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The Black Tux
theblacktux.com › blogs › guides › the-complete-guide-to-formal-attire-for-men-what-to-wear-and-when
The Complete Guide to Formal Attire for Men: What to Wear and When | The Black Tux Blog
While less rigid than black tie, business formal still demands attention to detail and proper fit to create a polished, professional appearance. Cocktail attire bridges the gap between ultra-formal and business wear, offering more room for personal style while maintaining sophistication.
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Generation Tux
generationtux.com › blog › style-guides › mens-formal-attire
The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Formal Attire | Generation Tux
November 27, 2023 - But what does men’s formal wear entail? Well, if an event or wedding dress code requests formal wear, that typically means that male guests are expected to wear a suit, at the very least.
Discussions

First 'Real' Job - Formal Wear Help! Building an Entire Wardrobe
I don’t work in such an environment, but… I would own at least 3 suits…navy and charcoal is where I’d start and if I repeated colors it would very likely be in a different shade and after I’ve exhausted the different colors I like. This isn’t just for variety, but they should rest between wears. Also, I consistently see advice to buy two trousers per suit because they wear out faster than the jacket. I would consider whether or not I could get away with trousers and a sports coat to mix it up. I would absolutely get white and light blue shirts at a bare minimum. I’d maybe get a white and blue in a subtle pattern/check. I’d consider getting other softer neutral colors too. Id consider how many days I could get away with not wearing a shirt…maybe a crew neck jumper would be in the mix…but I’d get enough shirts so I don’t absolutely have to get laundry done every weekend. So maybe 10 or so would be my minimum. I really dislike the tech/tech bro/tech oligarchy/technofeudalism connotations I have with quarter zips so I’d consider that too. Unless forced to, and maybe you are, I would really resist buying everything at once in order to minimize the cost/effort of the mistakes I’m certain to make and to get a better feel for what they’re wearing day to day in the office. I’d also get at least three pairs of shoes starting with an oxford, derby, and maybe a loafer if you can get away with it. You need to let them rest between wears. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/malefashionadvice
6
5
March 9, 2025
ELI5: Why has the style of male formal attire remained relatively unchanged for the past 150 years, while casual clothes have changed dramatically?

Male formal attire has definitely changed, I'm bit an expert but I know that our formal wear has gotten a bit less complicated than it used to be. Do a Google search, you can probably find a lot on the history of men's formalwear

More on reddit.com
🌐 r/explainlikeimfive
28
42
January 5, 2015
Gentlemen, any suggestions for good formal outfits
Get button down shirts from Marks and Spencers and trousers from Park avenue. Prefer contrast colours in combination, a light shirt goes well with dark trousers. Always have your shirt stiff collar and trousers don't get tapered always straight classic for formal. A brown goodyear welted oxford shoes along with matching brown belt. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/mensfashion
2
1
May 29, 2025
What does “formal” imply for a wedding?
“Formal” dress code is commonly misused in modern wedding invitations. It should mean black tie tuxedo but it most likely just means suit and tie. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/mensfashion
62
11
August 26, 2024
People also ask

