Formal Suits

When the dress code says formal

Formal is the occasion where a suit does its most serious work, and where the small decisions matter most. Color, cloth and restraint all tighten. The goal is not to stand out but to look completely correct, which is a harder and more valuable thing than looking eye-catching.

Varrison formal suits are cut in a tailored fit and arrive ready to wear, made from high quality fabric.

What formal actually means

It is worth being precise, because the word covers a range. True black tie means a tuxedo, not a suit. But “formal” and “black-tie optional” on most invitations mean a dark, well-cut suit is correct: navy or charcoal in a smooth cloth, with a white shirt and a restrained tie. Black works for evening. The register is deep colors, clean lines and nothing loud.

Getting it right

Formal is unforgiving of anything that reads as casual. Keep to dark, solid or very subtly patterned cloth. A smooth finish rather than a visible texture. A crisp white shirt, a simple tie, black or dark brown leather shoes polished properly. This is the setting where a three-piece and a peak lapel come into their own, because both add formality without adding noise.

What to avoid

Light colors, visible texture, bold patterns and casual shoes all undercut a formal outfit. So does a suit that fits poorly, which is more obvious under formal conditions than anywhere else, because there is nothing relaxed about the setting to excuse it.