Men's Clothing for Special Occasions

Weddings, formal work events, special dates, dressing for these events can make even the coolest guy break into a sweat.  Take it easy, we've got you covered with a simple guide to looking your best at your next formal event.  Read on and find out if you'll need a tuxedo  or a blazer  at your next party.

If the Invite Says...

Full Dress/White Tie

What the man is wearing:

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:

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 cufflinks 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 afterwork:

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.
  • Sportcoat 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 tricker in this category.

More Info

Still confused about what to wear to the party?  Ask Men provides some simple steps to clarify the dress code:

  1. Find out the purpose of the event. Call the host and see what's expected.
  2. Keep the seasons in mind. Semi-formal summer events are a perfect time for guys to wear bright colors and take a few liberties with dress codes.
  3. Afternoon events tend to be less formal than evening events.
  4. Don't get too creative (i.e. leave the cowboy boots at home when donning a tuxedo) unless your host specifically request something like Texas Tuxedos.

Be Prepared

While you may want to rent a tuxedo  or formal dress  for the occassional fancy event, it does pay off to stock your closet with a few basics for formal parties.  This is a basic list of items to keep updated in your closet.

Wardrobe Staples for Parties

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 clasic 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.

External Links

  • Greatest look provides an explanation for invitations that read: "California Casual" and "Creative Black Tie"
  • Men with a Scottish heritage may want to check out the MacLeod's guide to formal kilts.
  • Need help with that bow tie? Here's a step by step illustrated guide to help.