Formal Dress Code Options for Men | LoveToKnow (2024)

ByKatie Davies

Katie Davies

Katie is a freelance writer and blogger whose work encompasses several topics, especially health, beauty, fashion, and travel.

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Although it has certainly evolved over the years, men's formal dress code still maintains clear standards. Once you understand the nature of the invitation, you will be able to put together an outfit that suits the event.

The Traditional Formal Dress Code

The traditional formal dress code for men usually falls into two main categories: "black tie" and "black tie optional." "White tie" is the most formal dress and not as common.

White Tie

Most modern-day events rarely require strict "white tie" attire. However, examples of events where white tie dress may be required include highly formal charity events and government or official ceremonies. The dress code requires a white dress shirt with a detachable wing collar, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, a black tailcoat, black pleated trousers, and black patent leather court pumps or oxfords. Although traditionally the dress code called for mother-of-pearl cuff links, that standard has been relaxed and men can wear a different cuff link style of their preference for white tie events.

Appropriate accessories for white tie attire include white gloves, a white pocket square, a black top hat, a boutonniere, and a pocket watch (traditional looks favor gold styles).

Black Tie

A "black tie" event is a formal social affair, such as a party, where people wear formal clothes called evening dress. For men, this traditionally includes a dinner jacket or tuxedo with a bow tie, which is where the name for this type of formalwear came from.

Black tie formal dress will vary by time of day, but it will always conform to a certain style:

  • A traditional daytime black tie look, also called morning dress, demands a black or gray tailcoat or walking coat with trousers that either match exactly or feature pinstripes. This look, still seen for weddings and formal diplomatic receptions especially in Europe, also includes a double-breasted vest, long tie, gloves, a boutonniere, tall hat and smart cufflinks.
  • Evening black tie formalwear still consists of the basic tuxedo, but any dark suit can work. Traditionally, the suit is accompanied by a white shirt, dark tie, dark socks and shoes. This can vary depending upon the event. Many men prefer a tie with a bright color or pattern, worn with a matching handkerchief. Not only is a suit and long tie often more flattering than a tuxedo, especially if that tux is not tailored to fit exactly, but it can be more comfortable and allow a man to express more of his individuality. However, it is important that the tie be of exceptional quality. Only a silk tie, preferably tied with a classic knot, is acceptable when choosing this look for a black tie formal evening occasion.

Black Tie Optional

If you receive an invitation stating that an event will be "black tie optional", it means exactly that. The event in question is usually an "after" party proceeding, like a formal wedding reception or awards ceremony, and suggests that fellow guests will be wearing black tie.

You have two options in this case. You can either:

  • Wear black tie formalwear as described previously. If fellow guests are doing this, then you might feel more comfortable following suit, however it would be completely acceptable to opt for less formal attire.
  • Dress smart casual and wear a suit, or chinos with a formal shirt and blazer jacket for a summertime. Bear in mind that your fellow guests will be dressed suitably for the occasion, so make sure that you don't look out of place by also choosing smart footwear and accessories.

Variations in the Formal Dress Code

Black tie formalwear has always been rather traditional; however, other varieties of formalwear have become less strict in the modern era.

Hollywood Black Tie

"Hollywood black tie" is a type of formalwear where you wear a black suit and a black tie and it's considered appropriate for eveningwear.

Black tie events such as the Oscars allow for even casual dress; what is formal is not always strictly defined or adhered to. A man might wear semi-formal or co*cktail attire, for example, and not feel out of place; whereas in the 1940s, he might not have been allowed into the function.

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Summer Occasions

Formalwear for an outdoor summer wedding these days is sometimes given a fashion-forward, contemporary twist.

  • For daytime events, a good linen or silk suit is widely accepted. However, these must be worn with a tie. Formalwear simply doesn't allow for even the most expensive T-shirt or open collar dress shirt.
  • For an evening event, the standard formal dress code is still a dark suit. Although, if you are going to be outdoors in summer, you can feel free to add some variations, depending on the nature of the event. That is, you should still wear a suit and tie and dressy shoes, but you can wear a light dress shirt in a contrasting color and a patterned silk tie.

Playful Accessories

Another way to play with your formal look for the 21st century is by having fun with accessories. Instead of plain cufflinks, opt for something vintage or artistic. An outdoor summer event might allow for a trendy belt, rather than something classic, so long as it doesn't clash with your attire. You could even swap a dress hat for a straw boater or Panama for a 1920s look.

Assess the Event

If you are going to bend the formal dress code, you need to know the nature of the event and the people hosting. If the occasion is of an artistic nature, then you can feel very comfortable indulging in a little experimentation, as long as you still look respectable. A very traditional wedding or reception, however, will demand that you adhere to stricter standards. Keep in mind that anything official means you have to dress the part faultlessly. If you're not sure if your suit will fit the bill, you can go to a high-end menswear shop and ask advice - the salespeople will be happy to help you. With a good, well-fitting suit and shirt, matching tie, and dress shoes, you can feel confident that you'll look appropriate.

