Formal Done Right: Understated Elegance Meets Statement Details
Formal wear is one of the most daunting dress codes a bloke can come across. Strict sounding while also being vague, it can feel like a real run of the gauntlet deciding what to wear for such an occasion. From formal suits in Australia to black-tie, there are a lot of different options to choose from. And that’s exactly why we’ve developed our very own Oscar Hunt formal wear guide to ensure that you don’t put a brogue or a dinner shoe out of place when it comes to your next formal event.
Let’s dive in!
Formal vs. Black Tie
Ok, let’s start with one of the most common sartorial conundrums that you’re likely to face: what on earth is the difference between a formal and a black tie dress code?
While there’s always nuance, generally speaking a formal dress code warrants a suit and tie but not a tuxedo. This is a common dress-code for formal dinners and weddings and is often used interchangeably with the ‘lounge suit’ dress-code.
In contrast, a black-tie dress code is not up for debate: it means an elegant tuxedo and nothing else. You’ll sometimes hear reference to a dinner-suit - this means the same thing and generally calls for a tux in either black or a very inky midnight blue.
Formal
For events that require formal dress, we guide clients towards darker shades of suiting in either navy or charcoal. Contrasted with a crisp white shirt and a silk tie, this makes for an elegant ensemble that can be easily changed up with different accessories.
While generally we advise opting for block colours as this feels more evening appropriate and less at risk of being confused with business attire, there are subtle suit patterns that can be explored such as windowpane checks and stripes.
Black-tie
When it comes to tuxedos in Australia, our recommendation is to go for a true classic. Given how rarely this style of suit is worn, you ideally want something that you can wear for years to come and choosing a modern tuxedo style with a timeless cut will ensure you can do just that.
And speaking of contemporary style, when it comes to men’s black tie outfit ideas, we like to suggest that our clients go for a cut-away collar on their dinner shirts rather than a traditional peak collar. This feels slightly more modern and also avoids the risk of a dinner suit feeling overly stuffy.
To discover our full range of formal wear, we invite you to swing by your local showroom or to give us a bell today.