Formal occasions require men to dress in a certain way that is different from their everyday outfits.
Formal events include weddings, business meetings, and black-tie galas. It is important for men to dress appropriately for these occasions to leave a good impression. In this blog post, we will discuss the top formal outfits for men.
The Classic Suit
The classic suit is a formal outfit for men that never goes out of style. The suit consists of a jacket, trousers, and a dress shirt. The jacket and trousers should be made of the same fabric and color. The shirt should be white or a light pastel color. The tie should be a solid color that complements the suit. Black leather shoes and a belt should complete the outfit. A classic suit is appropriate for business meetings and weddings.
Tuxedo
The tuxedo is a formal outfit for men that is reserved for black-tie events. A tuxedo consists of a black jacket with satin lapels, black trousers with a satin stripe down the leg, and a dress shirt. The shirt should have a wingtip collar, and the bow tie should be black. A cummerbund or a vest should be worn to cover the waistband of the trousers. Black patent leather shoes complete the outfit. A tuxedo is a timeless outfit that is perfect for black-tie events.
Three-Piece Suit
The three-piece suit is a formal outfit for men that consists of a jacket, trousers, waistcoat, and a dress shirt. The waistcoat should be made of the same fabric and color as the jacket and trousers. The shirt should be white or a light pastel color. The tie should be a solid color that complements the suit. Black leather shoes and a belt complete the outfit. A three-piece suit is appropriate for business and formal events.
The Dress Shoes
Speaking of dress shoes, they are just as important as the suit itself. A polished pair of leather dress shoes will elevate any formal outfit. The best options are black or brown oxfords or loafers. Make sure the shoes fit well and are comfortable to wear for an extended period. A quality pair of dress shoes can last for years, so it's worth investing in a good pair.
The Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touch to any formal outfit. A simple, elegant watch can add a touch of sophistication to a suit. A pocket square in a complementary color or pattern can add a pop of personality to a classic suit. And don't forget about the belt - it should match the shoes in color and material. Cufflinks are another excellent accessory option, especially for more formal occasions.
We're all about casual. We're just not into suits and formals. However, a lot of our readers have asked to feature some formal outfit ideas on this blog.
That’s why, for a change, today, let’s focus on some formal outfit ideas, perfect for a special date. After all, no matter how you try to avoid wearing it, there’ll always come a time in your life when a formal outfit is necessary. Should this day comes, you’ll want to be prepared. You’ll want to look classy and well-done, as any gentleman should be.
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No, it's not that we hate formal outfits, but we just don't seem to give enough attention because none of our guys wears formal outfits.
But that doesn't mean we don't have an eye to spot some dashing formal outfit ideas for men.
To help some of you guys who love to wear formal outfits, we've curated 21 looks to you can copy to level up your formal outfit game.
Then, take it even further. Don’t just stop with copying these looks. Do your best to add your personal sense of style, so you stay comfortable even when wearing something formal.
By now, as you probably know we love minimalist aesthetics, and the outfits we curated are no different. All of these outfits are simple, easy to put together and guaranteed to look good on anyone.
Showcase your authentic Japanese style in this classic Men Haori Jacket. This is a must have garment for any occasion that calls for a traditional look.
So, if you love wearing formal outfits because your office demands you to wear or you just like to dress up even when it's not required, you are in for a treat today.
From simple chinos & shirt outfits to a full-blown suit outfits we've got all.
These formal outfits are going to look awesome on you no matter your shape, size or skin tone. Oh and if you are not a fan of formal outfits then you should check out Mensfashionlab for some coolest casual outfits for guys. For some amazing cool high-end street brands and high-street brands check out Roden Gray.
Scroll below to check out 21 dashing formal outfit ideas for men.
Best Formal Outfit Ideas For Men
Outfit 1: Khaki Trousers + White Shirt + Deep Green Tie + Black Oxford Dress Shoes
This is a perfect Friday outfit. This is how you dress up when you are going out with friends after work.
The khaki trousers give you that balance between formal and casual. Also, it’s a little bit more subdued than your traditional black slacks.
The tie is optional. You can do away with the tie and still this outfit will look equally impressive. Or, you can choose to wear the tie while at work, then remove it later on when you go out.
To make this outfit little bit more formal you can opt for a nice black leather belt that matches the colour of your shoes.
Wear a nice watch with this outfit to notch up the overall look.
Now, for trousers, you can pick the material based on the season. If you are wearing this outfit in the summers go for cotton trousers or wool trousers for the winters.
You can look at the Meadow shirts collection; they'll fit this outfit assortment perfectly.
