Full Dress/White Tie

What the man is wearing:

• Black coat with tails 
• Black trousers 
• White formal shirt  with collar
• White tie 
• White waistcoat 
• Black shoes
• Black socks

What does a tailcoat  look like?  It's cut just below the waist in the front.  The back of the jacket has two pieces of fabric, the "tails," that drape to the back of the knee.  Note: the tailcoat is never closed with the front buttons.

Wikipedia has a detailed description of the history of formal dress and explanation for the different items required for White Tie and Black Tie dressing.

Wedding Bells has compiled a list of clear definitions for formal and white tie dressing to help hapless grooms decide what to wear on the big day.

What the woman is wearing: a full length formal ball gown or wedding gown.

Black Tie/Formal

What the man is wearing:

• Black tuxedo  (jacket and trousers in black). Jackets come in the following styles:
• Peak lapel 
• Notch lapel 
• Shawl collar 
• Double breasted 
• Single breasted 
• White tuxedo shirt  (not the same as a dress shirt)
• Black tie  (bow or regular long tie)
• Black cummerbund 
• Black socks
• Black shoe

Budget Tux has a complete terminology and style guide put together.  According to their site, the single breasted tuxedo jacket is the most popular option.

Tuxedo accessories  can include: cuff links  and studs .  The cuff links close the arm sleeves and the studs act as decorative closures for the front of the shirt.

What the woman is wearing: elegant dress or fancy evening suit, heels and jewelry.

Cocktail/Semi-Formal

What the man is wearing if the event is after work:

• Suits
• Shirts and Ties
• Lace-up dress shoes
• Dress slacks  and a blazer 

If you work in a formal environment, you can't go wrong wearing your work clothes out to the event (our guides will answer all your questions about putting your suit and shirt together).

If the event is on a weekend or in a  less fancy setting--like a backyard--you could opt for:

• Pants, no denim, but cotton is acceptable in warm climates and in summer.
• Collared shirt (button front) or dressy sweater.
• Sport coat or blazer (optional, but you can always bring it and then drape it on a chair if you feel overdressed).
• Loafers instead of dress shoes.

What the woman is wearing: anything from a miniskirt to a dress. That's why things get trickier in this category.

Full Dress/White Tie

Wingtip shoes  are considered to be the fanciest of shoes. Save these for only the best of occasions, i.e. the opera, a formal ball, or weddings.

Formal events of this magnitude always call for a black shoe and traditionally demand a shiny, patent finish. 

Black Tie/Formal

For your mid-level formal gathering, cap-toe  [pictured above] or plain-toe  shoes provide a suitable option. For proms, charity events, funerals, dinner parties and the like, choosing between a shiny or matte finish is a matter of preference. 

Remember, lace-up shoes are always considered to be more dressy than slip-on style shoes, so gauge the nature of your event and choose accordingly!

Cocktail/Semi-Formal

At a semi-formal gathering, the dress code on shoes is more relaxed. Whereas a black shoe is necessitated at classier events, cocktail parties etc. allow for a little breathing room when it comes to footwear. A stylish brown shoe could be acceptable, as well as softer, matte finishes. 

Moc-toe  [pictured above] and split-toe  shoes are generally the most casual style of shoes, and would fit in great at parties of this nature.

A Dark Colored Suit 

• Gray or black.
• Well tailored and well sized.
• 2-Button single breasted suits are the safest bet.
• Check out the suit guide for more advice.

Dress Trousers 

• Grey, olive or dark khaki.
• Lightweight wool works for all seasons.
• Have them hemmed to break slightly over your dress shoes (they shouldn't drag on the floor or show your socks).
• Though it's a source for debate, pleats are the best bet for average guys.

Classic Sweater 

• Choose a classic hue that flatters your coloring.
• Turtlenecks work well for fall and winter.
• Crewnecks are great all year round.
• Cashmere can be worn all year round. Wool and cotton are other options.
• When worn with dress trouser and a blazer, this look is great for more casual semiformal events.

White Dress Shirt(s) 

Ideally you should have two white shirts for events:

1.) White dress shirt to be worn with suits.  And please, replace when it becomes stained, worn or no longer fits.

2.) Tuxedo shirt.  Even if you are renting a tux, it pays to have your own tux shirt.  It will be whiter, fit better and be more comfortable.

Accessories 

• Ties: Keep two or three clean ties in your closet. Read the Shirts and Ties guide for tips on matching your outfit.
• Belt: Black belt with buckle.
• Shoes: Black Shoes with laces.

Fashion for Men

Men's Sport Coats and Blazers

Career Clothing for Men

Style Resources for Men

Men's Casual Attire