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Home , Black tie, Business casual, Casual wear, Dress shirt, Season (society), Smart casual

Impeccable style for your day-to-day life

BLACKSOCKS explains the most important codes. Not Just a Question of Taste

Dress codes are a science all of their own. Categories range from casual to informal, formal, very formal and even highly official and ceremonial. It is important to choose the right for your event, circumstances, age and shape. Contrasts ( and white) generally have a more professional look than tone-in-tone combinations. It is always worth avoiding style -ups, whether in your pro- fessional or private life.

Ties with cartoon characters, childish ba- tik patterns, and oversized company logos have no place in the business world. Cloth- ing should not be too tight, too baggy, or too old-fashioned. Other taboos include visible bare calves, white , brown with a black , or braces at an evening gala.

2 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 3 Casual Business Attire Dress Code Page 7 Page 19

Casual means leisure wear – not to be con- Business environments demand a serious fused with the well-known ‘baggy’ look. and elegant appearance. Put on a dark Outfits might include a or single-breasted or double-breasted suit, with or chinos. You can definitely a plain shirt, a tie and socks in a matching leave your tie in the . color. Only take your off if it gets hot. Bare showing between your socks and the bottom of your when you sit down is also a definite faux pas. Dress Code Page 11 Dress Code This dress code, combining sportiness with Page 23 easy elegance, offers plenty of scope for choice. It doesn’t have to mean a dark suit and a tie: you could go for slacks or cordu- Formal events always call for dark clothes. roy trousers and a shirt or polo shirt with Combine a black jacket with a - a jacket, for example. Dark-colored jeans or , a white , would also work and of course, a black . With black tie, you’ll be perfectly dressed for any for- mal evening celebration!

Business Casual Dress Code Page 14

White Tie Dress Code ‘’ is for relaxed business lunches, drinks after work, andbusiness Page 27 trips. Your jeans are left behind in the ward- , replaced by elegant slacks. A classic The more formal the event, the more el- suit with a plain shirt, tie, and knee-high egant the dress code. ‘’ calls for socks is also fine. tails. Wear them with a white dress shirt and a hand-tied white bow tie – never a . In this outfit, you’ll fit right in at the .

4 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 5 Casual dress code

You don’t necessarily need ent to private settings, the business a tie or tight suit trousers of ‘everything else’: clinking to do professional work: in with the boss at a barbecue, - the era of internet ser- ing your mother-in-law blow out the vices you can also earn birthday candles, or an informal in- money from the com- vitation to have a drink with some fort of your own home, colleagues. places the before or after throw- emphasis on comfort and personal ing on your everyday style, as these are more important clothes. Think of Zuck- for the situation than formalities. erberg with his familiar , Jobs with his sig- Street wear vs. casual wear nature turtleneck sweat- er, or Musk’s competent This dress code should not be con- appearance. Doing work fused with everyday street wear or and doing it well is not what you would slob around in at about the clothes you home. On your couch there are no wear. So why all this fuss rules, and when meeting friends in a about dress codes? café or walking your dog there is no reason to your appearance to Why do you need ‘casual’? your conversation partners or your environment. Dress codes may have originally A casual dress code helps to set a been created for entirely different framework for interpretation. The reasons, but now they mainly exist word ‘casual’ means relaxed and in- to provide us with guidelines for formal, so clothing is correspond- what to wear when going to an im- ingly functional and comfortable. portant client’s offices or if you are Nonetheless, grooming and a suit- invited to an upscale event. Being able amount of elegance are just as smartly dressed in a dinner jacket important with this dress code. or tails shows the event organiser that you respect them and appreci- Casual at work ate being invited. That might be true for black tie, but what is casual wear Informal dress codes are on the in- for? crease in business environments, Events or places where a smart ap- replacing traditional business dress pearance is crucial are very differ- codes such as business casual or

