Men's Formal Fashion Guide: How to Build the Perfect Formal Fit
For as much as men’s formal fashion has evolved over the decades, much has remained the same. In this men’s fashion guide from JCPenney, we’re going to decode the essentials of men’s formal wear and outline the guideline you can (and can’t) break when it comes to men’s fashion. Whether you’re attending a high-profile event or an intimate evening dinner, we’re here to help you look and feel your best while staying on trend.
What is Formal Attire for Men?
Men’s formal wear is all about sophistication and refinement.
If you’re planning to attend a wedding or a fancy event, chances are you’ll need to dress formally – and that’s where a suit and tie typically come into play. But really, there are three main dress styles to keep in mind – formal, semi-formal, and party attire.
Let’s dive into each and give some examples of what you should be wearing for different occasions.
Men’s Formal Dress Clothes
The ultimate standard in men’s formal wear is Black Tie Attire. This usually means donning a tuxedo or black suit with a crisp white button-up shirt, black shoes, and a black tie. These ensembles are typically reserved for the most formal events, such as evening galas and exceptionally fancy weddings. However, as fashion trends continue to evolve, so do the rules for formal attire.
Naturally, you need to check the formal dress code for any event you plan to attend, but many occasions are now considered to be “black tie optional,” which gives men many more options to express their creativity when it comes to formal wear. So, if you don’t have to wear a black suit or a tux, try throwing some color into the mix.
When it comes to formal dress, darker colors are always recommended for your suit – but instead of black, try a dark blue or dark gray suit. You might even consider a patterned plaid suit jacket or a textured herringbone blazer (just don’t go overboard). A white shirt would still be recommended for more formal occasions, but you can add a splash of color via your tie or dress shoes to elevate and modernize your outfit.
Men’s Semi-Formal Dress Clothes
Semi-formal is where your options really start to open up with men’s formal fashion. Instead of wearing a dark suit with matching pants and jacket, you can start experimenting with mismatched (but complementing) suit separates and blazers. Your jacket can also be a lighter color, like tan or light grey, or you can choose a brighter blue or deeper red or green color blazer. Again, your pants don’t have to match, but make sure you wear a nice pair of slacks or dress pants that don’t clash with the color of your jacket of choice.
When picking out your shirt, you also have more options with semi-formal dress codes. Button-up shirts are still going to be your best choice here, but you can choose different colors and patterns to match your more colorful blazer, rather than sticking with a simple white shirt. Ties are still recommended, but not always mandatory, and you have more options to work with here, too – such as going with a knitted tie instead of a traditional silk or satin tie. If you don’t go with a tie, though, try a buttonless, crew neck shirt for a more modern look.
A semi-formal outfit also means you can relax a little with your footwear. Instead of a more formal pair of leather Oxfords or traditional dress shoes. Alternatively, you can wear a pair of chukka boots or Chelsea boots to keep your fit clean without being too dressed up.
Men’s Party Dress Clothes
If you want to party in style, it’s still important to dress up, but the rules are up to you.
You could pick a bright and colorful suit jacket with an unstructured shirt underneath, or a floral pattern blazer with an unbuttoned jersey shirt. Inversely, you could go with a bright floral shirt with a solid color blazer.
The pants also don’t have to match, and you don’t have to go with dress pants or slacks. A nice pair of chinos or even jeans could fit the bill. Round out the look with some boots or a fresh pair of sneakers and you’ll be ready to party in style.
The Finishing Touches
Accessories can enhance a formal outfit, but moderation is crucial. Avoid overloading your look with too many extras, but don’t be afraid to add some of these key accessories to elevate your formal wear:
Dress Shoes
These add sophistication to your sleeves and complement a jacket, but make sure your sleeve length is correct to avoid an awkward appearance.
Tie or Bow Tie
Ties are essential for formal attire – especially bow ties for black tie dress codes – adding a polished and sophisticated finish to your suit or tuxedo.
Pocket Square
This can add a touch of color and elegance to more formal outfits, especially when they match your tie.
Belts or Suspenders
A nice belt can quite literally pull an outfit together, but suspenders can be a great alternative for semi-formal or party outfits.
