The Style Files: Dress codes for men, open to interpretation?

Evening-wear remains a tricky subject for many men. From black tie, white tie, after six, loungewear, smart casual, cocktails, morning suit, dinner suit the list of rules is exhaustive. Dressing for evening events, for men, is a minefield. Womenswear more often than not is relatively open to interpretation while menswear is usually far stricter. The  dress code however is a very helpful thing in that not only does it set the tone of an event, but also prevents anyone from feeling a bit silly turning up to a black-tie do wearing jeans.

Thankfully, the days of absolutely regimented dress codes have eased and there’s room for manoeuvre. While it is respectful to adhere to an event’s guidelines, today rules can be tweaked and open to interpretation if not altogether completely broken. For the modern man now it’s about matching smarter pieces with casual garments.

The dinner shirt forms a core part of any evening outfit and can be surprisingly versatile. Whether it be a choice of colour or fit, or wearing it with a tie, bow tie or sometimes none at all. Though this more lackadaisical approach may seem to subvert the notion of “dressing  up”, it means  that you  can be  playful with the outfits you put together, while still observing dress codes.

For an event that doesn’t warrant head-to-toe evening-wear, a mismatched suit is a modern update. The same can be achieved when adhering to stricter codes. If the invitation says black tie, you should, at the very least, wear a well-pressed shirt and a black necktie of some description. But what you build around it is up to you – so long as it’s worn with confidence, flatters your body shape and generally fits the dress code.

In conclusion, keeping the dress code in mind, wear well-made clothes which fit you well. Avoid flashy ties and man jewelry at all costs, and you shouldn’t go too far wrong.