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Image by Lisse Photography

With the increasing leniency of menswear dress codes, it can be easy to forget what they mean and where they originate from. It is high time to take a moment to learn about the history of these terms and how they translate to the modern day groom, groomsman and wedding guest style.

Cocktail – Where rules are made to be broken!

The most common dress code with most freedom. ‘Cocktail’ dates back to the 1920s, providing men the opportunity to slip into something a little less conservative and to express their personality. Fashion trends have come and gone, yet the spirit of the Cocktail dress code is still very much alive!

Do:
Express your flamboyant side. Try a velvet sports jacket with a cravat; or maybe you have a bold checked jacket which is a little too much for work, but perfect for a party. Mix and match your jacket and trouser. Try wearing a neck or bow tie that has a splash of colour. If extravagant shirts are your style, this is absolutely the time to rock one.

Don’t:
Wear a black tie or if avoidable, a black suit.

Lounge Suit – Keepin’ It Classy

You are required to dress conservatively. Lounge Suit dates back to the early 19th century when the common day wear was a frock or morning coat, and in the evening, white tie tails. The lounge suit became the new casual kid on the block and was initially worn at sporting events, or in the countryside. The lounge suit evolved into the modern business suit.

Do:
Wear a dark suit and a neck or bow tie. It is best to stick with navy or charcoal and you can wear fabrics with a subtle pattern or weave but nothing that stands out too much. Wear a solid white or blue shirt and make sure your tie is within the colour scheme of your suit. Express your personality with your tie and pocket square, but do so respectfully. Subtlety and classic styling is key here.

Don’t:
Wear Bright coloured ties and/or suits and bold patterns.

Left photo by Milina Opsenica Photography 

Black Tie – Dapper Delight
Black tie dress code is likely to be the most formal attire you will be asked to wear in your lifetime. It was traditionally always worn by gentlemen of the upper class after 6pm but today may be required of you for any number of occasions. There is a specific attire etiquette for black tie but you can also bend the rules to express your own distinct style.

Do:
Wear a black suit if you want to honour tradition. You may find modern variations in the jacket in off white, midnight blue or even Scottish tartans. If you were to opt for a more eccentric colour or pattern choice be prepared for eyes to turn in your direction.

The distinguishing factor all black tie jackets must adhere to are their silk lapels. You should accompany this with a white dinner shirt which will either have a wing tipped or a classic collar. The dinner shirt must be buttoned at the front using studs and joined by cufflinks. Wear a bow tie and match the colour and grain of your jacket’s lapel.

Braces are optional and should be black, although a well-tailored pair of trousers should hold themselves up! Black tie trousers should have a silk piping running down the outside seam although this is a rule which is often bent.

The correct shoes are black patent leather which may (these days) come in the form of loafers or lace ups. And yes, your socks should be black! You can accessorise with a white silk pocket square or even a black or white silk scarf.

Don’t:
Wear a necktie or a belt. (But then again, its 2019.. a black tie is ok, right?)

It is important to follow the rules of dress codes, but also good to know when you can and can’t break them. Bottom line, you must feel comfortable in whatever you wear and it must fit well. Confidence and personality is truly the best look!

About Oscar Hunt: From formal to casual, and everything in between, our fitters and consultants are highly experienced in assisting grooms to find their ideal look.  Whether it’s a classically-styled dinner suit for a traditionally-themed wedding, or a light-weight linen jacket and trouser for an overseas beach wedding, our wide range of fabrics and design options are sure to provide exactly what you are looking for.