Guide to Formal Wear
With different types of formal dress, all of which have their own rules to be adhered to, it can be a little confusing knowing what to wear for a particular occasion.
Hopefully we can put your mind at ease with our guide on formal wear and prevent you from making any fashion disasters. From what is required of you when attending a morning dress occasion to how to dress for a white tie event, at 1st Choice Cufflinks we have tried to cover everything you need to know.
Fashion mistakes tend to be magnified when dressing in formal attire, due to often strict rules in place, and therefore a lot more care is needed. It is also important to take in consideration the types of accessories you will be wearing. For example, you need to select an appropriate wrist watch for the occasion.
Below, we have provided a detailed guide on the different types of formal wear and what is expected of you. Hopefully this will answer all of your queries and help prevent you from making any big clangers.
White Tie
The most formal type of evening wear, white tie is the ultimate symbol of style and sophistication. When attending a white tie event you have to strictly follow the dress code, any deviation could result in you being turned away and will certainly make you stand out for all the wrong reasons.
White tie events usually consist of formal state banquets and other prestigious occasion, therefore the majority of us very rarely get the opportunity to wear this clothing. Nevertheless if you have been fortunate to enough to be invited to an event that requires white tie dress, we have provided the following list so you know exactly what to wear.
- Black Evening Tailcoat
- Black Trousers
- Stiff-fronted Shirt (Always White)
- White Bow Tie
- White Waistcoat
- Black Silk Stockings
- Black Patent Leather Shoes
Black Tie
Although not as formal as the above mentioned dress code, the same care and attention is needed when dressing for a black tie event. Just like white tie attire, if worn correctly, it embodies style and sophistication but there is little room for error.
Particularly for more formal black tie occasions, it is important you follow the guidelines expected of you and don’t stray from the traditional attire. However for less formal black tie events, such as parties, there is a lot more room for you to be creative and experiment. For example, you could wear a colourful waistcoat or a more adventurous bow tie.
Only to be worn to occasions on the evening after 6pm, hopefully you will find the following list on what to wear for a black tie event helpful. If you are not sure how formal the event you are attending is going to be, it is best to check with its organisers first or failing that play it safe.
- Black Dinner Jacket
- Black Trousers
- Black Waistcoat or Cummerbund
- White Dress Shirt
- Black Silk Tie
- Black Patent Leather Shoes
Morning Dress
Morning wear, which is the equivalent to white tie evening dress, is worn on a range of formal occasions. It is probably best known for formal weddings, with the male wedding party (groom, best man and ushers) usually required to wear morning dress. However it is also used for other formal occasions, such as Royal Ascot, memorial services and Royal or Court events
Despite implying otherwise, morning dress can be worn to formal occasions in the afternoon that start before 5pm. Below, you will find a list of what is required when dressing for a morning wear event. However if you are still unsure what is required, consult the people who organising the event for more clarification. It’s always best to double check what attire you are expected to wear than make any embarrassing mistakes.
- Black or Grey Tailcoat
- Formal Trousers
- Waistcoat (Single-breasted or Double-breasted)
- White French Cuff Shirt
- Cravat or Necktie
- A Black or Grey Top Hat
- Gloves
- Black Shoes
Lounge Suit
More informal than the three types of dress above, lounge suits tend to be worn to business meetings and other occasions that require a smart appearance. Normally this just comprises a suit, necktie and dress shirt. You can also choose to wear a waistcoat and hat if you wish, although the hat tends to be seen as outdated and less popular now.
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