Nothing looks more suave than donning a slick dinner suit at a black tie event and with Ball season , literally round the corner, timing for this post couldn’t be better. Trends in men’s evening wear remain largely unchanged since the 19th century however subtle transformations have taken place over the years. Today evening wear is influenced by popular culture, and celebrities have been showcasing more adventurous and relaxed looks on the red carpet. To bring this traditional look up to date there are a few subtle adjustments you can make. Although when it comes to evening wear, always remember, less is more.

It is worth investing in an excellent quality dinner suit that fits beautifully. Traditionally, dinner suits are made from wool and feature either a satin or a silk lapel with a matching single braid running down the sides of the trousers. Velvet dinner jackets have been making an appearance on the red carpet whether it be the SAGs, the Oscars, the Baftas or the Brits, but if you are not feeling particularly daring, stick to wool. A timeless, black dinner suit exudes style and sophistication but recently midnight blue has become popular for modern gentlemen. This rich shade will subtly allow you to stand out from a monochrome crowd.

Attending a black tie event is a great excuse to adorn yourself with classic accessories you wouldn’t normally consider wearing. A stylish, silk bow tie adds a distinguished finish to your dress shirt. Mastering the art of tying a perfect bow is a skill that every dapper gentleman should learn. But don’t despair as there are a variety of excellent ready tied bows available. Whether you choose the easy or traditional option, always opt for a black bow tie.

Evening shirts for men should always have double cuffs to allow you to wear stylish cufflinks and personalise your formal outfit.Cufflinks worn with evening wear are typically made from gold, silver or mother of pearl. If you want to create a more relaxed look, choose a contemporary design.

Complete your ensemble with an elegant silk scarf. This distinctive accessory will stand out from the crowd as it is rarely worn to formal events nowadays, despite its popularity in the past. A plain white or black design with tassels is classic but for an eye-catching twist, opt for something more adventurous such as a polka dot print.