Outfit 2: Beige or Khaki Blazer Jacket + Trousers + Crisp White Shirt + Suede Tassel Loafers
This is a perfect office outfit if you are not a lawyer or a banker where your only choice in suits are navy and black.
So, if you are tired of wearing same old navy & black suits then this beige colour suit is perfect for you.
This suit outfit works best for creatives or entrepreneurs who sometimes need to dress up. Plus, the beige color is also versatile – you can go with any shirt you place underneath.
Try heated jackets which are in trend these days. Apart from the normal traditional jackets, these heated jackets come with some unique cool features that will add to your style and personality. One heated jacket we recommend is GAMMA from Wear Graphene. GAMMA is the most advanced jacket made with one of the strongest material called Graphene. Gamma is equipped with 3 carbon fiber heating elements built directly into the jacket. When you feel your body heat isn’t enough, you can supercharge Gamma’s Graphene’s layer at the push of a button. This is a perfect battery heated jacket for style lovers.
Add a nice quality watch and matching belt to complete the look.
A pair of tassel loafers is optional. You can go for any other types of loafers or dress shoes.
But, do avoid Chelsea or any kind of boots. If you decided to pick a different shoe with this outfit, don't go for the tan colour dress shoes. Tan colour shoes will make this outfit way too monotonous.
Outfit 3: Navy Blazer + Navy Chinos + Light Blue Shirt + Blue Printed Pocket Square + Black Dress Shoes
This is the most classic formal outfit combination of all. This formal outfit works in almost all situations.
The key to making this simple but classy formal outfit look is the fit. This outfit combination is so basic that if you don't get the fit right, you risk looking like a slob in a suit.
If you are not sure how a suit should fit, here's a handy guide to help you nail your fit game. This handy guide also applies to just about any other color of suit that you may choose. Being formal also means looking neat and crisp. This isn’t the time for you to be frumpy.
Now, for this outfit, you can go with almost any type of dress shoes baring the boots. Just make sure the colour of shoes is matching with the colour of your belt.
As an optional touch, you may also add a nice printed pocket square with thin piping to complete this classic formal outfit. While dressing dapper can be expensive, it does not need to be out of reach! Title loans can cover the cost of a new suit, or a suit rental.
Outfit 4: White Self Check Shirt + Light Weight Indigo Denim + Tan Oxfords
This is a perfect outfit when you don't want to dress up too formally. Again white and indigo is a timeless outfit combination that will never go out of style.
You can also add a nice watch or a cool leather bracelet to enhance this outfit. If you must bring a bag, a more formal option would also be a classic Tumi messenger or backpack. Although a little bit on the pricier side, it’s an investment piece since it’ll last long and looks clean and neat.
To make this simple outfit work for you, you have to be extra careful about the fit of your shirt and jeans.
You don't want to go for super skinny jeans or too tight shirt. You can opt for a tapered or straight fit jeans. A regular fit shirt will work best for this outfit.
Outfit 5: Light Grey Trousers + White Dress Shirt + Brown Formal Shoes
This simple but impressive outfit is perfect for you when you don't want to wear a suit or any other super formal outfit.
However, this outfit is super versatile. Want to dress up a bit? Just layer it up with a navy or grey blazer. Or To make it little less formal you can go for a grey or dark grey waistcoat.
Pair it up with a nice tan formal shoes and a matching belt to complete the look. You can also go for black dress shoes if you are not a fan of wearing tan shoes. If dress shoes aren’t your thing, bring out the white sneakers. This also makes a perfect match, especially when you’ve got a casual night out after work.
Outfit 6: Navy Blazer + White Shirt + Grey Trousers + White Pocket Square + Double Monk Shoes
Now, I get this question many times. Can I wear Navy + Grey together? And as you can see in this outfit, you can wear navy and grey together and it looks amazing.
When you don't want to match everything in your outfit and make your formal outfit edgier this is the best combination you can go for.
This outfit is perfect creatives, entrepreneurs who have to dress up in certain situations. But, if you are a lawyer or a banker you can still wear this outfit when meeting a client outside of office like a bar or a coffee shop.
Wear this outfit with cool double monks to edge up the overall look. Add a nice pocket square (matching with your shirt) to complete the look.
Outfit 7: White Trousers + Light Blue Shirt + Navy Blazer + Printed Pocket Square + Lapel Pin
This outfit is perfect for beach weddings or parties.
I know a lot of you don't really prefer wearing white pants. But, trust me if you know how to wear white pants they can look very good.
Sure, you need to take extra care for your white pants but that should not stop you from wearing something edgy and different. Right?
You can wear loafers or espadrilles with this outfit to make the overall look much better.
