Eating with the Queen? A crucial date? Prom, Marriage, going to the Oscars? All these events require a man look his comprehensive best and he find a formal style that actually communicates what he wants folk to understand about him. Politicians, businessmen, members of governmental affiliations and media need to be in the eye of the public and are required to follow essential guidelines of formal dress and etiquette. The average man could find himself lost in the ocean of details and rules per hem length and shades of gray when it comes to men's formal wear. What's the correct dress of each occasion? How do I know when to wear a tuxedo or merely a nice suit? When is a white jacket appropriate? When am I able to get away with it? Is there ever a good time for white shoes? What about black patent? Are not those for girls? Frightened to wade your way thru the superabundance of details concerning men's formal wear; the right Dinner Jacket, what fabric it should be made of, what model will suit your body type, personality and the event.

Are you worried about precisely what color everything should be? How wide if the lapels be this year and what's the right position for pockets, are they meant to be stitched shut? Then there are vents or no vents, what's a vent anyhow and naturally the trappings, what am I, a turkey? The Black Tie Event needs a manservant, not in your league? Not to fret, you'll be able to find nearly everything online. You can research the decent thing to wear at the right time. Find a manservant if you can afford one or hire an expert in formal wear etiquette. One such consultant once taught me to drink from my wine glass by placing my tongue on the fringe of the glass so that my lips don't touch the glass. I will not tell you how often this easy rule of etiquette has turned heads. A black-tie event demands that invites be dispatched, which will supply the dress code needs. If you select not to wear the prescribed formal dress you will obstruct your social standing or career. Most commonly, men wear formal evening dress that incorporates a black tuxedo suit with a vest or cummerbund, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie (hand tied only) or a person's badge. The white shirt should have cuff links and the shoes patent leather or fine high quality leather, clean, well cared for and shinning. If you don't own men's formal wear borrow or rent and ensure that it fits. A tailor can do creative things with an ill-fitting suit. The White Tie Event The official regime or royal function may need men's formal wear that includes white tie dress. This would imply a man selects a long tailcoat in white or black, with matching trousers and ensemble.

A crisp white shirt with or with out a detachable collar the pointed wings tips of which go under your stiff cotton hand tied white tie.

The shirt doesn't have buttons but is done up with white, silver or diamond studs.

These studs should match the cuff links.

The white cotton vest might have the collar of your choosing; think about your body type when selecting and the vest should cover the waist of your trousers. The jacket covers the waistcoat and the tails shouldn't go below your knees. Black silk knee socks, with garters if required and little opera slippers in fine leather or if the event is at your house slippers made from velvet with an embroidered crest. If you decide to wear a hat, a top hat is necessary. If you do wear a hat an opera cloak or coat should go with it.

The fit, cut and fabric of your men's formal wear selections tells the informed observer who you are and how much you care about the event that you are attending. If you are in a position to get invited to such an event then take some time to start to know the etiquette around such events and the mandatory dress. Haute couture Men's formal wear in haute couture can be seen at the Academy Awards or on the fashion show runways. With the appearance of live recording and specialty Television channels we've got more access to these event then ever before in history. If you're looking to make an individual statement with your evening wear which will turn heads and you aren't concerned about it being in fashion next year, then find a designer that impresses you and have her design something special only for you. If you're actually brave, put a notice up at a local design college and have a student make something for you. Men's Formal Wear Has gone thru many changes over time but in recent times we are still playing with shades of gray, white and black. Few other colors are introduced, except perhaps in a flower at the lapel and if you wear a flower leave out the hankie.

Leave them nothing to speak about except the occasion to hand by being impeccably dressed.