Formal attire has evolved significantly over the years, moving away from rigid traditional suits and ties to embrace more contemporary, polished looks. Today’s formal attire for men often incorporates elements of streetwear and modern tailoring, blending comfort with style while maintaining a refined appearance. Whether you're dressing for a black-tie event, a wedding, or simply looking for new staples, the key to formalwear lies in thoughtful combinations of patterns, colors, and textures.
While this guide primarily focuses on men's formal attire, it’s also designed for anyone interested in formal dressing. There’s timeless outfit options that can be adapted for a refined appearance regardless of gender. Let’s explore six modern outfit ideas that balance timeless elegance with contemporary flair.
What Does Formal Attire Mean for a Man?
So, what is formal attire for men, exactly? Formal attire for men traditionally refers to suits, which are universally accepted for important occasions such as weddings, business meetings, and formal events. A well-tailored suit remains the cornerstone of formalwear, offering structure, sophistication, and versatility across a variety of settings. As you’re learning how to wear a suit with a modern spin, the following looks include updated cuts, materials, and streetwear elements to express your individuality while maintaining formality.
#1 Black Tie Event Outfits
The black tie event calls for a polished and classic ensemble, often centering around a tuxedo. Traditional black tie outfits include a black suit jacket with satin lapels, a crisp white dress shirt, black dress shoes, and typically a black bow tie. Cufflinks and a pocket square are also common, adding small yet impactful details to complete the refined look.
For those looking to add a modern twist, consider mixing patterns or playing with different materials. Swap out the traditional black jacket for one with subtle plaid or checkered patterns, adding visual interest while still maintaining the formality of the event. Pair a contrasting vest—perhaps in a solid color or textured fabric—underneath the jacket for a layered, contemporary feel. When playing with patterns, remember to keep the rest of the outfit grounded with classic pieces, such as a solid white shirt and dress shoes.
Accessories can also provide a modern edge. Consider incorporating stud earrings or a fashion-forward watch for a fresh, updated take on the black tie look. The goal is to maintain elegance while pushing the boundaries with personal style, making this approach suitable for anyone seeking a sophisticated look.
#2 Elegant Evening Suit
For an evening event that doesn’t require a tuxedo but still calls for formal attire, a well-chosen suit is the way to go. While black or navy suits are classic options, modern formalwear embraces vibrant materials and bold colors. For instance, emerald green, burgundy, or teal suits offer a sophisticated yet eye-catching alternative to traditional colors, perfect for making a statement at evening gatherings. This double-breasted suit jacket in teal with matching baggy suit pants would work well here.
When styling a modern evening suit, pay attention to the fabric. Velvet, for example, is a popular choice for evening events, adding both texture and luxury to the outfit. A velvet blazer paired with black trousers creates a look that’s sharp, modern, and perfectly suited for formal occasions. For something more understated, consider a suit in charcoal gray or midnight blue with a silk tie to maintain the evening’s sophistication without being overly flashy.
Accessories play a crucial role here as well. Opt for a simple pocket square in a contrasting color or a leather strap watch to enhance the refined look. The key to an elegant evening suit lies in the subtle details that bring the outfit together without overpowering it.
#3 Smart, Modern Three-Piece Suit
The three-piece suit is a timeless choice for formal and semi-formal occasions, but it can easily be updated with modern details to make it feel fresh and relevant. A classic three-piece suit consists of a jacket, vest, and trousers. The modern twist comes in by mixing patterns and colors or playing with fabric choices to add dimension and style. Unsure of how to style vests in a three-piece suit? Opt for contrasting patterns or materials to elevate your look without straying from formalwear boundaries.
For example, try pairing a plaid vest with solid trousers and a pinstriped jacket to add layers of sophistication without overwhelming the outfit. The contrast between the vest and jacket creates visual interest, while the overall structure of the suit keeps the look sharp and formal. Another option is to choose a three-piece suit in an unexpected color, such as dark olive or light gray, which adds a contemporary edge while still staying within formalwear boundaries.
To complete the look, choose a tailored shirt in a complementary color, along with polished shoes or sleek loafers. The modern three-piece suit is perfect for weddings, business events, and any semi-formal occasion that requires a touch of extra sophistication.
#4 Wedding Guest Outfits
Formal wedding attire sometimes requires a toned-down look, but it’s also an opportunity to show off a bit of personality. Modern wedding guest outfits allow for mixing patterns and colors in a way that’s both stylish and appropriate for the occasion. One popular approach is pairing pinstriped trousers with a plaid jacket, creating a balanced but bold look.
For example, opt for black pinstriped pants paired with a double-breasted black jacket for a combination that’s tasteful and on-trend. Adding a solid-colored vest can ground the outfit, while accessories like lapel pins or minimalist cufflinks can add a touch of formality. For a summer wedding, lighter colors such as beige or light gray can keep the look fresh and seasonally appropriate, while a brighter tie can add a splash of color to the overall ensemble.
Footwear is also key to completing a polished wedding look. Consider wearing brown leather brogues or derbys, which pair well with most formalwear without being overly traditional. The goal for wedding guest attire is to strike the right balance between style and formality, ensuring you look sharp while allowing room for personal expression.
#5 Formal Accessories
Accessories play a vital role in elevating any formal outfit, adding those final touches that can make an ensemble feel complete. Traditional accessories like ties, cufflinks, and pocket squares remain staples, but modern formalwear often incorporates accessories that push the boundaries while maintaining a refined appearance. When selecting gifts for fashionable men, consider accessories like cufflinks, sleek rings, or even a modern leather belt that complements a formal ensemble.
For example, a leather belt like the Mirrored Studded Belt with subtle hardware can be a great addition to any suit. When it comes to jewelry, sleek rings like the Gothic Star Sterling Ring or simple chain necklaces can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the look. Studded belts, such as the Chevron Caviar Belt, offer a bolder option for those looking to make a statement with their accessories.
Other key accessories include elegant watches, lapel pins, and tie bars, all of which enhance the overall look without detracting from the suit’s sophistication. When gifting formal accessories, consider pieces that are versatile and can be easily paired with different outfits for multiple occasions.
#6 Mixing Textures and Fabrics
One of the best ways to modernize formal and semi-formal attire is by mixing different textures and fabrics. This approach adds depth and dimension to an outfit, making it stand out without sacrificing the polished look. For example, pairing a wool blazer with silk trousers creates a striking contrast that feels luxurious and modern.
For winter events, consider mixing tweed jackets with velvet vests or cashmere scarves for a look that’s both warm and stylish. In warmer months, lighter materials such as linen or cotton blends can be paired with more structured pieces like wool trousers or a suede jacket, allowing for a balance of comfort and formality.
Experimenting with different patterns—such as combining pinstripes with checks—also adds visual interest. The key to mixing textures and fabrics is to maintain harmony in the overall look by balancing bold pieces with more understated ones.
Shop Modern Styles at mnml
Formal attire for men doesn’t have to be boring or one-dimensional. By mixing patterns, textures, and incorporating modern accessories, you can create refined, stylish looks that still feel fresh. Whether you’re dressing for a black-tie event, a wedding, a formal event, or an evening out, mnml offers a wide range of elegant formalwear options designed to help you stand out while maintaining a timeless appeal.
Explore our suits for men, which features modern cuts, patterned vests, and polished accessories—all perfect for anyone looking to enhance their formal wardrobe with style and sophistication, no matter their gender.