Add a cool printed pocket square and lapel pin to complete the look.
If you are a person who pursues individuality, you can design and make your own custom lapel pins at GS-JJ. That will be a funny experience to wear your own pins. You don’t wear pins, you wear attitude!
Outfit 8: Indigo Denim + Light Blue Shirt + Grey Blazer + Navy Tie + Tan Dress Shoes
Now, this formal outfit is a perfect example of business casual. Yes, when you don't feel like wearing chinos or trousers and you feel most comfortable in your jeans, this is the outfit you should go for.
As I mentioned above that navy and grey can never go wrong. The previous outfit featured navy pants and grey blazer and this outfit features Indigo (close to navy) pants and grey blazer.
So, either way, you are always safe with the navy & grey outfit combination.
I have never been a fan of wearing a tie, but if you like wearing a tie then a solid colour tie would look great with this outfit.
Outfit 9: Navy Chinos + White Shirt + Burgandy Brown Double Monk Shoes
As they say, navy and white can never go wrong. This is a timeless outfit that will never ever go out of style.
So, whenever you are in doubt and not sure what to wear? You can blindly trust on this navy and white outfit combination.
If you feel like dressing up this outfit, you can wear a matching navy blazer or a cool grey blazer.
The versatility of this outfit allows you wear almost any kind of shoes. From cool white sneakers to sophisticated double monk shoes, you can wear anything and everything you like with this outfit.
Outfit 10: Grey Wool Overcoat + Dark Grey Crew Neck Tee + Grey Trousers + Grey Scarf
The perfect example of a monochrome outfit. If you like wearing monochrome outfits then you can definitely wear this outfit.
However, when you wear monochrome outfit please keep in mind the following.
- Never match with your shoes with the outfit
- Don't wear the same kind of fabric for all pieces. play around with the texture. Notice the texture of an overcoat or a small check detail on the scarf. Play a little.
- If you want to wear a belt with the outfit, same as shoes don't match the colour of your belt with the outfit.
The dark grey t-shirt in this outfit makes this outfit edgier.You can also go for a grey shirt if you want but make sure the fabric is different from other pieces.
Outfit 11: Navy Blazer + Crisp White Shirt + Navy Trousers + White Sneakers + White Pocket Square
This is another great example of a timeless navy and white outfit combination. As I mentioned above this probably the safest outfit combinations of all.
You can never go wrong with this outfit. Plus this outfit works in almost any situations. From a boardroom meeting to a coffee shop meeting to going out with friends. This timeless outfit formula will never fail you.
I know a lot of you guys don't prefer going sockless. I get it. Not everyone like that trend. And I also know that not everyone here is a huge fan of wearing white sneakers with everything like I do.
So, if you are not comfortable with wearing white sneakers or going sockless, fret not. You can wear almost any shoes you like with outfit baring the boots.
You can probably wear chukka boots with this outfit, but I don't recommend.
Now, if you want to wear socks then go for a darker shade. Matching the pants colour. So, best sock colour for this outfit would be navy or black.
Please, don't ever the white socks. Just don't.
Add a nice pocket square matching with your shirt colour to complete the look. BTW, if you are wondering about the pocket square fold, it's called the Don Draper Style Pocket Square Fold. Want to learn how to get it? Go here!
P.S. If you are not a fan wearing white shirts, you can switch the white colour with pink or light blue colour and this outfit will still impress everyone.
Outfit 12: Blue & White Check Shirt + Dark Grey Pants + Brown Dress Shoes
This simple but impressive outfit is perfect for your first date. You don't want to overdress or underdress when you are meeting someone for the first time.
So, this outfit is a perfect balance between the both. I like to call such outfits as smart formal. This is formal enough to meet someone for the first time and casual enough to keep you comfortable.
To make this outfit little more formal, you can unfold the sleeves and wear nice cufflinks.
But, if you are between the age of 23 to 35 this outfit is perfect for you just the way it is.
If you want to wear tie with the outfit, make sure it's a solid tie. You don't want mix too many patterns.
Apart from this being a perfect date outfit, this works as perfect Friday outfit too. It's smart, comfortable and most importantly will always look great.
So, if you are planning on shopping or hitting the bar with friends right after the office on Friday's, this outfit will work best for you.
Outfit 13: Washed Denim + Navy Blazer + White Shirt + Tan Dress Shoes
Yet another twist on a classic navy and white outfit formula. This outfit leans more towards the casual. But it's more than formal for some professions such as designers, creatives, artists or Architects etc.
When you feel like ditching your super formal trousers but have to wear a blazer, then switch your trouser with a nice washed jeans to complete the look.