6 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 7 business attire, especially in small, and cashmere. , family-run operations, young start- and , on the other hand, will ups, creative professions and the soon make things too elegant. When industry. In the fashion choosing your outfit, it is useful to sector it is even desirable for staff think about who invited you, who to use the freedom offered by this will be coming and what the atmos- dress code to highlight their own phere is likely to be. personalities. Depending on a com- pany’s philosophy and Socks for self values, having uni- confidence formed employees In the fashion sector in such companies it is even desirable he casual look al- would give outsiders for staff to use the Tlows you to display the wrong impres- freedom offered your personality. One sion. by this dress code popular option is col- to highlight their ourful or patterned Basic principles own personalities. socks which you can combine with the col- T-, jeans and ours in your outfit as trainers: all are al- you choose. Taking lowed under a casual dress code. The socks as your base, you have plen- key principle is that you should only ty of options for new outfit combi- wear clean clothing without any rag- nations that will show off your own ged or visibly damaged areas. Flip- particular style with a healthy air flops, or baggy clothing such of confidence and a touch of skilful as or are not flair. entirely welcome. Overly tight cuts are a recipe for discomfort, which is why ‘casual wear’ covers looser, airi- er fits (known as ‘casual fit’). Fabrics such as , , flan- nel, and are regular features and can be combined with more elegant materials such as silk

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Delphine boxers: a perfect fit with rebellious checks

8 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 9 Casual for men

One option is jeans or chinos com- bined with slip-on shoes and a light shirt or knitted . If you go for a T-shirt, then your outfit might work better with a simple jacket or a . Ties can be left safely hang- ing in the wardrobe. Tennis shoes belong on the tennis court, but oth- er elegant trainers or are Some people might an option. feel the need to Some people might feel the need follow a fashion to follow a fashion trend, but clas- trend, but classic sic pieces remain the safer option. pieces remain the Trends can be misunderstood and safer option. quickly go awry, meaning that what is intended as a fashionable ensem- ble of trendy elements soon be- comes the exact opposite. Subtlety, simplicity and restraint will mean that your outfit leaves a lasting pos- itive impression. The best outfits are the ones where you cannot see how much thought has gone into them, as this displays nonchalance and proof of a relaxed individual style.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Business light: subtle, calming stripes

10 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 11 Casual for women

hen the weather is warm, Wwomen could go for a sum- mer dress, a and shirt, or long trousers with a . Make sure that the skirt’s hem doesn’t stretch too far over the knees. Cardigans, but- ton-down or are all good options. Women should be aware that a blazer will smarten up an outfit, meaning that fewer ac- cessories are required. Otherwise, can easily spice up a simple outfit.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Funky FORTY-FOUR: firstsnow in Burgundy

12 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 13 Smart casual dress code

A traditional suit with tie and heavy a more laid-back appearance by re- fabrics can be too formal and un- placing a tie with a breast comfortable in some situations, handkerchief in a contrasting colour whilst standard casual wear is to your suit, and don’t your also not quite appropriate. If shirt up to the . neither casual nor business casual is appropriate or if Shirts, T-shirts and you do not want to look over- or underdressed, Long-sleeved shirts are perfect with smart casual is the best one of the basics – a jacket, sports choice. Smart casual is coat or blazer. Outerwear alterna- the dress code for offices tives are limited. Opinions differ on in many sectors, meetings, T-shirts and polo shirts. However, on drinks and dinner after work, hot summer days a jacket and long- or business trips sleeved short may become rath- er warm, so you can weigh up the particular occasion to decide what would be appropriate. In colder months, you can Smart casual for men wear a simple turtleneck or pullover made from Some people define this dress code fine materials. A round- as casual and informal but still ele- neck or V-neck pullover gant with high-quality materials, over a shirt is anoth- tailored to the relevant occasion. er option depending on Others see it less as a question of what you prefer. available outfits than of good taste and an understanding of fashion. Jeans or trousers? Sporty elegance leaves lots of room for manoeuvre and interpretation, Fabric, corduroy or chino trousers making it difficult to find the right in muted colours could all be con- balance. A suit without a tie and with sidered. Don’t forget an inconspicu- an open shirt collar can be as much ous , even if your trousers fit like smart casual as trousers with a jack- a . Jeans are best left in the et or sports coat. wardrobe unless they are an even You don’t have to do away with a dark or black. suit to fit this look – you just ensure For a professional appearance, it is

14 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 15 also important to ensure that your clothes are not too baggy, wrinkled or faded. This excludes standard denim jeans from this particular dress code.