When should I rent vs. buy formal attire?
Consider renting when you rarely attend formal events, need formal wear for a one-time occasion, are part of a wedding party requiring exact matching attire, or want to experiment with styles before investing. Purchasing makes sense if you regularly attend formal events, as building a personal collection offers both financial and practical advantages long-term.
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theblacktux.com
theblacktux.com › blogs › guides › the-complete-guide-to-formal-attire-for-men-what-to-wear-and-when
The Complete Guide to Formal Attire for Men: What to Wear and When ...
What should I wear to a black tie optional event?
For black tie optional events, you can wear either a traditional tuxedo or a dark formal suit (preferably black, charcoal, or navy) with a white dress shirt, conservative tie or bow tie, formal leather dress shoes, and elegant accessories. When in doubt, it's better to err on the more formal side.
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theblacktux.com
theblacktux.com › blogs › guides › the-complete-guide-to-formal-attire-for-men-what-to-wear-and-when
The Complete Guide to Formal Attire for Men: What to Wear and When ...
What's the difference between black tie and white tie?
White tie is the most formal dress code featuring a black tailcoat with matching pants, white wing-collar shirt with piqué bib front, white vest, and white bow tie. Black tie is one step down in formality, consisting of a black tuxedo with satin lapels, formal white shirt, black bow tie, and formal footwear.
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theblacktux.com
theblacktux.com › blogs › guides › the-complete-guide-to-formal-attire-for-men-what-to-wear-and-when
The Complete Guide to Formal Attire for Men: What to Wear and When ...
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Menswearhouse
menswearhouse.com › o › formal-dress-clothes
Formal Dress Clothes | Men's Wearhouse
Essential pieces of mens formal attire typically include a well-tailored suit or tuxedo, a crisp dress shirt, a coordinating tie or bow tie, dress shoes, and appropriate accessories such as cufflinks, a belt, and a pocket square.
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Gentleman's Guru
gentlemansguru.com › formal wear
Men's Formal Wear | Gentleman's Guru
Up your wardrobe to the next level with our fine selection of men’s formal wear. Whether you’re looking for classic tuxedos, fancy-schmancy suits, or just a colorful vest set to add a pop of color to your outfit. our selection of formal and semi-formal wear gives you a wide selection of colors, prints, and fabrics to choose from.
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Eton
etonshirts.com › home › styleguide
What is formal dress code for men? - Eton Shirts
April 3, 2024 - Men’s formal attire typically includes a dark suit, dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. It can also include a blazer or sport coat with dress trousers, and if you want to honor tradition, reserve the creative flourishes for the accessories.
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SuitSupply
suitsupply.com › en-us › journal › formal-wedding-attire-for-men.html
Formal Wedding Attire for Men | Wedding Guide | SUITSUPPLY | SUITSUPPLY
Remember that bow ties should only be reserved for black-tie attire. Add a hint of relaxed appeal by opting for a knitted tie rather than the traditional woven style. Cufflinks are an essential for French cuffs. Go for a classic like sterling silver studs, or add a little personality with something more novel. Suspenders in a tonal shade, like a dark brown, navy are a nice touch—when it comes to a formal dress code, never wear a belt!
Find elsewhere
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Pinterest
pinterest.com › elvis890714 › formal-style
100 Formal style ideas | mens outfits, mens fashion, style
Overcoat Men Outfit Formal · Blue Suit Black Overcoat · Men's Blue Coat Style · Blue Coat Mens Outfit · Blue Overcoat Men Outfit · Dark Blue Coat Outfit Men · Navy Overcoat Men Outfit · Navy Overcoat Men · Beanie Suit · Mens Winter Coat Over Suit · Black And Gray Men's Fashion · Black Suit With Beanie · Suit And Gloves Outfit Men · Military Style Suit Jacket · Beanie With A Suit · Masculine Winter Business Outerwear · Beanie With Suit Men · Male Prom Poses ·
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Twillory
twillory.com › blogs › blog › what-is-semi-formal-attire-for-men
What Is Semi-Formal Attire For Men? – Twillory
February 10, 2025 - It emphasizes elegance and comfort, with clothing that’s appropriate for weddings, cocktail parties, or upscale dinners. Men should wear a suit or dress slacks with a dress shirt and it most often includes a tie.
