I’d like some variety in my formal wardrobe. How do I go about that without getting into the trendy or flashy things? There are a number of elegant and thoroughly enjoyable options with which to enhance the formal wardrobe. The basic black tux is the centerpiece of the whole operation. It will last for many years if you buy quality and classic design.
There are two additional options for full suits as opposed to separate jackets and trousers. Those options are: very dark charcoal gray and very dark midnight blue. Both are in good taste and offer a little departure from the basic black.
I mention them because they are valid choices, but I really believe that other options will serve your particular need best.
Consider separate jackets. They are made with either the peak lapel or the shawl collar. They are usually seasonal, and add a touch of colorful elegance to the formal wardrobe.
For spring and summer there are pastel shades in dupioni silk . . . . shades like very pale gray, very pale beige, very pale blue. One may use other fabrics for such jackets. Surely light tropical worsteds are fine, as are linens. . .but, frankly, I believe that nothing matches the richness and elegance of silk.
For the fall and winter seasons there are additional choices. Fine velvets (cotton velveteen) are useful, usually in black, burgundy, navy or deep forest green.
I love to use the clan plaids, scottish tartans, which make very handsome dinner jackets. Dark plaids, like the black watch, are universally good, as are the brighter ones like the dress stewart.
Any of the aforementioned jackets may be made with either the customary satin lapels or with self-lapels. The normal dinner jacket styling prevails: one-button, peak or shawl lapels, simple flap pockets.
All of the jackets suggested above are used with black formal trousers, therefore one extra black tux trouser should cover all your needs.
There are interesting and colorful options available in the accessories that one normally wears with formal clothing.
The white, pleated bosom tux shirt is always correct with any combination of jacket and trouser. A pleated bosom shirt in a very pale off-white gray or beige creates an interesting look.
While the black bow tie is always correct, one can experiment with bow tie/cummerbund sets in silk plaids, in cotton madras plaids . . . there is an unlimited range of possibilities.
Finally, consider the separate formal vest in patterned silk brocade. They’ve been around for a long time, though they’re not so frequently seen anymore. They are very handsome, and help give variety to your formal wardrobe.