Socks and shoes

For a professional appea- Don’t underestimate socks, which, rance, it is also important even if unassuming, can immediate- to ensure that your ly ruin a carefully composed outfit clothes are not too baggy. if you make an unfortunate choice. They should serve to link your shoes and your trousers by offering a colour that sits in-between, thus rounding off your entire outfit with a harmonious touch. The best shoes are closed-toe op- tions such as loafers, classy sneakers or moccasins, and you also can’t go wrong with lace-up shoes. Trainers or leather are not recom- mended for this dress code.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: classic calf socks in powder blue: soft and sure

16 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 17 Colour choices

Since the smart casual dress code is rather reserved, you should go for inconspicuous patterns or unshowy colours such as browns, or greys. If you want to add a strong- er touch, try a discreetly patterned shirt or coloured socks – the latter Since the smart casual dress have made a comeback in recent code is rather reserved, you years and are no longer taboo if you should go for inconspicuous want something a bit more striking. patterns or unshowy colours. However, don’t overdo the colour- ful touches; just make sure that they always fit harmoniously within the outfit as a whole. The comfort factor also plays a key role, and you should think seriously about the event to make sure that your choice is the right one. If you aren’t sure if your choice is elegant or smart enough, you are better off going for a style which leaves you feeling comfortable and confident.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Delphine boxers: comfortable fit in navy stripes

18 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 19 Smart casual for women

lthough this dress code is less Astrict for women because they have a much wider range of com- binations to choose from, this does Closed shoes with no more not make it any less complicated. than a small heel, such as You cannot go wrong with a trouser ballerinas or pumps, are or skirt suit, but can also be always a good choice. combined with a pullover or if you prefer. Closed shoes with no more than a small heel, such as bal- lerinas or pumps, are always a good choice. In terms of colour, the same advice goes as for men: dark colours and subtle patterns ensure that your outfit sits in the happy medium be- tween casual and elegant.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Business light: surprise stripes in your

20 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 21 Business casual dress code

In business life, first (and all sub- which as the name suggests allows sequent) impressions play a vital for a little relaxation and more laid- role. In the morning, therefore, it is back outfits on the final working important that you choose an out- day. In companies with formal dress fit which matches your company’s codes, this means that staff can dress code. This section offers in- come to work wearing a business formation and tips on the business casual look. casual dress code. If an invitation gives the dress code as being ‘come as you are’, this Where do you wear should be taken literally if your out- business casual? fit is business casual, smart casual or business attire. A less presentable, Business casual is normally everyday casual look on the other hand will office clothing, and is also fine for stand out from the crowd of busi- going out and meeting customers. ness wear in a negative way. In this Some industries will still use event, you are better off getting formal dress codes such something smarter out of the war- as business attire. In drobe. back-office areas or in manufacturing or tra- Simple and stylish ding companies, com- fort has become more A professional appearance is always important and business a must in the world of business. In casual has become the this dress code, the word ‘casual’ standard code. means that the clothing is more Famous high-tech entre- comfortable and less formal than preneurs such as Steve traditional business attire. Jobs or Bill Gates have Just like the design as a whole, staff consciously opted not to should also represent a company’s wear formal business out- culture and brand. This is expressed fits, and represent the ma- in areas such as clothing, with busi- jority of the working population. As ness wear mischievously now de- well as being more comfortable, this scribed by some as a . This more informal clothing also auto- style is characterised by clear, clas- matically creates a more relaxed, sic cuts which have been cleanly and cooperative atmosphere. carefully put together. The aim is to The week ends with ‘’, show that an outfit has been thought

22 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 23 through – quietly elegant by convic- (although this description does not tion, professional yet relaxed. include tennis shoes).

What does this actually mean? Keep an eye for detail

Business casual for men Like education, high-quality clothing is an investment in the future. A styl- suit without a tie is always a ish appearance using selected mate- Agood option. This is the easiest rials will be a successful one and will but not necessarily the first choice last longer than cheap alternatives. if you do not want to spend your life When you look in the mirror, make in a suit. You have more scope than sure you keep an eye for detail: the with business attire and can counter material should monotony by trying some different be ironed and combinations. smooth without any open seams, Given the lack of alternatives (oth- and garments with er than an elegant pullover in the prints are best left winter), shirts are a virtual must for for a casual look. men. Jackets, sports and out- Company, sports, erwear can (but do not have to) be university or fash- left at home. ion brand logos The smart casual dress code allows are usually acceptable provided that you to wear various different kinds they are not oversized. Colours tend of trousers. Suit or fabric trousers to be kept discreet and conserva- such as dockers, slacks, chinos or tive. If you have a beard, make sure are fine for anyone who that you keep it trimmed. Piercings knows what these terms mean. Dark and tattoos should be hidden. jeans are increasingly making an ap- pearance, but are not part of a busi- Business casual for women ness casual dress code. On your feet you should be wearing Selected individual parts of business dark socks which match the rest of wear can be combined with more your wardrobe. The best colour is informal elements: trousers with a one which falls between your trou- blouse or light top, a dress with dark sers and your shoes. Said shoes could , or a skirt with a be classic Oxfords, elegant loafers or pullover. Women have lots of ca- BLACKSOCKS recommends: or discreet, brand-new sports shoes tegories and clothing styles to choo- Suzette T-shirt: entices with its great neckline

