10 Tips For Suiting Up

These days, "black tie" generally refers to a black suit, worn with a white shirt and black necktie (unless it's the kind of event that allows for a little creative license). Your shoes, bow tie and socks should all be black. Leave the character socks out of it.

Suit jackets have three different types of collar: notch, shawl and peak. Notch and peak collars are fine for the office or black tie, while a shawl collar is almost exclusively reserved for swanky black tie affairs.

Suit jackets also vary when it comes to buttons. You get one-, two- or three-button suits. Single-button suits are considered the most appropriate for evening wear. Two-button is the most traditional and conservative, while the three-button suits come in and out of fashion.  

The sleeve of your suit jacket should be short enough to allow a quarter- to a half-inch of shirt to protrude.

If the event isn't strictly black tie, change it up with a cummerbund or a dashing pocket square. One-colour suits in unexpected shades like maroon, chartreuse (that's acid green to you and I) and teal are also making a comeback. Let the colour do the talking and keep the shape slim and uncluttered.

READ: Perfect The Pocket Square >

Whether you opt for a dandy bow tie or a traditional necktie, a tie is an accessory that can make or break your look. Make sure you're getting tying it right...

READ: 7 Rules For Wearing A Tie >

Contemporary suits are all about the slim cut. A cut that contours closely to your body and is well-tailored will give you a long, clean look. Keep it slim and keep it simple.

Your suit pants should just clip the tops of your shoes.