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Bruno Marc
brunomarc.com › blogs › news › best-formal-outfits-for-men
14 Best Formal Outfits for Men For A Stylish Look
If you are looking for a sophisticated formal outfit to wear at formal events, adding a suit with black dress pants and brown derby shoes is perfect choice. This look is one of the best options for busy professionals who want a flexible and comfortable option to rock in their attire.
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Articles of Style
articlesofstyle.com › blogs › news › mens-formal-attire-guide
Articles of Style | Men's Formal Attire Guide: How to Dress for Black Tie Events
There are two basic types of formal shirt: hidden placket (where the buttons are covered by a layer of fabric) and studded front (where the buttons are replaced by metal shirt studs).
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JoS. A. Bank
josbank.com › c › suits
Access Denied
Reference #18.3c14dfad.1768434573.5627b567 · https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.3c14dfad.1768434573.5627b567
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State and Liberty
stateandliberty.com › home › state and liberty clothing company blog › state and liberty clothing company blog
Semi-Formal Men’s Attire - Dress Code Guide
2 weeks ago - Semi-formal means to dress in a sophisticated manner while showing personal touches in the ensemble. This dress code is very common for weddings or evening events that are not black tie. It can easily be confused with formal attire but formal attire is more traditional as it requires either a black suit or tuxedo.
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StudioSuits
studiosuits.com › blogs › articles › guide-to-semi-formal-mens-attire
Guide to Semi-Formal Men's Attire – StudioSuits
August 4, 2023 - The key aspect to understand about the question 'What is semi-formal attire?' is its level of formality. Semi formal dress attire falls between the realms of formal men's wear, which is marked by higher formality, and casual attire, which leans towards relaxation.
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Paulsimonco
paulsimonco.com › blog › understanding-mens-dress-codes-for-events
Understanding Men’s Dress Codes For Events | Paul Simon Charlotte
Black-tie attire is reserved for evening occasions and seen at weddings, galas, or dinner parties. A black tuxedo is often preferred when preparing for a men’s black tie dress code. Men should pair their tuxedo with a black bow tie, white formal shirt, black cummerbund, and black leather shoes.
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Happy Gentleman
happygentleman.com › home › 3 piece suits for men › formal wear
Men's Formal Wear | Buy Online at Happy Gentleman
Shop the latest formal wear for men in the US at Happy Gentleman. Browse our collection of 3 piece suits, jackets, waistcoats, and overcoats. Enjoy free delivery and easy exchanges.
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Kohl's
kohls.com › catalog › mens-dress-clothing.jsp
Dress Clothes for Men: Timeless Style for Any Formal Occasion | Kohl's
Gone are the days of stuffed collars, heavy starch on your dress shirts and struggling to find comfort within your dresser. Now, it’s easy to be comfortable in flexible, breathable dress clothing for men designed specifically for looking and feeling good for formal events.
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Pinterest
pinterest.com › explore › men's fashion › men's formal wear › formal professional attire › formal attire for men
Formal Attire for Men
Formal Suits White Transparent, Formal Suit Black And White, Formal Suit, Stylish Suit Png PNG Image For Free Download
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Quora
quora.com › What-is-the-appropriate-attire-for-men-at-semi-formal-events-in-the-spring-summer-such-as-weddings-or-dinner-parties
What is the appropriate attire for men at semi-formal events in the spring/summer, such as weddings or dinner parties? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): Genetally I have found that the dress code comes from the people hasting the party. If you are not totally sure, ask. I have found even now weddings tend to be smart, men in suits women in pretty dresses or suits. Weather always will have its inpug. Parties smart casual for both ...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/malefashionadvice › first 'real' job - formal wear help! building an entire wardrobe
r/malefashionadvice on Reddit: First 'Real' Job - Formal Wear Help! Building an Entire Wardrobe
March 9, 2025 -

