Your Complete Guide To Black Tie Attire with Tuxedo Tips

Lorenzo Uomo Featured in The Manual

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It’s finally happened. For the first time, or the first time in a very long time, you’ve received an invitation with the words “Black Tie,” or “Formal Attire,” engraved into that creamy white paper. Whether it’s a wedding, a charity gala, or a political reception, this is the one time when what has become an almost universal casual dress code is thrown out the window, and all those Society (with a capital S) rules from the 19th-century kick in.

The host or hostess of a formal event has chosen to go this route because they want a very controlled, perfect event, so this is not the time to place yourself in the sartorial spotlight. We men actually get off pretty easy for formal events: Although we’re expected to be well-groomed, dressed appropriately, and on our best behavior, we don’t have to go to nearly the trouble that women do.

We’ve gathered all the tips you’ll need to pull off your formal wardrobe for the day: we’ll leave you to learn all the rest of the proper comportment and etiquette that a truly formal event requires.