24 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 25 se from, which leaves greater scope to play with. Shoes should be closed and have a maximum heel of six cen- timetres, such as pumps, loafers or ballerinas.

Differencefrom smart casual

ne means wearing a business The boundaries Ooutfit and replacing a few items between smart casual with something less formal, the oth- and business casual er a casual outfit plus a few more are blurred and not formal pieces. Isn’t that the same clearly defined. thing? Dress codes are less strict than they used to be and may therefore be viewed differently by different peo- ple. As well as leaving room for inter- pretation, these standards vary both in society and from one company to another, with individual ideas about what clothing is appropriate. The boundaries between smart casual

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Business light: delicate stripes, not tiny checks

26 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 27 and business casual are blurred and not clearly defined. Normally, it is shoes and a blazer which set the smart casual look apart. It also allows for more playful use of colour and emphasis. Individuality and personal style do not outbalance representing the company. In creative industries, a smart dress code is often preferred so that women can wear frills, lace or tassels and men can opt for other small, colourful features.

Watch and learn

ith a healthy dose of common The boundaries Wsense and a bit of attention, between smart casual you can take direction from your and business casual colleagues’ clothing whilst also are blurred and not thinking about your own impact and clearly defined. the impression you want to make. Still unsure if your choice is suitable? If in doubt, go for a more conserv- ative outfit until you have a better handle on the established norms for this dress code. Being underdressed leaves a worse impression than wearing something more elegant. You also always have the option of removing an item of clothing, even if it is just your tie, to immediately give the whole outfit a less formal look. You could also ask your HR de- partment or the event organiser for advice.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Josephine boxers in navy: fantastic comfort

28 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 29 Business attire dress code

Business attire does what it says on one of them. Business formal offers the tin, and sits one level higher than more leeway, which makes it harder business casual on the formality to choose the right thing. Dark , scale. Also known as ‘day informal’, anthracite, dark blue or black – pick ‘business formal’ or ‘tenue de ville’, up to two for your outfit. Brown can this dress code is worn in the busi- be discounted as an option for for- ness world or for business events. mal clothing. As a good rule of thumb, the more Where is business attire worn? upscale the event, the darker the clothing. The same goes in the busi- A dark suit and tie, light shirt, black ness world, the higher up the hier- socks and high-quality shoes: the archy you go. As long as you do not traditional suit is the everyday out- opt for more than two colours or fit for conservative professions that patterns, you can step out with con- have contact with customers, fidence. Less is more – the aim of such as finance, engineering or this dress code is not to confuse or law. Customer relationships attract attention. are the focus, so staff need to generate confidence Businessmen and represent the com- pany. This dress code is he shirt should be either classic mandatory for middle and Twhite or light blue, and paired senior management and is with a tie darker in colour than the recommended for anyone shirt. Dark red or light blue are pos- wanting to be promoted to sible options, depending on your this level or invited to inter- choice. Dark, simple lace-up shoes view. Regardless of the usual with leather soles are welcome: dress code, prospective em- brogues, derbys or Oxfords. Sneak- ployees of such companies ers which were once still accept- should always wear a business able for a business casual look are suit for interviews. no longer a viable option. Loafers, jeans, chinos and T-shirts are often Colour palette combined into an informal ensemble for casual wear, which is why they no Many dress codes call for reticence longer form a part of more formal when it comes to colour. As many work wear. elements as there are to think about when wearing black tie, colour is not

30 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 31 The perfect fit Armed with the right materials

