Formal Events in Casual Settings

Formal events usually call for the formal black (or white) of a tuxedo—but deciding what to wear to formal events in casual settings can be a challenge.

Whether you’re attending an outdoor wedding, a charity event at a golf course, a dinner cruise, or another dressy occasion held outdoors or before dark, you can be stylishly (and appropriately) dressed by following a few simple guidelines:

• Lighten the color palette. Black formal attire is usually too stark for an outdoor wedding, so move to a cream or light tan suit. A crisp white shirt with French cuffs works well with a lightweight suit.
• Simplify the details. Dressy occasions call for clean lines and few accouterments, no matter the hour or location.
• Choose sophisticated textures. The refined fabrics available for fine suits and shirts use a wide variety of weaving techniques, giving you a multitude of refined options for your custom summer wardrobe. Leather shoes (or even sandals, if you’re in a tropical location) and watchband are dressier than most man-made textiles.

Creating a dressy ensemble for outdoor events will allow you to relax and enjoy the occasion, instead of feeling overdressed in black evening wear.