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Formal Dress Code Options for Men | LoveToKnow (2024)

FAQs

What is formal dress code for man? ›

A formal dress code usually refers to black tie, requiring men to wear tuxedos, dress shirts, and dress shoes. Complete the look with a bow tie and focus on the fit and detailing of your chosen garment. The fit should be tailored, complementing your frame and ensuring that you look polished.

What do you wear to a formal dress code? ›

A business formal dress code is characterized by a suit jacket with matching pants or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal. There are seasonal variations as well as matching accessories to personalize your look, but they should not be a distraction in any way.

Is jeans a formal wear for men? ›

Jeans are usually considered business casual, with some exceptions. Business casual jeans should be clean and in good condition, free of any tears, fading or fraying. Avoid bright-colored jeans or styles that have flashy details, in favor of classic styles that you can pair with accessories or layers as needed.

What does formal attire mean for a wedding? ›

Formal attire is definitely defined as a full-length gown, very fancy co*cktail attire from dresses to a really glamorous pantsuit. When it comes to the men, formal wedding attire means a tuxedo. And definitely, a bow tie, which I love! The only time a tuxedo is not required is when it's black-tie optional.

Is a 5 00 wedding formal? ›

A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire. The location can also help decode the dress code.

Is a 4 00 wedding formal? ›

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

Can I wear jeans for formal? ›

In order to make sure your jeans are formal enough, you will want to lean toward formal and classy with your choice of shirt and jacket. A crisp dress shirt is always a good choice when paired with jeans, add a sporty button-up shirt can add a dash of personality to a more casual business office.

What outfits are formal? ›

In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves. Some white tie functions also request that the women wear long gloves past the elbow.

How do you know if an outfit is formal? ›

Formal Texture. The smoother and often the shinier the fabric, the more formal it generally is. A textured basketweave fabric would be more likely to appear on a sports coat than a classic suit, and corduroy would make for casual trousers, not dress pants.

How do you explain dress code? ›

: a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.

How do professionals ask for dress code? ›

Be direct. Though it won't be the first question you ask, directly ask, “What is the dress code for this position?” It's likely that you'll be asked, “Do you have any other questions?” This is a simple and direct way to get the information you need. Keep a pleasant expression no matter the answer.

How do you use dress code in a sentence? ›

He supported a dress code for public schools. Years 12 and 13 are not required to wear uniform, but have a dress code. High schoolers are required to adhere to a strict dress code.

What is creative formal attire? ›

When a formal event calls for a creative black tie dress code, it means you don't have to adhere to the traditional black tie standards in which men are expected to wear a specific tuxedo shirt paired with a black suit, and women are expected to wear evening dresses.

What are the 4 basic types of workplace attire? ›

If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual.

What is formal elegant dress code? ›

White-Tie Attire

White-tie wedding attire is the most formal of all dress codes. Also called full dress, white tie attire is often reserved for elegant events like state dinners, royal banquets and very formal weddings.

Does formal mean no jeans? ›

Most formal events are black-tie affairs. As such, everyone must wear a tuxedo or at least a dark suit with a bowtie or necktie. No jeans, athletic shoes, sneakers, boots, or sandals are allowed because this is considered too casual for a formal event.

Is jeans and blazer formal? ›

Pairing a blazer with jeans is a great way to pull off the smart casual look. Learn how to combine this classic piece of formal wear with a fresh pair of denim jeans.

Is T shirt a formal dress? ›

T-shirts are a casual wardrobe staple that you can also dress up for a smart-casual look.

What to wear to a formal wedding 2022? ›

For formal wedding attire, you can't go wrong with a classy black gown. The one-shoulder neckline, single long sleeve and side slit all exude sophistication. Accessorize your outfit with gold statement earrings and dressy black heels.

What is smart formal dress code? ›

Formal smart casual attire is “a jacket or blazer, flannels, needlecord trousers, or chinos (not jeans), a shirt with a collar (not a T-shirt) and smart shoes (not necessarily lace-ups, but not trainers or sandals)”.

What colors are formal for a wedding? ›

Formal Wedding Attire

The most appropriate suit colors for a formal wedding include charcoal grey, black, and midnight blue. A good rule of thumb, a dark suit is always the safest choice. If you're looking to add a bit of personality to your formal suit, consider your accessories.

Is a 100 person wedding too small? ›

How many guests are typically invited to each size wedding? These numbers may vary a little depending on who you're speaking with, but a small wedding typically includes 50 people or under, a medium wedding has a guest list of anywhere from 50-150 guests, and a large wedding has over 150 attendees.

What should a man wear to a 4pm wedding? ›

Evening wear is most appropriate here. For men, this typically means a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a coordinating bow tie, a cumme*rbund, and suspenders (optional), says Corry. Dress shoes, like oxfords, are suitable. Women can wear either a long gown or a dressy co*cktail dress.

Is a 3 pm wedding formal? ›

A daytime celebration (typically less formal) is held before 6 p.m., while an evening wedding (typically more formal) is held after 6 p.m. or begins a bit before and continues well into the night.

