Dress the Part
Know what to wear before you walk in.

What to wear, event by event

A complete outfit and practical tips for the events men most often ask about. For the wording on your invite, see the dress code guides.

Weddings

  • Fall wedding

    For most fall weddings, men should wear a suit in navy, charcoal, brown or a deep color like burgundy or forest green, with a tie and leather shoes. Follow the invite’s dress code first; fall simply calls for darker colors and heavier fabrics.

  • Summer wedding

    For a summer wedding, men should wear a lightweight suit in a lighter color, like light grey, light blue or tan, with a dress shirt, a tie unless the dress code is relaxed, and loafers or brown dress shoes.

  • Winter wedding

    For a winter wedding, men should wear a dark suit in navy, charcoal or black, in a heavier fabric like flannel, with a tie, leather dress shoes and a dark overcoat. If the invite says black tie, a velvet dinner jacket is a great winter option.

  • Spring wedding

    For a spring wedding, men should wear a mid-weight suit in a lighter or mid tone, like light grey, light blue, tan or navy, with a dress shirt, a tie for cocktail attire and above, and brown or tan leather shoes.

  • Beach wedding

    For a beach wedding, men should wear a light suit or separates in linen or cotton, in colors like cream, sand, light grey or light blue, with loafers and no-show socks. Whether to wear a tie depends on the dress code; beach formal usually makes it optional.

  • Barn or rustic wedding

    For a barn or rustic wedding, men should wear a suit or sport coat in a textured fabric like tweed, flannel or hopsack, with chinos or wool trousers, a collared shirt and brown boots or suede shoes. A tie is optional unless the invite says otherwise.

  • Vineyard or garden wedding

    For a vineyard or garden wedding, men should wear a suit or sport coat in a lighter or earthy tone, like tan, light grey, blue or olive, with a tie for cocktail attire and suede or rubber-soled shoes that can handle grass and gravel.

  • Rehearsal dinner

    For a rehearsal dinner, men should dress one step below the wedding itself. For most weddings, that means a sport coat or suit without a tie, a collared shirt, trousers or chinos, and leather shoes.

  • Engagement party

    For an engagement party, men should usually wear smart casual to semi-formal: a sport coat or suit with an open collar, dress trousers or chinos, and leather shoes. If the invite names a dress code, follow it.

Parties and galas

  • Cocktail party

    For a cocktail party, men should wear a tailored suit or a sport coat with dress trousers, a dress shirt and leather shoes. A tie suits dressier or evening parties, and a cocktail party is a good place for a little personality.

  • Holiday party

    For a holiday party, men should dress a notch above everyday: a suit or blazer with dark trousers and a dress shirt, plus one festive touch, like a velvet jacket, a burgundy or green tie, or a patterned pocket square.

  • Work holiday party

    For a work holiday party, men should dress one step above their usual office outfit: a blazer or suit with dress trousers and a collared shirt, with at most one subtle festive touch. When in doubt, match what senior leaders usually wear.

  • Gala or benefit

    For a gala, men should usually wear a tuxedo, since most galas are black tie or black tie optional. If the invite says cocktail or doesn’t specify, a dark suit and tie is the minimum.

Everyday events

  • Graduation

    For a graduation as a guest, men should wear smart casual: a collared shirt with chinos or dress trousers and leather shoes, plus a blazer to look sharp in photos. Graduates often wear a light suit or a shirt and trousers under the gown.

  • First date

    For a first date, men should wear smart casual that fits the place: a well-fitted shirt or fine knit, dark jeans or chinos, and clean leather shoes or minimal sneakers, with a jacket for a nicer restaurant.

  • Job interview

    For a job interview, men should wear a navy or charcoal suit, a white or light blue shirt, a simple tie and polished leather shoes, unless you know the company dresses casually. Then dress one step above what the team wears day to day.

  • Funeral

    For a funeral, men should wear a dark suit in black, charcoal or navy, a white or pale shirt, a dark plain tie and polished black shoes. If you don’t own a dark suit, a dark blazer with dark trousers is fine.

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