A Guide To Dressing For The Party Season

Knowing which style of suit to choose for every occasion can be a hard task. To help you, we have put together this guide, so you can look stylish and stand out at any event.

A suit can either make or break the way you look and feel at an event and with party season in full swing, looking great is a must! A well-fitting, tailored suit is an investment piece that will stand the test of time and can be mixed and matched for multiple looks. Deciding what suit to wear for any event can be stressful, whether it be for your work’s Christmas do or a big night out with the lads. The key to choosing the perfect suit is knowing how to stand out from the crowd, while following the correct dress code. To help, we have put together this simple guide, so you can win the best dressed award at your next big event!

Black Tie

When the dress code calls for formal black tie, nothing but a dinner suit will do. Also known as a tuxedo or DJ, a dinner suit was traditionally a two piece black suit with a peak satin lapel and satin covered buttons, typically paired with a white dress shirt, cummerband, and black bow tie. However, we now find that men are becoming more adventurous when it comes to dressing for black tie events, experimenting with various textures and colours; a plush velvet jacket in bottle green, midnight blue or burgundy with contrasting black pants is a winner! For a more sophisticated look, try adding a waistcoat, which is our modern take on the traditional cummerband. A low-cut V or U shaped waistcoat elevates your look while still showing a sneak peek of your shirt. Fancy jacquard cloths, which feature a raised pattern that is woven instead of printed are also becoming an increasingly popular choice for dinner jackets and are a great for making the ultimate statement.

Drinks Party

More relaxed than a black tie event, drinks parties call for a semi-formal style of dress that allows for more flexibility. The classic is a two-piece suit worn with a shirt and tie, however, open neck shirts and roll necks are acceptable. In fact, they are now becoming the norm for most events. When wearing an open neck shirt, you have two options; tonal, so that it matches your jacket or patterned, so that it completely contrasts. When it comes to the jacket, there are no rules, so be brave and get creative by experimenting with different textures and patterns. Bold checks and window pane patterns are big trends 2018 and will take you from season to season.

A waistcoat is not an essential, however, you can add a contrast of colour or pattern if you do choose to wear one. To complete your look, add a patterned silk pocket square for a dapper finish. Don’t forget your choice of shoes, which can really help to compliment your outfit – consider oxfords or brogues for a formal look and loafers for more of a casual vibe.

As you now know, different events and occasions call for different types of suits, which is one of the many reasons why shopping for a new suit can be a particularly tricky task. With this guide, however, we hope you find the process much more enjoyable – and rewarding! If the thought of going on the hunt for a new suit to buy for your upcoming event is enough to send you into a spin, we’re here to help. We have a wide range of suits to buy or hire, and, with an expert team on hand to assist with any measurement or fitting worries you may have, have everything we need to take away your stress. So, if you need our help, simply book an appointment with us by calling 01625 536 545