If you are wearing this outfit in the winters then you can also layer it up with a camel overcoat. Yes, a camel coliur will go very well with the white and navy outfit.
Add nice leather dress shoes & cool sunglasses to complete the look.
Outfit 14: Dark Sea Blue Shirt + Indigo Denim + Black Dress Shoes
I am a huge believer in only having clothes that mix and match with each other easily. And dark sea blue shirt is definitely no one of it.
But, the colour is subtle enough to include here. So, keep this shirt for times when you don't feel like wearing black, navy or white.
This shirt is perfect hot summer days. Go for a lightweight fabric like Supima cotton or linen.
This is the perfect outfit for someone who's not very comfortable wearing jeans and t-shirts even on weekends.
Here's a go-to weekend outfit for you. Spend time with your family at the mall, or have nice a dinner at your favourite dinner, or even hit the bar with your friends. This outfit will support you in all your city adventures.
Outfit 15: Red & White Check Shirt + Charcoal Grey Blazer & Trousers + Tan Dress Shoes + Blue Tie + Printed Pocket Square
This is an edgier twist on a super formal outfit. The red and white check shirt make this formal outfit sharp and will help you stand out from the rest.
Add a matching tie to make this outfit formal enough for the meeting. And do away with a tie to dress down the outfit a bit.
Add a nice printed pocket square detail to level up your entire look.
Wear tan dress shoes with the matching belt to complete the look.
Outfit 16: Khaki Trousers + White Shirt + Suede Loafers
This is a perfect formal outfit for off the office meetings. The outfit is simple, so you have level it up with some nice accessories like a watch or a cool bracelet.
Now, if you are not a fan of going sockless, you can pick the socks matching with your pants. However, don't go for white socks.
Now, the look below does feature a belt but if you prefer wearing a belt you can go for a belt matching with your shoes. A nice canvas belt in brown will look great this look.
Outfit 17: Grey Suit + Navy Self-Printed Waist Coat + White Shirt + Tan Double Monks Shoes
This outfit works well in super formal events or places. Also, notice the nice play on the classic navy+grey colour combination.
If you think wearing a grey suit with a white shirt is boring and then you can spice up this outfit nice self-printed navy waistcoat.
Also add a striped tie and matching pocket square to complete the look.
Outfit 18: Light Blue Vertical Striped Slim Fit Dress Shirt + Skinny Fit Grey Chinos + Tan Dress Boots
This simple but sharp formal outfit is perfect for you if you are not a fan wearing a suit every day.
This is formal enough to meet a new client or run around the city for work.
Add a belt matching with your boots to complete the look.
Now, if you are not into super slim fit clothes, you can definitely go for a comfort fit shirt and chinos.
You can also switch the boots for nice oxford shoes. The outfit is so versatile and that any colour shoes would look great. Just make sure if you decide to wear black dress shoes with this outfit, change your belt to black.
Outfit 19: Light Blue Summer Suit With Orage Check Detail + White Tshirt + Light Blue Pocket Square + White Sneakers
This is a perfect summer suit. If the weather is too hot where you live and can't wear a wool suit, this outfit is perfect for you.
When picking a light suit like this for the summer, pay close attention the fabric. Go for a 100% cotton or linen fabric. It will help stay cool in the heat.
This is outfit is more for guys aged between 24 to 40. And most probably working in a creative or entrepreneurial environment.
White sneakers make this outfit way cooler. I know a lot of fashion experts tell you to avoid wearing sneakers with a suit. but, I don't really see any harm in wearing them together.
Wear a cool sunglasses to complete your summer look.
Outfit 20: Navy Trousers + White Shirt + Black Dress Shoes
I think you'll agree with me when I say this is the most classic outfit combination of all. This outfit never goes wrong.
Whenever you are in doubt, you can blindly trust om this outfit to work for you.
Instead of black dress shoes, you can also go for tan dress shoes and this outfit will look equally great.
Add a nice watch or a bracelet to spice up your outfit.
Outfit 21: Blue Dress Shirt + Grey Trousers + Navy Blue Tie + Leather Loafers
This is a perfect interview outfit. If you are not required to wear a suit to an interview and this is smart outfit will help you create a great first impression.
The tie is not a must-have in this outfit, however, if you prefer wearing a tie you can go for a deep blue solid tie or you can also go for a printed tie if you want.
Conclusion
Dressing up for a formal occasion doesn't have to be daunting for men. With these three essential pieces - a classic suit, dress shoes, and accessories - any man can look and feel his best. Remember, fit is crucial, so investing in high-quality, well-tailored pieces is worth the investment. With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to impress at any formal event.