Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events - Tomasso Black

Recently,  we talked to you about choosing suits for your wedding based on how formal or casual the big day was planned to be. We mostly touched on suit colors but today we’d like to go into a little more detail and talk to everyone, not just the grooms. We searched around to find some great examples to show you and hopefully give you a little inspiration before attending your next event. Choosing the right looks for casual semi-casual formal/black tie events can be confusing, Tomasso Black is here to help.

Let’s remember that different events in different seasons, depending on the time of day will require different get ups. Generally, the more casual the event and the earlier in the day and year it is, will be associated with lighter color suits while later in the day and year call for darker colors. We’ll leave it to your discretion when to bend or fully break those rules. If in doubt, always lean a little more formal (a tie can always be taken off later) or just ask the hosts for clarification.

 

Casual

Casual doesn’t call for a full suit, but components of it should be included. Think more work casual and not volleyball on the beach casual. Tank tops, shorts, jeans and sneakers are definitely out but you could get away with a really nice suede shoe or something in that category.

We think Chris Pine  would look great at a casual day beach event in this hawaiian shirt, slacks, and shoe.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

The shirt that Ryan Gosling chose here is not a button down but the material and fit gives it a dressy enough vibe to be pulled off at a casual afternoon or evening event.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

We like the surprise of this yellow cardigan paired with the blue trousers and dress shirt and can envision this at a fall or later in the day event.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

 

Semi-casual

For semi-casual, think suit without a vest or even tie while still having a polished look.

Here is Jake Gyllenhaal looking very polished in this suit without a tie and dark shades looking very polished.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

We’re digging  Alex Turner in this  bright button down shirt and dark suit. This combo would be perfect for a fall or winter evening event.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

If you wear a lot of suits you might even try a long sleeved striped polo in lieu of a button down. Just be sure to bolster it with a well fitting suit, pocket square and nice matching belt and shoes. This suit color feels in the middle enough color wise to get away with most times and seasons. Again, check with the host and consider the crowd if you aren’t sure.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

 

Formal

Formal is a suit, tie, possibly a vest, matching shoes and belt, and subtle non-leather jewelry. Dark suits are often considered the most formal but we hope you find a few occasions to mix it up like Dave Patel did with this burgundy suit and matching tie.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

Also looking sharp is up and coming Austin area musician Blake Jurasin from the Bethany Becker Band in his slightly brighter blue Tomasso Black suit with pops of color.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

Sticking with a dark suit but giving it his own flair is Ryan Reynolds in this printed suit and striped tie.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

 

Black Tie

Black Tie is telling you to go in a tuxedo. If you don’t own a tux yet, you can buy one at Tomasso Black for around the same price as renting one. We’ve been coloring a little outside of the lines thus far for suit picks but for a tux, keep the flair to a minimum. Unless you’re Jason Momoa or Jared Leto, flair should be kept to a cool pair of suspenders, pocket square, antique watch or other small touch. Here are a few tuxedo examples to get you pumped for how smooth you are going to look.

Here's the always stylish David Beckham making #8 on Esquire’s Best Dressed Men at the Oscars.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

The ever funny Trevor Noah in a tux at the 2019 Oscars.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

Last but not least, Alex Rodriquez showing how it’s done in a white jacket and black slacks at the same Oscars event.

Looks For Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal + Black Tie Events

We hope this brings to life the differences in the levels of formality of events for you. If you still have questions on what to wear, hit up our stylist or take this quiz to get them answered. (Please scroll to the bottom of the page to find the quiz.)

 

We’re here to help you look amazing,

Tomasso Black