The cut should be individually tai- For business attire, it is not the cut lored to ensure that it does not but the materials which make the pinch or sag anywhere. You should key difference when the temper- be able to comfortably fit two fin- ature tips. If it becomes warmer gers between your neck and shirt or you have an upcoming meeting collar, and the sleeves should reach which is likely to make you sweat, to your wrists when your arms are you will be glad for light, heat-regu- at your sides. ‘Slim fit’ describes a lating materials. Cotton, , lin- cut which is fitted without being en or silk are all suit- restrictive. Keep an eye on the fab- able. Open-pored ric in the shoulder area: Is it sitting yarns are breathable pleasingly on your shoulders or is and also let light there a kink spoiling the straight through. line? The should close ef- New or cash- fortlessly without causing any creas- mere are suitable es. Baggy trouser destroy for the winter. To the clear cut and shape of trousers. ensure that your Your keys and are better off in professional appearance is not the inside pocket of your jacket; this tainted by low-quality synthetic fi- also makes it easier to sit. Calf socks bres, we recommend looking at the ensure that no bare skin is exposed, label. The proportion of such fibres since as little as possible should be should be as low as possible (below on show with this dress code. Your 5%) to ensure a high-quality ma- trousers should not require a belt, terial. These materials are not stiff and there should be a small fold at and scratchy but rather perceptibly the bottom of your trousers where softer, speaking to their quality. the material is resting on your shoes. A wrinkle-free suit and a good fit is something which everyone notic- es, whether consciously or uncon- sciously. To avoid wrinkles, we rec- ommend removing your jacket when sitting in a car or on a .

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Augustine : athletic briefs

32 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 33 Tried-and-tested details

As well as colours and patterns, fa- shion-conscious men can also opt for additional accessories and details to add a personal touch to a dark suit. Discreet can enhance a suit, as can a flat watch. A breast pocket handkerchief can add a highlight that matches your tie. Le- ather belts and brief- cases depend on the shoes you have chosen A breast pocket and leave less scope handkerchief can for individual style, but add a highlight that complete the image matches your tie. nicely. Products such as scent should only be sparingly used to re- main natural and ensu- re that the smell is not obtrusive.

Businesswomen

A trouser or skirt suit with a light blouse or top is the classic choice for a woman in the business world. Modern garments or cocktail dres- ses which are at least knee length BLACKSOCKS recommends: and not particularly unusual can be Business Light socks in used as everyday professional out- red: powerful strides fits with a little skill. Pair these with and closed shoes that have a heel no more than seven centimetres high. You would normally wear long sleeves, unless you keep your blazer on in the office.

34 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 35 Black tie dress code

The term ‘black tie’ is a decep- ter of the events they are used for, tive one, as this dress code has no proper implementation of black tie tie at all – ‘bow tie’ would be more and white tie dress codes is expect- suitable, as that is part of the basic ed. For a traditional black tie event, equipment required. Guests at up- a tailored dinner jacket (if you are scale events are asked to wear out- British, a tux for the Americans) is fits which look like something more a must. than an important day at the office. Use this guide to make sure that you Basic getup are suitably elegant when attending a sought-after evening do. The basic outfit includes the following: Glamorous events • A black self-tie bow tie • A dinner jacket in black or Toasting the and groom at a midnight blue sophisticated breakfast, • A white shirt with a wing enjoying a theatre premier with collar honoured guests, or adjusting a bow • A or cummer tie before the gala begins: the typi- bund with a single-row cal black tie dress code of a dinner jacket jacket and bow tie is for official and • Black patent-leather lace- celebratory events. Originally all up shoes or smooth leather evening events would automatical- shoes ly fall into this category once the church clock had tolled six, but this However, formal dress codes such has since branched off into numer- as black tie would not be part of et- ous variants ranging from ‘red car- iquette if the things to remember pet black tie’ to ‘festive black tie’ to could be counted on one hand. the less formal ‘black tie optional’. Small, yet powerful – the bow tie sets Today, guests are explicitly informed the tone of the entire dress code. If of the relevant dress code so that tied carelessly, then not only will the they are correctly dressed for the bow tie look bad, it will also have a type of event. negative impact on the entire out- Black tie is a dress code with sig- fit and result in the wearer immedi- nificantly more rules to follow than ately giving the initial impression of business attire or smart casual. Giv- being absent-minded. There is no en the official, celebratory charac- problem with allowing a few unpre-