What is the most formal wedding dress code? ›

White-Tie. This is the most formal wedding attire possible (think: White House state dinners). Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch.

Is formal attire the same as black tie? ›

Black tie attire is slightly less formal than white tie, but it is more formal than business attire. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, proms, formal dinners, and theatre.

What type of jeans are formal? ›

For more formal events, opt for a darker color like merlot red, dark grey, or even black. For casual daytime events, choose from a light pink or white denim that is lighter and brighter.

Can I wear pants to formal? ›

Yes! Women can wear pants to a wedding, even a formal wedding, with some stipulations. These days, the old gender norms of men wearing pants and women wearing skirts are out the window (thank goodness). There is absolutely no reason why you can't rock pants to a wedding, as long as you do it right.

Can white jeans be formal? ›

When you think of formal and significant life events, such as interviews and weddings, the color white remains a consistent feature of smart attire. White jeans aren't just a casual item, you can easily dress them up to suit more formal occasions by opting for the right footwear and accessories.

What is the most formal outfit? ›

White tie attire is the most formal dress code and is typically interpreted as floor-length gowns for women and a black jacket or coat with tails and matching pants for men.

What is formal dress for interview? ›

A job interview is a formal situation. It means men should wear a suit jacket with a shirt and tie and women a suit with a skirt or pants. If you don't know what to wear, ask the recruiter about the dress code.

What are formal colors? ›

Choose a classic color like black, navy, blue or white to streamline your business formal attire.

What is formal style? ›

Formal style refers to a serious tone, long words, professional and polite writing approach. For example, writers avoid pronouns like - we, I, they, you, etc. Instead, they substitute these pronouns with passive voice.

Is formal attire always black? ›

Black is always a safe bet for formal attire but if you prefer to stand out you do have a few options. Deep, inky navy or midnight blue makes for handsome choice. In fact, this is the more traditional choice for black-tie suiting.

Why is it important dress code? ›

To make a good first impression

Your appearance is often the first thing others notice about you. Dressing professionally can help form a positive impression to people you meet in the workplace. This is especially important for interviews and when meeting upper-level managers who make hiring and promotion decisions.

Why are dress codes so important? ›

Dress codes are typically implemented by school districts and employers to promote learning, safety, and image.

Why proper dress code is important? ›

Dress codes are used to communicate to employees what the organization considers appropriate work attire. A dress code or appearance policy allows an employer to set expectations regarding the image it wants the company to convey.

How do you ask for dress code in an interview? ›

It's OK to ask what to wear

If that's the case, Glass says, ask about the company's general dress policies when you're first contacted about an interview. "You can say to the person you speak with, 'I want to make sure I understand your company culture and dress appropriately,'" Glass notes.

What is business formal dress? ›

The standard dress code in a business formal environment is a full matching business suit, including a jacket and dress pants or a dress skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal!

Does dress code matters in an interview? ›

It is crucial to follow a formal dress code while appearing for a corporate interview scheduled at a middle level or senior position in industries like banking and financial services, telecom, etc.

What is the dress code for work? ›

Business casual is the most common dress code in American workplaces, and it can vary based on each workplace. Men typically wear dress pants or khaki pants with collared button-up shirts, and they may also wear a sweater over this shirt. Women can wear business separates and blouses or shirts without collars.

How do men look formal? ›

* The most basic rule of formal dressing is to match your belt colour with your shoes. Similarly your tie and shirt should complement each other. Opt for a light coloured shirt when wearing a bright hued tie. * A white shirt is the keystone of any tailored look.

What does formal mean for men wedding? ›

Definition: If you see the word "formal" in a dress code, it means you're wearing a suit and tie. The Suit: Always remember, the darker the suit the more formal it is. For a beach wedding, lighter-colored suiting in summer-ready fabrics like linen are ideal.

What formal attire means? ›

Related Definitions

Formal Attire means dinner suit, dress shirt, evening gown, co*cktail dress or other items of clothing which are required for formal dining. This does not include jewellery.

Does formal mean suit? ›

The phrase “formal attire” is badly misunderstood in modern society. Formal attire does not mean suits and ties! It is a substantially higher dress code, requiring clothes that most men don't own.

Can you look formal with jeans? ›

In order to make sure your jeans are formal enough, you will want to lean toward formal and classy with your choice of shirt and jacket. A crisp dress shirt is always a good choice when paired with jeans, add a sporty button-up shirt can add a dash of personality to a more casual business office.

Can you wear black to a formal wedding? ›

Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning.

Why do we dress formal? ›

The major reason why dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional is because it presents a visual image and sends a message that the employees are professional.

Does formal require a jacket? ›

The standard dress code in a business formal environment is a full matching business suit, including a jacket and dress pants or a dress skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal!

What is formal in simple words? ›

Formal is a word used to describe anything that has form or structure. So it is something which is used or done in accordance with rules or ceremonies. Formal events have rules. 'Formal clothes' or 'formal attire' is a way of dressing to meet the rules for an event, such as a party or wedding.

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