Fifty shades of formal
BLACK TIE
Do not take the name literally and wear a black, neck tie. This name is associated with what is known as a tuxedo. This is the younger sibling of 'white tie' (most formal attire), and came into the picture because the younger generation wanted to wear an outfit more comfortable yet of a similar concept.
You must be very careful to stick to the rules when asked to wear this attire. The bow tie is made of silk and the jacket of the tuxedo must either be tailored to a peak or shawl lapel. Both these lapels' fabrics must complement the bow tie and be made of silk. You can either wear a cummerbund or a waist coat underneath the jacket. Now, if you are wearing a single breasted jacket you can wear either one of these underneath it but, if you opt for a double-breasted suit none of these should be worn underneath.
Wear a white linen pocket square and do not forget to add a classic boutonniere on the lapel. The shirt is button less to which must be added black or dark studs. A narrow line of silk runs down the two sides of the trousers, which are worn with black patent leather Oxfords or pumps. Also, make sure that you are wearing calf length dress socks.
This attire is mostly seen to be worn by the groom and his entourage and is advised to be worn in highly formal events such as award ceremonies or weddings. Too much rules to follow, eh? Add spice to it with a colourful cummerbund, bow-tie or even a patterned jacket when the dress code is 'Creative Black Tie'.
SEMI-FORMAL ATTIRE
I am sorry to be bursting your bubbles, but unfortunately semi-formal attire which we mostly categorise as occasions when people tuck in their shirts into their trousers and wear leather shoes is actually casual attire. Although a black tie or a stroller suit originally fell in this category, today a dark suit with matching vest and a simple tie falls under this group.
BUSINESS ATTIRE
This dress code is mostly followed by the white collars. Wear a blue or white coloured shirt with a simple plain tie and a dark coloured suit to pull off this outfit. Ties with simple striped patterns or small checks which are not too vibrant are permissible.
Bonus tip - a suit means that the colour of the jacket and trousers match. For those of you who are in universities and have been asked to wear formal attire to your presentation or a formal event, they are basically referring to the aforementioned dress code. Many a times, we can see people wearing cravats, fancy and gaudy pocket squares (plain pocket squares are recommended), bold coloured and patterned ties and suits, which one would wear to weddings. Such attire do not follow the rules of this dress code.
FESTIVE ATTIRE
This is just perfect for wedding. Fortunately for us, we do not have to restrict ourselves to western clothes but can also wear 'sherwanis' or 'prince coats' to weddings. If you want to suit up for a wedding, do not be afraid to think out of the box and play with colours. Try out pin-striped suits, printed pocket squares, cravats, scarves or also two matching separate coloured jacket and trouser.
If you want to stick to a 'deshi' look, wear a black, navy blue, grey, beige sherwani or prince coat of your liking. However, it would be recommended not to go over the top keeping in mind the groom's outfit. As it his big day, be kind and let him have all the attention.
BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE
This has to be my favourite of all attires because of the freedom it allows. Such attire can be worn with a jacket, which goes with the weather (example a linen jacket if it's hot), with chinos and loafers or monk straps. If you want you can wear a neck tie (knitted tie) or a bow tie. Make sure when you take up this look, you are tilting towards a more relaxed attitude.
BEACH ATTIRE
Lastly, we have the beach attire. Although we have a very rare opportunity to don this look, with the growing acceptance and introduction of western styled weddings, it is not going to be long before we get invited to one. The rules of this is simple, wear a suit tailored with warm weather fabrics such as linen, with colours suited for summer like khaki or a light shade of beige out of the many you can try.
Although this is a beach wedding, make sure you wear closed toe shoes with them, not sandals.
Following dress codes can be tricky and sometimes frustrating, but do not let it have the better of you because the end result has to be an epitome of elegance, sophistication and intellect.
By Ali Sakhi Khan
Photo courtesy: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
The suggestions are based on the local scene and may differ in other countries.
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