Stiff suits and starched collars? No, thanks.
Formal occasionwear for men has finally stepped into the future, with interesting cuts, inspired styles and innovative materials creating a wealth of choice for chaps, not to mention loud colours and proud prints.
Better still, there’s a huge variety in price points out there, from designer splurges to budget buys and everything in between. And what’s more, the clothing on offer has more versatility than ever, enabling you to dress pieces up or down accordingly. Trends, too, are shaping how we style out smart occasions – whether following or bucking them.
Olie Arnold, style director at MR PORTER, says: “Traditional rules around occasionwear have shifted in recent years – moving away from convention into bolder, more statement pieces. It speaks of a wider cultural change in men’s confidence in dressing.
Dressing for an event doesn’t have to mean stuffy eveningwear; tailoring can use more experimental fabrics, silhouettes and colours. Whilst some favour a more customary vision of occasionwear, the trend for pushing boundaries will continue.”
Our year-round selection offers the best formalwear for discerning gents. Whatever the dress code, fear not: we’ve got you suited and booted.
So, fix up, look sharp - and scroll on.
Ben Cobb x Tiger of Sweden Sedara cotton-corduroy suit trousers
ES Mag's own Ben Cobb is behind Tiger of Sweden's latest collection, After Dark available at Matches. The 70s-inspired line is made for winter's short days and deliciously long nights, with statement suits, patterned knits and elegant coats clothing the smart man about town.
Our pick? These rich burgundy trousers cut from cotton corduroy that give the depth of black without the sombreness. Pair with the matching jacket (£570), and boy, you're ready to party.
Buy now £308.00, Matches
BOSS Single-Breasted Slim-Fit Stretch-Virgin Wool Suit
A slim blue suit is a staple of any man’s wardrobe, such as this timeless but on-trend number from German label BOSS, which is constructed from lightweight virgin wool imbued with plenty of stretch for superior comfort. The jacket is single-breasted with notch lapels, padded shoulders and buttoned cuffs, while the trousers are tailored for a silhouette befitting of modern peacocking. But the best bit? It will go with anything, for any occasion.
Buy now £489.00, Selfridges
Tom Ford Shelton Tuxedo Jacket
Every discerning gent needs an elegant tuxedo jacket tucked away in their wardrobe, and this from suave American designer Tom Ford in luxurious velvet is just the thing, featuring a comfortable fit with peak lapels and double vent to stop it from creasing while you’re sat down. Better still, it’s fully lined, meaning you can layer over a crisp shirt without too much bother. A proper party starter.
Buy now £3670.00, Mr Porter
Eton Geometric-pattern silk bow tie
It's all in the details. Finish your formal or party look in style with Eton's silk bow tie. Available in black or light grey, it's been made in Italy and will require self-tying - so time to practice your knots.
Buy now £89.00, Selfridges
Brunello Cucinelli Cutaway-Collar Bib-Front Cotton-Poplin Tuxedo Shirt
A tuxedo shirt is a must, whether you’re regularly invited to formal gatherings or not, and this take on the traditional piece from Brunello Cucinelli – the luxury Italian design house – ticks all the boxes. It’s crafted from crisp, lightweight cotton-poplin and features a neat pleated bib front, while the cutaway collar is perfectly cut for accommodating an appropriately oversized silk bow tie.
Buy now £900.00, Mr Porter
LESTRANGE The 24 Hour Trouser
With the premise of offering ‘a simplified wardrobe for men’, the 24 Hour Trouser from London-based LESTRANGE does what is promises with a versatile pair to see you from boardroom to bar, offering all the comfort of sweatpants with elevated details. A hidden elastic and drawcord waistband means they’re supremely comfortable while looking the part in the office, airport or wherever. No wonder they’re a best-seller.
Buy now £120.00, Lestrange
M&S Autograph Leather Double Monk Strap Shoes
From the premium Autograph line at Marks & Sparks are these seriously smart double monk-strap shoes, made from patent leather for a bright and polished finish. Dress them up with a tux and all the trimmings or down with dark, tailored jeans and a flashy party shirt.
Buy now £85.00, M&S
Dunhill Mayfair Prince Of Wales Wool Jacket
A classic pattern like the Prince of Wales check never goes out of style. Dunhill's version is based on 60s tailoring and is made with merino wool with notch lapels, front flap pockets and horn buttons with the label's branding. Pair with a pale blue shirt to pick up the check's colours and team with matching trousers to finish the effect to perfection.
Buy now £1950.00, Dunhill
Gant Oversized Paisley Lyocell Shirt
A patterned shirt that can be dressed up or down as the occasion calls is worth its weight in sartorial gold. Gant has you covered in that department with men's shirt's galore to choose from, but for special occasions, this paisley print really speaks to us. Available in sizes S - 3XL.
Buy now £175.00, Gant
Edward Jacket Harris Tweed Herringbone
Whether for walking or pubbing, the Edward Jacket is the ultimate weekender, combining a classic silhouette with a regular fit, structured shoulder and higher-arm insert. Other immaculate details come in the form of two-button fastening, double rear vents, wide lapel and a pair of flap pockets. The brown colourway is perfect for blustery outings on a rural retreat – or simply running errands on your local high-street.
Buy now £325.00, Walker Slater
Gucci GG-Monogram Wool Jumper
Sure, just shy of £900 is punchy for a jumper, but it’s Gucci. And this will last you a seriously long time as it’s made from 100% wool and features the historic GG print dial. Long sleeves mean it’ll fit taller chaps, too, while a straight hem adds a nice detail. For a formal occasion, wear it over a slim-fitting white shirt with the collar just peeping out. A pop of colour in a jacket wouldn’t go amiss, either.
Buy now £855.00, Farfetch
Paul Smith Wool-Cashmere Overcoat
This wool-cashmere hybrid from British designer Paul Smith will see you through season after season of glittering events and parties. Throw over anything to make even an everyday outfit look the business. It’s made in Italy from a premium blend and features two flap pockets on the front and a concealed placket. The dark green colour complements most shades.
Buy now £850.00, Paul Smith
Duke + Dexter Chestnut x White Penny Loafer
Handmade in England by cult UK label Duke + Dexter – whose shop in Covent Garden is a temple to fancy footwear – these penny loafers in a brown-and-white colourway add a cool edge to any outfit. They feature a cushioned rubber crepe sole and luxurious Italian leather lining to ensure comfort isn’t compromised for style. Wear barefoot with turned-up chinos and a long-sleeve polo shirt for a casual but put-together look.
Buy now £240.00, Duke + Dexter
Topman Short Sleeve Relaxed Revere Border Printed Shirt
Say hello to this year’s ‘it’ party shirt: a short-sleeve number in shimmering black with revere collar and relaxed fit. A motif in red and gold adds further drama. Style it up by wearing it beneath a tailored black blazer and teaming with a couple of rock ‘n’ roll necklaces and rings.
Buy now £38.00, ASOS
AllSaints Harley Brushed Argyle Crew Neck Jumper
Brighten up a suit while layering up against the cold with AllSaints' argyle knit. The brushed yarn pullover is easy to style with through the cooler weather, walking the tightrope of smart-casual.
Buy now £159.00, AllSaints
H&M Linen Suit Trousers Slim Fit
The best thing about these pure linen suit trousers from Hennes? You can throw them in a suitcase and not worry about ironing them at the other end as the creases simply fall out.
Available in a spectrum of colours – from light beige to steel blue and khaki green – the legs are flatteringly tapered with a close fit at the thighs, knees and ankles making for a slim silhouette.
And, at such a steal, it’s worth buying one in every colour, don’t you think?
Buy now £24.99, H&M
