Author: Carmen Bucco

Well, you may be wrong if you think wearing a black suit matches all sets of events or occasions. Each occasion demands a dress code when it comes to men’s suits. You cannot wear the same suit for a formal, a black tie, and a casual event. 

So, in this article, you’ll briefly understand the dress code of black tie and formal attire. Also, learn the main differences between these two types of attire which helps you dress up in the right style for the right occasion.

The Black tie dress code

This is a much-specified dress code that applies to the most formal, sophisticated, and refined events, like operas, formal weddings, galas, and proms. As mentioned earlier, this is a specified dress code that involves only black suits or tuxedos—to symbolize grace, elegance, and style. Even a common man can look like the most reputable gentleman among the crowd when wearing a black tie tuxedo. 

Thus, fashionistas call this not just a dress code but the rule to becoming a sophisticated man in the perfect style. 

Decoding the black tie attire

1. Black bow tie: A satin or silk-made black bow tie is the main part of the black tie dress code.
2. Black jacket and trousers: A black jacket with black silk lapels and matching tuxedo trousers (preferably in silk). 
3. White dress shirt: The white dress shirt that contrasts the black tux is another significant element in this refined ensemble.
4. Black shoes: Ideally, black patent leather shoes for a more refined aesthetic.
5. Black socks: A pair of socks—again in black—that mandatorily covers the skin and that blends with the tuxedo trousers.
6. White pocket squares: This is to contrast the black tuxedo and complement the white dress shirt. 

The general formal dress code

This is a dress code that applies to all formal events, including professional meetups, business events, and conferences. Unlike the black-tie dress code, this is not specified in black. Instead, this includes generic formal colors, like navy, gray, black, and charcoal. Most importantly, it does not demand a black bow tie. 

Though these suits are also elegant and reserved, they are not as sophisticated as black tue suits or attires. However, both these styles are timeless formal wear—the only difference lies in the degree of formalness. 

Decoding the formal attire

1. Formal jackets and trousers: Formal suits—not necessarily in black, but any formal hues—navy, charcoal, or graphite gray, etc.  
2. White or light blue dress shirts: A dress shirt that complements or contrasts the color of the suit in the most subtle way.  
3. A necktie: A solid or printed necktie matching the two or three-piece ensemble.
4. Oxford shoes: Sleek formal shoes, loafers, or brogues work well with any kind of formal suit and tuxedo.  
5. Matching accessories: Cufflinks, pocket squares, socks, watches, and belts that look professional and dignified.

Black tie Vs formal men’s attire

In simple words—black-tie attire requires a black tuxedo, a black bowtie, and a white dress shirt. On the other hand, formal attire requires no specific colors but looks entirely formal. 

Conclusion

Wearing the right style for the right occasion without compromising the dress code matters the most to elevating your self-confidence levels and seeking attention and respect from your audience. 

Tailor a classic black tie and business formal suit for your finest occasions with the help of the leading men’s couture in the state—Bucco!

As the leading men’s bespoke suit designer, Bucco Couture takes pride in decoding the best-dressed men on the red carpets of the prestigious 2025 Oscar—the 97th Academy Awards. 

Indeed, it was a pleasant surprise to see men coming in vibrant hues like how women choose their gowns. Kudos to those men who preferred distinctive suits—in terms of colors, fabric, and sartorial elements. So, here are ten hand-picked choices from the red carpet that are unique in look and suit style. 

1. Jeremy Strong

What a color! Whoa! Kudos to Jeremy for choosing the Olive-like army green instead of his usual brown suits. The tuxedo from Loro Piana had contrasting silky peak lapels and the way he chose to tie the bowtie was exceptional.   

2. Colman Domingo

Perhaps, he knew that he would grab the best actor nomination and thus ended up in a red carpet matching red Valentino suit. The double-breasted rose-red blazer and the contrasting black trousers and lapels were undoubtedly impressive.   

3. Adrien Brody

Getting nominated at the Oscars after a decade is something special. Thus, the versatile actor chose a custom-tailored suit from Giorgio Armani. A simple traditional blazer, a white shirt, and a black bowtie. The detail lies in the feather-like brooch made of diamonds and emeralds.

4. Timothée Chalamet

Isn’t it a bold choice? Yes, the butter-yellow suit style was marvelous and bold. But what’s more important was it was balanced and styled right. Designed by Taylor McNeill, the suit featured double breasts, long sleeves, and a matching dress shirt. 

5. Andrew Garfield

As the presenter of the Oscars, he was remarkable when it came to the red carpet. He wore a chocolate brown suit from Gucci with a matching satin silk shirt. Overall, the tieless look was refreshing, the color was uncommon, and the style was made-to-measure.

6. Sterling K. Brown

Why not make the conventional white suit into modern elegance? That’s how Sterling K. Brown appeared on the Oscars red carpet. The Giorgio Armani suit featured a white tuxedo jacket, black trousers, and a black bow tie. A perfect silhouette in a perfect style!  

7. Sebastian Stan

Looks like all the best actor nominations stole the show this year on the red carpet. But do you think Sebastian was on the list? According to us, though his suit looked quite vintaged initially, later we felt it was special and subtle. 

8. Conan O’Brien

When everyone saw his gig talent to host the Oscars without deviating from the template, we saw his suit style. Again a traditional suit but with perfect tailoring and chic design—just a black blazer, black trousers, a white shirt, and a black bowtie.     

9. Mark Ivanir

Certainly, one of the few men with a unique touch on the fabric! The peacock blue velvet style was indeed invigorating. The tuxedo was tailored top-notch and styled right with a white shirt, a black bowtie, and a contrasting orange pocket square.  

10. Jon M. Chu

One of the few directors who was on the list of best-dressed men at the Oscars this year! What was not special in his style—the emerald green color, the contrasting silk lapel, the glittering fabric, the side patch on the trousers, the bowtie, the watch, and almost everything.