A Guide to Men’s Dinner Suits and Tuxedos

When it comes to dressing for special occasions nothing beats the sophistication of a well-fitted dinner suit or tuxedo. The go-to choice for weddings, gala dinners and formal events this timeless style is versatile and guaranteed to have you looking dapper. But how do you style these classic pieces? Let's break it down and make it easier for you to look sharp. 

Finding the Perfect Fit

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to selecting the right suit is fit. A suit, no matter the occasion, should fit like a glove. Unless you are going down the costly tailor-made suit route you will more than likely find that you need to have your suit tailored, this is to ensure that the suit fits your body shape perfectly. A suit jacket should hug your shoulders but also allow for movement. The cuffs of a jacket should sit just above the wrist bone, just enough so the shirt cuff is barely visible. For the trousers, the length is the most important. The hem of the trousers should skim the top of the shoe and never bunch at the bottom.

Ultimately you want your suit to look like it's been tailor-made for you without spending thousands of pounds to actually buy a tailor-made suit! 

Choosing the Right Colour

While black is the classic choice for tuxedos and dinner suits don’t be afraid to try out some colour. Velvets in deep reds, classic navy and greens are perfect for adding a dash of colour and personality to a formal event and can set you apart from the crowd. When it comes to dinner suits, burgundies and greens are great choices for making a statement at autumn events. To pull off these colours, it's important to use traditional styling techniques typically associated with a tuxedo. Keep the shirt simple with a white option, and complete the look with polished shoes and classic accessories like a black bowtie. These choices will help you achieve a cohesive and stylish evening look.

Styling Your Dinner Suit or Tuxedo

Shirt Selection Matters

The shirt you choose plays a huge role in your overall look. More often than not a simple white shirt will be your go-to and will help to keep the look formal and traditional. If you are opting for a tuxedo then be sure to select a spread collar shirt to accommodate your bowtie. For dinner suits, you can be a little more playful, how playful will depend on the dress code. For semi-formal events, you can venture into more adventurous shirts that feature a print. Stripes are the most versatile option and often the most likely style hanging in your wardrobe. Alternatively, you can play with colour and opt for a soft pastel like pink or sky blue. The trick is to ensure the shirt compliments your suit and doesn’t overpower it. 

Accessorise Wisely

Accessories are what truly elevate your ensemble. A well-chosen tie or bow tie can pull your outfit together. When it comes to colour, you can either match or contrast with your suit – both options can be striking. Pocket squares are another fantastic way to add a pop of colour or pattern. Think of them as the cherry on top of your style sundae. Don’t forget about shoes; sleek leather shoes, preferably in black or dark shades, are a must.

Discover black tie style with Marc Darcy

Marc Darcy offers a variety of alternatives to pick from, whether you're preparing for a formal event or just want to add some elegance to your regular outfit. Our selection includes stylish tweed blazers as well as timeless blue and charcoal suits to fit any man's fashion sense. You can create a lasting impression and easily step up your fashion game with Marc Darcy. 

Explore the collections Tweed Suits, Black Tie Clothing, and Blazers.

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