tie - A dress code requesting black tie means a tuxedo or dinner jacket is acceptable. Avoid navy or gray suits, and no sport coats allowed. This year I’ve done several dinner jackets with a pattern in them as well as tuxedos that aren’t black. For example, navy, burgundy, or even a deep green color as the tuxedo with black or navy satin accents is a great way to mix up the black tie dress code. Your pants should have a satin braid on the side with no belt. Cummerbunds appear to be outdated at present, but I’m not necessarily opposed to them. Black tie dress code should also have either a bow tie with stud fronts and cufflinks, or a black tie and cufflinks. Go the extra step and get a nice pair of black patent leather shoes (step, get it?). Don’t settle for your everyday black dress shoes that are buried in the back of your closet.
Side note: what’s the difference between a sportcoat and a dinner jacket? A dinner jacket is a more elegant and formal fabric than a sportcoat and should be worn with formal pants that have a satin braid on the side. Dinner jackets also typically have a contrasting satin lapel, buttons, and pocket welts. If you’re asking, “Can I get away with wearing this sport coat as a dinner jacket?” The answer is most likely, no.
Black tie optional - I always err on the side of “dress your best” so I would advise my clients to wear black tie to a black tie optional event. If you don’t have an appropriate outfit for black tie, then I recommend a black suit. Wear it as dressy as possible with a white shirt, cufflinks, and a black bow tie. You could also do a black shirt on black tie with black suit. If you don’t want to be stuck without an option you’re excited about, call me 6-8 weeks before your black tie event so you have an appropriate outfit to wear :)
Cocktail attire - Typically cocktail attire is reserved for evening events like retirement parties, birthday parties, weddings, or other professional events. Cocktail attire should always include a jacket with a pressed shirt and trouser. Ties are not required but recommended, and your shoes and belt should be polished, and matched (like always).
In the casual world we live in today, clients often turn their nose up in regards to formal wear. However, wearing a tuxedo with color or a dinner jacket during the formal season can be fun, and gives you the chance to do something different than the everyday black tuxedo. Contact me today to update your formal wear!
