The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Formal Wear: What to Wear to Weddings, Galas, and More

Henry Bucks June 10, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Formal Wear: What to Wear to Weddings, Galas, and More - Henry Bucks

Key Takeaways:  

  • Understanding dress codes ensures you’re always prepared for every event.  

  • Black tie dress code is the pinnacle of evening formal wear and demands a tuxedo. 

  • Learn how to tailor your suit or tuxedo to the venue and formality of a wedding. 

  • Focus on impeccable fit, luxury fabrics, and visit Henry Bucks to find your perfect statement piece. 

 

Calendar filling up with formal invitations? Whether it's a mate's wedding, an important work gala, or a fancy fundraising dinner, knowing exactly what to wear can feel like another challenge in an already busy schedule.  

No one wants to feel underdressed or unsure, especially when the goal is to make an impression and enjoy the night with confidence. 

That's why we created this simple guide to dress codes. At Henry Bucks, we've helped generations of men master their formal wardrobe, blending timeless styling with modern sophistication.  

We’ll demystify black tie and cocktail dress codes, ensuring you have the styling know-how and essential pieces to step out in style. Consider this your straightforward roadmap to upgrade your attire and look impeccable this season.  

Understanding Formal Dress Codes for Men 

The invitation says, “formal wear”, but what does that actually mean? Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most common men's formal wear dress codes, ensuring you're always perfectly prepared for the occasion: 

  • Black Tie Dress Code: This is the pinnacle of evening formality, demanding a tuxedo (black or midnight blue) with a white dress shirt, black bow tie, and patent leather shoes. 

  • Black Tie Optional: Here, you have a degree of flexibility. Optional black tie dress code allows for either a tuxedo or a sharp dark suit with a tie and formal dress shoes. 

  • White Tie: The most rigorous and rarely seen dress code. It demands a black tailcoat, white bow tie, white formal dress shirt, and specific accessories. 

  • Cocktail Dress Code: A versatile and popular dress code perfect for social gatherings. It usually calls for a dark suit, dress shirt, tie, and polished dress shoes, allowing for a touch of personal flair. 

  • Semi-Formal Attire: A semi-formal dress code offers the most flexibility, allowing for a suit (dark or lighter depending on the event) or even sophisticated sports jackets and trousers with appropriate footwear. 

What to Wear to Weddings 

A wedding invite just landed, and you find yourself wondering, "What exactly should I wear?" Here's our take on how to look your best at every ceremony: 

  • Traditional Weddings: Choose a sleek tuxedo for evening sophistication, a sharp suit for daytime wear, and always ensure a flawless fit and well-chosen accessories. 

  • Seasonal Weddings: Match your suit fabrics and colours to the time of year. Think breezy linens for summer, or rich wools and velvets for a refined winter celebration. 

  • Destination Weddings: Heading somewhere sunny? Lightweight suits in linen or breathable cotton are ideal. You could also opt for a tailored jacket with well-fitting, non-matching trousers – perfect for tropical or beach settings. 

  • Wedding Reception Attire: The dress code can shift after the vows. Figure out if it's still formal or if you can ease into smart-casual by, say, removing your jacket. 

No one wants to be 'that guy' who clearly missed the memo. Henry Bucks ensures you always hit the mark. Browse our collection online or visit us in-store for expert guidance and the perfect fit, tailored to you. 

What to Wear to Galas 

For galas and high-profile evening events, the tuxedo remains the statement look of choice. This season, consider rich velvet tuxedos in deep emerald, burgundy, or navy for a regal vibe. Choosing subtle patterned fabrics like jacquards, and small touches like pocket squares or cufflinks, can add a little personality while remaining formal.  

When it comes to footwear, high-shine Oxford shoes in black patent leather remain the timeless gold standard for the most formal galas. However, sleek patent leather loafers offer a modern, comfortable alternative for any tuxedo, while luxurious velvet slippers are perfect for making a fashion-forward statement. Always complete the look with long, fine black socks for a seamless finish. 

Dressing for Corporate and Fundraising Events 

For corporate galas and formal work functions, we’d say a meticulously tailored suit and sharp tie are essential to projecting confidence and charisma. At charity events or auctions, strike a balance between professionalism and elegance, perhaps with a subtly patterned suit or a rich jewel tone. For networking events, choose a suit that offers both impeccable style and comfort, allowing you to stand out while staying professional. 

Choosing the Right Suit for the Occasion 

Selecting the perfect suit goes beyond just appearance. It's about making a considered choice that enhances your confidence. Here are six key tips to ensure your next suit is impeccable: 

  1. Prioritise Perfect Fit: Fit is paramount, as a well-fitted suit or custom tailoring truly transforms your look. 

  1. Choose the Right Colour: Beyond classic navy and charcoal, consider rich jewel tones for bold statements or lighter pastels for spring/summer events. 

  1. Select the Right Fabric: Invest in luxury fabrics like superfine wools for comfort and longevity. Experiment with textures (think pinstripes or velvets) for depth. 

  1. Decide on Suit Style: Choose between the versatile single-breasted suit for most occasions or a commanding double-breasted jacket for formal impact. 

  1. Coordinate Accessories: Your shirt, tie, and shoes are crucial. Match them to your suit and the occasion, and consider monochrome for a sleek, modern look. 

  1. Consider Venue and Season: For warm weather, choose breathable fabrics like linen. For cooler seasons, heavier wool blends or velvet provide warmth and style. 

Essential Accessories for Formal Occasions 

While the suit is the foundation, it's the right accessories that truly complete your formal look and add that touch of personality. Don't overlook these essential details: 

  • The Perfect Tie: Particularly for black tie dress code, select a tie or bow tie that perfectly complements your suit and the dress code. 

  • Dress Shirts: Choose a crisp, well-fitting dress shirt in a high-quality fabric to perfectly frame your suit. 

  • Shoes: Consider footwear like polished Oxford shoes, sleek patent leather loafers, or luxurious velvet slippers to match your ensemble. 

  • Pocket Squares and Cufflinks: These small but powerful details allow you to add subtle individuality and polish, transforming a basic suit into a statement. 

  • Hats: For that final touch of sophistication, the right hat can elevate your formal look. Consider visiting City Hatters in Melbourne for a curated selection. 

Men’s Formal Wear Style Starts at Henry Bucks 

You're now set to walk into any formal event, perfectly dressed, with every detail impeccable. We always suggest to our clients that they think of a suit as an investment piece that fits flawlessly, crafted from quality materials that last a lifetime. That’s the power of mastering cocktail dress code – a flawless suit tailored to project your personal style. 

Ready to experience this transformation firsthand? We invite you to visit Henry Bucks or explore our collection online. Our expert in-store team will guide you through a personalised fitting and help you select investment pieces crafted from the finest materials, ensuring you leave us with an impeccable new look.