Have you just been invited to an event where the invitation says to dress formally? Are you unfamiliar with “formal wear” territory for men? How about a primer on the fundamentals of formal wear? In this article, we will define formal wear with every detail and what you should wear to make a statement with your formal look.
What Does It Mean to Dress for Formal Occasions?

Good question! When it comes to men’s formal wear outfits and dressing formally for any occasion, it is a good idea to stick to certain standards and traditions. The most important aspect of formally dressing is to look neat, polished, and sharp. This includes selecting clothing items that are appropriate for the occasion. For example, suits, tuxedo styles, dress shirts and tie combinations, cufflinks, and ties and bow ties for men.
It is important to select clothing that fits you well, compliments your personality and is comfortable to carry for long hours. Shoes should be polished and appropriate for the occasion. Accessories such as watches, cufflinks, brooches and pocket squares are perfect to complement the outfit.
Tips for Choosing The Right Men’s Formal Wear Outfits

Here are some tips for choosing the right men’s formal wear outfits:
- Determine the dress code: Whether you’re attending a wedding, a gala, or a business event, make sure you know the dress code properly, as each formal occasion has different expectations. Every occasion requires a different style of dressing.
- Choose the suit fabric: The suit fabric should be chosen according to the event and the season. Generally, wool for winter and linen for summer are the most preferred materials for formal attire.
- Invest in a good quality suit: Invest in a good quality suit that looks and feels comfortable. You can either buy readymade from a store or get custom tailored suits online.
- Consider the season: When choosing a suit, think about the current season. For winter, heavier fabrics should be preferred, and for summer, lighter fabrics are ideal.
- Choose the appropriate color: Select a suit color that works best with your complexion and looks appropriate for the occasion.
- Wear a shirt: A good quality shirt can make or break your look. Select formal shirts for men with a good collar and cuff.
- Wear the right shoes: Shoes should match the color and style of formal wear and the occasion.
- Accessorize correctly: Choose the right accessories such as ties, cufflinks and studs, pocket squares, belts and sunglasses for men to complete your look.
- Get the fit right: A well-fitted suit is essential for a great look. Make sure the suit fits you properly and is comfortable to wear. The trousers for men should fit right around the hips and fall right on the ankles. They can be tapered to your length. Follow the suit fit guide for right proportions.
Different Styles of Men’s Formal Wear Outfits for Different Occasions

Dressing is obviously an art, the art of knowing how to carry yourselves during various events. It dictates how you should dress to fit the mood of the occasion. Dressing for any occasion means respecting the occasion and the people around you.
Navigating your way through each type of outfit can be extremely difficult, with all of their rules and requirements. In this article, we break down the most common dress codes to ensure that every outfit you wear is on point. Here’s a rundown of men’s dress codes for every occasion.
- A wedding: A wedding is typically a black-tie dress code affair unless the wedding has a theme. A tuxedo always seems to be appropriate for men. Choose colors that are appropriate for the time and season – preferably dark.
- A cocktail: A cocktail party is primarily a casual social event where you dress formally. Well, almost! A typical cocktail party dress code is semi-formal. Cocktail attire for men includes semi-formal suits, jackets for men, coat, and tie.
- A business dinner: The dress code for business dinner is “smart-casual.” It means casual but appropriate for work. Men should wear khakis or dress pants with a collared shirt and loafers. Look professional and sharp. That is the motto.
- An interview: A suit is the standard interview attire. A tailored suit is still the norm for most corporate offices. A simple watch would suffice.
How to Accessorize a Men’s Formal Wear Outfits to Make it Stand Out

There are numerous ways to liven up your suits without going overboard or spending a fortune. Simply spruce up your look with some stylish accessories that will add color, pattern, and playfulness to the mix.
- An elegant watch: There are numerous options for beautiful and high-quality wristwatches in every price range. You can wear a great design without spending a fortune.
- Pocket Squares: Choose a pocket square with a bright, colorful design to liven up your suit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold patterns, bright colors, and multi-colored designs.
- Colorful socks: Even if your suits are in neutral, muted tones, you can still add some bright colors to your ensemble. Wear colorful socks with interesting patterns to liven up your suit.
- Swanky shoes: To amp up your style, pair your everyday suit with a pair of statement shoes for men. There are many great options for statement footwear that you can use to add color and style to your regular suits.
- Tie Clip: There are many fun and unique tie pin designs available to add style, humor, and color to your tie and liven up your suit.
How to Make Sure Your Suit Fits Perfectly & Flatter Your Body Type

Perfectly fitting a suit to any body type can be tricky, but it’s not impossible! Here are some handy tips to ensure your suit uplifts your personality and makes you look your best:
- Measurements: Ensure you get your measurements taken correctly for the tailor made suits. This includes the right measurements for the shoulders, waist, chest, and arms for your desired fit.
- Style: Consider what style of suit flatters your body shape. Avoid structured, angular styles if you have a rounder frame, and vice versa.
- Quality: Invest in a quality suit and accessories in appropriate materials. The material should be breathable and fit properly.
- Tailoring: Ensure the suit is tailored to your body type. This could include alterations to the shoulders, waist, and arms.
- Accessories: Choose the right accessories to complete the look. Try a pocket square, cufflinks, tie bar, or a hat and belt.
Which Color Suits Best with Which Style of Suit
If you want to be taken seriously at work or on any occasion, you must know which suit colors to wear and why. Aside from your personal preferences, there are numerous other factors to consider to ensure your suit is appropriate for the occasion. So, based on various factors, here is a breakdown of the best color combination for suits.
- Dark brown: A chocolate brown suit is not a formal color, but it adds a pop of color to even the darkest of outfits. The only precaution you should take is to choose your shirt color wisely.
- Navy blue: A navy blue suit is a timeless classic in your formal wear arsenal. Among the latest colors for men’s suits, Navy is best suited for almost every occasion.
- Black: A men’s black suit is typically reserved for black-code, formal events. It’s a must-have in your wardrobe because when in doubt, black is always one of the best suit colors for men.
Grey: Grey comes in different tones in men’s suit. Plain, plaid or self-striped, grey looks stunning when carried with utmost flair. Pair it with dark colored shoes and you’re good to go!