The Complete Guide to Suits for Every Occasion

For men, cocktail attire means a sharp suit in a versatile color with a dress shirt and tie. Women have more flexibility, with a knee-to-midi length dress, a polished two-piece set, or a well-tailored pantsuit all hitting the mark.

It means a tuxedo is welcome but not required. A dark, well-fitted suit with a white dress shirt and polished leather shoes reads as appropriately formal, and when in doubt, it is better to lean up rather than down.

A tuxedo is reserved for black tie and is worn with a black bow tie, formal dress shirt, and black patent leather shoes. A suit covers every other formality level and can be styled up or down for many more occasions.

At least three to four months before the wedding. A made-to-measure suit takes weeks from order to delivery, and starting early leaves time for fittings, adjustments, and peace of mind.

Aim for cohesion, not uniformity. Choose one fabric and color with each groomsman fitted individually, or pick a palette and allow some variation in shade or texture, while the groom sets himself apart with a different tie, fabric, or a three-piece suit.

The shoulder seam sits at the edge of your shoulder, the sleeves end at the wrist bone with a little shirt cuff showing, and the jacket covers your seat. Above all, you should move naturally without the suit fighting you.

Business casual does not mean casual. It means a well-fitted blazer or sport coat, dress trousers or chinos, and clean shoes, and a suit worn without a tie often lands here cleanly.

Dress one level above the company's everyday standard. If the office is business casual, arrive in a suit, and if it is formal, wear a perfectly fitted suit with a tie and polished shoes, since you cannot be overdressed for an interview.

A dark suit in black, charcoal, or very deep navy with a white or pale grey dress shirt and a muted tie. The goal is quiet respect, so skip pattern, bright color, and style statements.

Yes, especially for anyone who has struggled to find off-the-rack suits that fit. Ready-to-wear is built on averaged proportions, while made-to-measure is built to your exact measurements, so it moves with you and holds its shape all day.