Dress Code Etiquette on Formal Attire For Men

If you get confused about all the different types of dress code, than you are definitely not alone. Because of all the confusion on dress code etiquette for men, I created this site. It is my goal to create a brief, but complete resource on formal men’s dress code attire. This site will cover anything from how to dress for each occasion, tips on how to combine clothing, as well as instructions on how to tie a necktie, and how to tie a bow tie.

Different Types of Attire:

Black Tie Attire

Traditionally black tie attire means that you will need to wear a tuxedo. The tuxedo has to be black, and it is combined with a white tuxedo shirt, and a black bow tie There are two types of collars commonly used on the tuxedo dress shirt: The “Wing-Collar”, and the “Turndown-Collar”. Which one you choose is personal preference. The first one only has the tip of the collars folded down, while the second one is the more common collar that is also used on regular dress shirts. Besides the collar, the classic tuxedo shirts also have folds in the front. These folds are also called “pleat” and are typically spread ¼” – ¾” apart.

 Warm Weather Black Tie

If you are invited to an invitation during the day, and/or in warm weather, then the fashion expert also speaks of “Warm Weather Black Tie Attire”. In “Warm Weather Black Tie” it is quite common to swap the black tuxedo jacket for a white one. The tuxedo trousers, as well as the bow tie and shoes typically stay in black. In warm weather the white jacket is quite recommended since it not only adds an elegant look, but it is also much more comfortable than a black jacket.

Many hosts write “black tie optional” in their invitations. If this is the case, then wear a tuxedo. Many men don’t own a tuxedo, and renting a tuxedo can be quite costly. Especially for this reason the host gives you the option with a “Black Tie Optional” invitation. If you do not own a tuxedo, and don’t want to buy or rent one, than it is perfectly acceptable to wear a dark 2-piece suits, white dress shirt, and formal necktie. Best are black or dark charcoal gray suits. The necktie worn should be of more formal color and design. Popular are solid color black and silver neckties, or black ties with fine patterns.

Examples of formal neckties for “black tie optional” attire in combination with a 2-piece suit:

Semi-Formal Attire

Semi formal attire usually means a classy 2-piece suit with a white dress shirt and a necktie. In doubt it is always better to slightly overdress than showing up too casual.

Business Attire

Business attire can range widely, and it often times depends on your industry, your culture, and your company’s policies. Traditionally business attire means a suit, dress shirt, and a necktie. Unlike “black tie attire” you have much more freedom to combine your clothing. As long as the colors and the patterns match, you will be just fine. The darker suits such as charcoal gray and dark blue are considered more traditional and more conservative. For that reason they are often times the best choice for a job interview in combination with a classic white dress shirt. In warmer weather tan, and beige suits in combination with brown dress shoes, matching brown belt, and a necktie are quite popular.

Business Casual Attire

Think about the “business attire” but without the necktie and you have the business casual attire. Business casual gives you quite a range. The least formal, but still acceptable outfit for business casual is a pair of khaki slacks, dress shoes, belt matching the shoes, and a tugged-in polo shirt. What you want to avoid are tennis shoes, shorts, jeans, and T-shirts. Again, it is better to overdress than showing up too casual.

This hub has been brought to you by the founder and owner of ties-necktie.com Hendrik Pohl