So I've just accepted my first graduate job - that starts this summer - in a corporate role.

It seems to have a dress code in between business casual and formal.

I currently only own 1 navy 3 piece suit, 1 dress shirt, and 1 pair of plain black oxfords.

I need to build an entire wardrobe - for working in-person 5 days per week - and I really have no idea where to start.

The least formal I can get away with is shirt, tie, and 1/4 zip. Typically I will wear suit trousers, suit jacket, shirt with top button undone - to give you an idea of what the environment is like.

How many suits / shirts will I need for this? Should I get different colour suits (charcoal?) or stick to Navy? Should I get some light blue shirts also? How many shirts will I need to wear if working 5 days per week? How often will I have to dry clean jackets / pants? Any 1/4 zip and tie inspiration?

Curious if there is a guide similar to this for a more formal environment?

Should I buy lots before I start or wait until starting to get more of an idea of what co-workers are wearing?

Thanks :)

Top answer
1 of 3
9
I don’t work in such an environment, but… I would own at least 3 suits…navy and charcoal is where I’d start and if I repeated colors it would very likely be in a different shade and after I’ve exhausted the different colors I like. This isn’t just for variety, but they should rest between wears. Also, I consistently see advice to buy two trousers per suit because they wear out faster than the jacket. I would consider whether or not I could get away with trousers and a sports coat to mix it up. I would absolutely get white and light blue shirts at a bare minimum. I’d maybe get a white and blue in a subtle pattern/check. I’d consider getting other softer neutral colors too. Id consider how many days I could get away with not wearing a shirt…maybe a crew neck jumper would be in the mix…but I’d get enough shirts so I don’t absolutely have to get laundry done every weekend. So maybe 10 or so would be my minimum. I really dislike the tech/tech bro/tech oligarchy/technofeudalism connotations I have with quarter zips so I’d consider that too. Unless forced to, and maybe you are, I would really resist buying everything at once in order to minimize the cost/effort of the mistakes I’m certain to make and to get a better feel for what they’re wearing day to day in the office. I’d also get at least three pairs of shoes starting with an oxford, derby, and maybe a loafer if you can get away with it. You need to let them rest between wears.
2 of 3
6
I'll see if I can help, as someone who works a corporate job, wears suits to the office 4-5 days per week, and was in your position not too many years ago. You're starting out in a grad role, so you'll be ok just to have the one suit to start with - definitely get some more shirts (white, pale blue, pale pink if you like it) and some ties (solid colours, stripes and simple patterns in dark, versatile colours like blue, burgundy, purple etc.). Get as many ties as you can - charity shops often have great deals on wonderful vintage silk ties. Aim to have at least five work shirts to start with, so you can wash and iron them at the weekend - you can add more over time, gradually adding variety as you get the feel for your office and how people dress. Charles Tyrwhitt multi-buy deals are great for adding multiple shirts at a time. Definitely buy a second pair of black Oxfords, and alternate days so each pair has time to breathe and rest between wears. You can add more in future, but two will sort you for now. Once you've settled in, saved a bit of money, and taken the tone of the office, you can add your next suit. Simon Crompton's guide to the ideal 'first five' suits is a great way to plan how you will slowly build your wardrobe over time. Do not rush; it's an expensive way to find out what doesn't work. I would suggest adding a charcoal suit and a mid grey suit to start with; rotate so that you never wear the same suit two days in a row. Keep them plain and simple - notch lapels, flap pockets, nothing flashy or 'out there.' Get some socks to match your suits - cotton or bamboo for the summer, merino or cashmere for the winter. Brush your suits, polish your shoes, and iron your shirts. Non-iron shirts can be helpful, but you will likely still need to give them a light pressing. Hang your suit jackets on hangers with shoulder padding, and your trousers upside down from proper trouser hangers. Get unvarnished cedar shoe trees to help your shoes keep their shape, and to absorb moisture - put the trees in the moment you take the shoes off, and don't take them out until you put the shoes on. Look after your clothes, and they will last a long time. Finally, I and say this as a massive proponent of the three-piece suit and someone who now wears one to the office every day several years into a career in finance, leave the waistcoat at home for now. It will give the wrong impression as a grad, and wearing a standard two-piece to start with will give you time to get to know people, and for them to get to know you. After you've put in the hours and established your reputation, you will have earned the right to a bit more personal style and flair.