36 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 37 dictable deformations and wearing the side of the leg has a silk stripe a bow tie with a little more compo- trim. Trousers with turn-ups (folds sure and lack of concern. Perfection at the ends of the legs) or flaps on is not expected, but a pinch of such pockets (piping) are also dispensed nonchalance is enough for black tie with. Double fabrics are too spor- events. Use your eyes or the outside ty for an elegant evening. Instead, edge of your face as a width guide- allow the smooth material to line for your bow tie, with your shirt slightly on your black patent-leat- collar being the maximum. her lace-up shoes, and reach just as far as the top of the heel. Smooth Trim and cummerbund leather shoes are a viable alternati- ve, provided that they are polished jacket with one row of buttons to a shine. Ais known as single-breasted, one with two is double-breasted. If you It’s collar time go for a double-breasted jacket, it should generally be kept buttoned Shirts seem so simple, but there are up and worn without a waistcoat or countless variants: Kent collars, cut- cummerbund. Otherwise you can away collars, pointed collars or up- dig out either a cummerbund or a turned collars, to say nothing of but- low-cut waistcoat in the same co- tons. Only wing collars and standard lour as the black bow tie. Cummer... turn-down collars are relevant to what now? A cum- black tie. A wing col- merbund is a wide silk Only wing collars lar is stiff with ends which men wear and standard turn- that point forward, around the stomach making it the more down collars are to cover the point modern version of the relevant to black tie. where their shirt . A ris- meets the waistband. ing in the same Worn correctly, it has material as the silk or several upward-facing . In hig- trim ensures a coherent overall her-quality models, the deepest ple- picture. at contains a hidden embroidered Some of the few visible buttons or pocket so that you can keep your connections are cufflinks, as the opera tickets easily to hand. strip of buttons on the shirt should Dress trousers do not have any be covered. If there are others on loops for a belt, as this is repla- the outfit, they must be covered BLACKSOCKS recommends: ced with braces. The down with fabric to avoid compromising Delphine : a perfect fit all day long

38 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 39 the elegance of the harmoniously ry with a dinner jacket. rounded combination of shapes and A classic option is a breast pocket colours. handkerchief made from fine silk, of- ten white or alternatively in a colour A love of detail designed to match a dress . It should sit one centimetre out of the erfect evening attire demonstra- breast pocket parallel to the pocket Ptes considered style choices if edge or folded into a more modern close attention is also paid to indivi- triangle or crest. dual details. The fit is right if there are no creases Ladies’ choice on the back, the jacket can be but- toned up easily, and the trousers sit omen and comfortably without a belt. A back Wmen show pocket bulge that betrays a thick that they are wallet affects the cut and aesthetic. together by pre- A money clip should be all you need senting a consistent to carry important cards and any ne- image. If the man cessary money. is wearing a black How you feel under all this gear will dinner jacket, the determine how you come across. woman will be clad By this we mean literally under: for in a long evening dress. However, a example, your vest should not be vi- more modern midnight-blue dinner sible through your shirt. White, finely jacket can stand next to an elegant woven underwear and black knee- that is at least knee high socks will keep you comfortable length. Women can use accessories beneath your outfit. such as jewellery and bags to en- hance or simplify their appearance. The opportunity to add a personal What is important is the balance touch comes with a scarf, breast po- between sumptuous or showy ele- cket handkerchief or cufflinks. - ments and discreet touches. BLACKSOCKS recommends: links in , silver, stainless steel or Knee socks: black pick up the colour of a wrist- simply gentlemanlike watch and add the necessary gleam. A is even better, as you would not normally wear any jewelle-

40 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 41 Black tie optional

If guests are being afforded more freedom in their appearance, the invitation will display the wording ‘black tie optional’ or ‘alternative black tie’. This does not mean that you can decide to leave your dinner jacket in the wardrobe, but it does mean that you can make a few in- dividual changes – a tie instead of a bow tie, a pattern instead of black, a belt instead of braces. All in all, how- ever, you are best off sticking to the intended elements and using muted colours except for the possible ac- cent. More expansive freedom of inter- pretation is offered by ‘festive black tie’ or ‘creative black tie’. For exam- ple, it can be more flamboyant for the groom or witnesses at a wed- ding, or more festive for Christmas events. Creativity is the of the day if the or region are key elements. A white jacket, a cow- boy , a flower on your lapel, or a coloured shirt can make a good im- pression depending on the theme.

