What to wear to a formal party: The Men’s Edition

Navigating formal party wear can sometimes be a tricky situation. Every social occasion — cocktail, traditional dinner, black-tie, or casual — demands a different attire. It’s not rocket science but requires an eye for style and comfort.

Men’s fashion has always been a tougher cookie to crack than women’s because you’ve to work with the standard limited combination of blazer/ coat, shirt/ t-shirt, pants/trousers/chinos, shoes and accessories. However, the truth is that these fixed combinations are timeless and can be styled in widely different varieties. It will still allow you to make heads turn!

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The modern lounge suit was created by Beau Brummell in the late 19th century, but the simpler sartorial standard of dress can be traced back to the English king Charles II in the 17th century. Today, a beautifully tailored, accessorized, and styled suit is still the peak of menswear but men’s formal wear fashion is not limited to just that.

We’ve combined various dashing combinations of men’s formal part wear. Be it a formal work dinner, a profit/ success party, or even a formal personal event like a wedding, we’ve got you covered.

Black Shirt + Black Printed Tie+ Black Trousers + Formal Shoes

Monochrome fashion is always rad! In 2022, even runways reinstated monochromatic outfits as high fashion attire. Monochromes were at their peak in the 1960s, but today more than six decades later, the use of monochrome is still in style.

This first outfit we’ve combined for you is an all-black monochrome. It consists of a Black printed tie from Antony Morato, Sleek black trousers from Lindbergh, and formal shoes from Buggati.

Denim Shirt + Denim Jeans + White Sneakers

The term “denim” is derived from the fabric “serge de Nimes,” produced in Nimes, a city in southern France. It has been dyed blue with indigo since the late 1960s to make blue “jeans” as we know them today. It’s hard to believe that jeans were not a wardrobe staple merely sixty ago!

Jeans continue to be a favourite for various reasons. The primary reason is that they’re so comfortable and versatile. Moreover, there are so many types of denim wear to choose from that you’ll never run out of ideas! From slim-fit jeans to flared jeans, the styles are endless.

Pairing a denim shirt from Matinique with denim jeans from Lindbergh to create a denim monochrome is a no-brainer. Adding sleek sneakers from Bugatti gives it just the right amount of party pomp!

Plaid Shirt + Black Denim Jeans + Boots

Checks and plaid are a staple in most wardrobes. However, we don’t realise its partywear potential. Various plaids and checks can be styled according to the demands of the occasions. Although they are both stacked and square, there are some fundamental differences.

There are regular plaids, for example, where the vertical stripe patterns do not have to match the horizontal stripe patterns. They come in various bandwidths, repeats, and colours, while Tartan plaids have identical stripe patterns. Checks, however, are always symmetrical, with crossed horizontal and vertical lines forming equal-sized tiles. Plaids have a cross-hatched appearance, whereas checks have a miniature box appearance.

“Gingham” is one of the most widely available check designs. It is typically made up of symmetrical vertical and horizontal stripes of the same colour on a white background. Pairing this Gingham shirt from Antony Morato with black denim jeans from Lindbergh will create an iconic formal party loo. Adding a Bugatti boot will give a whole look just enough resplendency!

Printed Shirt + Blazer + Chinos + Formal Shoes

Floral patterns are suitable for several sartorial situations where there is a demand for the style and elegance of tailored clothing. For your next formal dinner, try styling a floral shirt and blue blazer with a pair of chinos, all from Lindbergh. Complete the look with a smart Bugatti cognac formal shoe.

Polo T-shirt + Blue Denim Jeans + Slip Ons

The classic polo t-shirt is suave and sleek and a menswear essential that cannot be overlooked! It originated from polo (hence the name) and tennis courts, eventually evolving into an everyday favourite. Polo T-shirts fall at the intersection between casual and formal wear.

There are many exciting and engaging ways for men to style and wear a polo neck t-shirt. The easiest way to achieve the formal party look is to pair a white polo t-shirt from Matinique with classic blue denim jeans from True Religion and a nonchalant slip-on from Bugatti.

Brown Blazer + Plain T-shirt + Black Denim Jeans + White Sneakers

The “blazer” originated in Cambridge in the 1800s. The rowing club of St. John’s College in Cambridge had jackets made from bright (or blazing) red colour cloth, which is how it got its name — the blazer. They have, over the years, been embraced by men and women alike.

Layering a roasted walnut-coloured blazer from Gant over a henley t-shirt from Lindbergh is a wise choice for important formal parties. Pairing it with cognac or black formal shoes will complete the look!

Plain T-shirt + Black Denim Jeans + Red Sneakers

Plain round neck tees are versatile, comfortable and easy to style, and ideal for layering in the colder months. The most accessible and popular no-sweat combination is a plain tee and denim jeans.

You can pair a solid black tee from Matinique with black jeans from Antony Morato to create the casual-chic monochrome that is appealing for formal events as well. Add a formal cognac shoe from Bugatti to add a bit of sophistication.

Conclusion

Today, you have access to blazers, coats, shirts, t-shirts, pants, trousers, chinos, shoes and accessories, all of which can be styled to suit any occasion. Men’s clothes from luxury brands like Gant, Antony Morato, True Religion, Lindbergh, Matinique, Bugatti and Tommy Hilfiger are available to shop online on Iconic India’s website. Hurry up, and amp up your formal wear game!