What Is Formal Dressing for Men?

For men, formal business attire is a traditional business suit with or without a matching vest. The business suit should be well-tailored and constructed with very high-quality material, such as wool or silk, in navy blue, black, gray or a similar color. Subtle patterns are also acceptable. The shirt should be a white button-down shirt. Cuff links are an elegant touch. The tie may be solid-colored or have a conservative pattern. It should be silk or a similar material. Knit ties are not appropriate for formal occasions. Shoes should be smooth leather, lace-up or slip-on. Patent leather shoes should be reserved for very formal occasions. Suede is almost never appropriate.

Semiformal daytime social attire for men is very similar to formal business attire. For nighttime semiformal occasions such as weddings, a man may wear a tuxedo and cummerbund, but he should take care not to look like one of the groomsmen unless he is standing up in the wedding. Nighttime formal wedding attire can be a bit more bold in color and cut, as long as the material and workmanship is of high quality.

Black tie for men usually calls for a tuxedo with cummerbund and formal white shirt. A traditional white shirt may be worn, but it should not have a button-down collar. Smooth leather lace-up or slip-on shoes should be black. Brown shoes are usually not appropriate for black tie occasions. Cuff links are entirely appropriate for black tie occasions. A regular business suit is usually not dressy enough for black tie occasions unless it is of very high-quality material and construction, and faultlessly tailored.

For daytime white tie occasions, men should wear a morning coat, which is a cutaway-style jacket, with matching trousers and vest. Cuff links are a must; pearl cuff links are appropriate. Studs are also appropriate. For nighttime white tie occasions, men should wear a a coat with tails, black trousers with satin stripes sewn onto the outer seams, white bow tie and cuff links in gold or similar material.

Some occasions call for semiformal dress, where a well-tailored business suit is appropriate. A jacket and slacks with or without a tie is also sometimes appropriate for semiformal occasions. Designations such as "festive attire" or "creative black tie" usually call for dressing with an emphasis on the social aspect of the occasion. More daring colors and clothing combinations are usually acceptable for such occasions as well.