The Black Tie Edit: Holiday Dressing, Upgraded

Black tie means a tuxedo or dinner jacket, a formal white shirt, a bow tie and polished black shoes. Tuxedos and dinner jackets, formal shirts and bow ties, patent and velvet shoes, and dress watches and studs cover the full formal list. If the invitation says black tie, follow the rules first and add personality in the details.

Tuxedos and dinner jackets from Emporio Armani, Etro and Theory are cut with satin or grosgrain lapels. Midnight navy and black are the safest. A fitted shoulder and a trouser with a satin stripe complete the look.

Formal shirts and bow ties from Ferragamo, Versace and Emporio Armani set the tone. A white shirt with a turndown collar and a black bow tie is classic. Silk or velvet are both correct.

Patent oxfords and velvet slippers from Tom Ford, Cole Haan and Gucci are the right finish. Cufflinks, studs and a slim dress watch from David Yurman, Versace and Ferragamo complete it. Keep the metals matching.

A tuxedo should be bought to fit and tailored, never rented the night before. We would avoid novelty bow ties and coloured shirts at a formal event.

The details are where black tie succeeds or fails. Check that studs and cufflinks are secure, that the bow tie is tied rather than pre-made if you can manage it, and that the shoes are polished to a shine. A calm, pressed look beats any ornament. Try the whole outfit on together a week ahead, including shoes and watch, so there are no surprises on the night.

If you take one thing away: get the tuxedo tailored once and wear it for a decade.