The classic, a black wool/mohair dinner suit with black silk facings. Some may opt for a midnight blue which is said to look blacker than black under artificial light but either will work. This is the go to for the majority of us when attending a black tie event. Simple, sophisticated and super elegant. We have cut ours here with peak lapels but a shawl lapel works equally well. Pair with a silk bow tie, white pocket square, dress shirt with black studs and a well polished pair of oxfords and you are all set.
Feeling more adventurous? Swap out the black jacket for an off white velvet number to turn a few more heads. We favour an off white over a pure white as it contrasts nicely with the shirt and is a tad more subtle (kind of). The same accessories apply and as you can see we have chosen a self fabric shawl lapel for this one. We feel contrast silk facings are overkill and this is a bold enough look without them. A brief word of advice, always check with the host of the event if this would be ok to wear. You don’t want to take all the limelight or attract too much attention.
 |
Want to stand out but feel the off white velvet is a little too bond villain? Opt for a deep and dark shade of velvet like burgundy, green, black or midnight blue. This one here is cut in an ashy emerald green by Loro Piana and is subtle enough whilst being different from the standard dinner suit. Again cut with a self fabric lapel as velvet stands out enough for us but for those who favour the contrast silk facings, go for it! Pair with a black wool/mohair trouser, all your other black tie accessories and you are good to go.