BLACKSOCKS recommends: The classic Babette: T-shirt in dark navy blue

42 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 43 White tie dress code

If an invitation comes through your Basic getup door that gives the dress code as white tie, then this is going to be All of the following elements are re- an auspicious, exceptional event. quired for white tie: Nowadays tails are often ousted in favour of a dinner jacket, mean- • White self-tie bow tie ing that white tie generally remains • White shirt with wing collar the preserve of royal ceremonies or • White waistcoat similar events. • Black • Black trousers with two trim Eminent and unique stripes • Braces White tie is the most formal and el- egant of all forms of dress. Unless All guests at events like these are you happen to be a conductor or are superbly dressed, without ex- participating in a dancing ception. A black bow tie competition, the likelihood of you distinguishes the waiters ever having to wear tails is not very from the guests, making high. The hosts of all prestigious, up- a white bow tie a vital el- scale events after 6 p.m. like to wel- ement – and one which come guests with a white tie dress you should be able to ex- code. At major balls like the Vienna pertly tie yourself (as for Opera Ball, state , or No- black tie). The shirt col- bel prize ceremonies, guests will be lar is not the only thing dressed in tails. which requires attention. As well as a small wing

44 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 45 collar, the shirt has a strengthened trousers should sit properly without breast area made of cotton piqué, a the need for one. The white tie look specially woven material. The shirt instead uses braces. sleeves should be two finger widths Most men find the proper shoes for longer than the tailcoat sleeves, but this dress code to be a lit- should not reach below the wrists. tle too feminine with a higher heel than they Tailcoat and waistcoat find comfortable. Op- era pumps sound more A tailcoat is characterised by two like something that swallowtails on the back and a front women would go for, that stops at the man’s waist. The la- but they are actually pel, front button and sleeve buttons designed for men. Although these are decorated with satin. Rather no longer appeal to a mass audience, than a cummerbund, which is only there is no clear replacement. In any acceptable for musicians, men wear event, if you do not want to wear a white waistcoat underneath. This opera pumps you should put on slim, offers more freedom of movement elegant patent-leather shoes such than it would seem as Oxford lace-ups. at first glance, as it is held in place with Accessories a satin waist strap round the back so Bare skin should be covered as far can be indi- as possible, so knee-high socks are vidually ad- a must. You can accessorise with justed. Like the white kid gloves. If you want to wear tailcoat, the waist- something on your head, a black coat has a lapel, waist- is always the way to go. Like coat pockets and elegant buttons a coat or a silk scarf (should you choose to wear one), this is only Braces and opera pumps worn outside. An is a col- lapsible version of a top hat which The trousers are made of the same allows for easy, space-saving stor- material as the tailcoat. The legs are age during the event. straight, not too tight and have no A wristwatch does not go with con- turn-ups or pleats. The side seam ventional tails, so the recommend- has not one but two trim stripes. ed option is a gold pocket watch. This dress code does not include a Men can wear jewellery in the form BLACKSOCKS recommends: belt, if for no other reason than the of cufflinks or a . For those Colette T-shirt: the classic tank top

46 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 47 who want to truly complete the el- low-cut. Dressy high-heeled san- egant white tie look, a cane is the dals, a clutch bag and discreet jewel- perfect option. This has a chrome lery complete the ensemble. knob and a piano lacquer finish.

Ladies’ choice

or women this dress code means Fan elegant, floor-length evening dress, or a ball if the event includes dancing. Any colour is per- mitted provided that it is not gaudy, crazily patterned or white, as the latter is the preserve of . Arms and shoulders are general- ly covered by long gloves, or by an evening or when outside. The dress also should not be too tight-fitting or

BLACKSOCKS recommends: Business Light socks: light-footed in the office

48 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 49 People need goals. And discipline. And some- times, a moment of leaving both behind.

Sometimes we’re sad. Sometimes we’re happy. Sometimes we just want to be alone. Sometimes we want to hug everyone. Life is light and dark, and that’s what makes it great.

BLACKSOCKS offers fine for first-class men, ensuring that they feel comfortable all day long. And not least be- cause our socks, underwear, T-shirts, polo shirts and shirts are also available as a practi- cal subscription.

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50 Fine underwear for first-class men. www.blacksocks.com 51 BLACKSOCKS.COM First-class underwear for fine men since 1999.