OCCASION
STYLE GUIDE
Our Style Guide according to dressing for different occasions.
Choosing what to wear often comes down to understanding the occasion. This guide breaks down the expectations and dress codes behind formal events, business settings, celebrations, travel, seasonal dressing, and more. From black tie to weekend casual, each section explains the key garments, fabrics, and details that define the look, helping you navigate any setting with clarity and confidence.
Photography by Alexandre Haefeli
Black Tie & Formal
Black tie rests on a small set of precise elements. A dinner jacket—single-breasted with a shawl or peak lapel in silk facing—is paired with matching trousers featuring a side braid. The dress shirt has a pleated or marcella front and accommodates a bow tie, ideally in black silk. Patent leather oxfords or well-polished opera-shoes complete the footwear. Accessories stay minimal: a simple dress watch, silk pocket square, and studs and cufflinks where appropriate. A white silk scarf makes for a real fancy finish. The strength of the look is its discipline.
Photography by Jeanne & Romain
Business & Work
Business dressing revolves around structured basics. A two-piece suit or separates (tailored trousers with a jacket) form the core, cut in navy, grey, taupe, or charcoal. Shirts stay in crisp cotton—poplin, twill, or oxford—while ties in silk or wool add tone when necessary. Knitwear like fine merino sweaters or cardigans works under a blazer in more relaxed environments. Footwear ranges from oxfords to derbies, or loafers.
Dunhill, 2016
Weddings
Wedding attire adapts to the formality and setting. For formal ceremonies, a dark suit, morning coat, or even black tiemay be involved. Semi-formal weddings call for lighter suits, soft tailoring, or seasonal fabrics like linen blends, fresco wool, or textured tweeds. Shirts remain classic; ties can introduce color or pattern. In warm destinations, unstructured jackets, linen trousers, and suede loafers strike the right tone. Accessories—boutonnieres, pocket squares, subtle jewelry—should add refinement without distracting from the event.
Photography by Aaron Kirk
Cocktail & Evening
Evening attire sits between business and black tie. A dark tailored jacket (midnight, navy, charcoal, or black) paired with sharp trousers can replace a full suit. Shirts may be crisp white or muted tones; some occasions allow a fine-gauge turtleneck for a contemporary angle. Footwear usually includes loafers, wholecuts, or sleek derbies, often in black or deep brown. Textures like velvet, silk, or mohair blends introduce atmosphere without overstatement.
Photography by Anne Piqué
Weekend & Casual
Weekend dressing mixes comfort with structure. Key pieces include knitwear, polo shirts, T-shirts in good cotton, casual trousers (chinos, cords, drawstring trousers), and overshirts or lightweight jackets. Depending on the season, footwear might be suede loafers, espadrilles, canvas sneakers, or boots. The palette softens and fabrics become more tactile—denim, brushed cottons, compact jersey, or wool flannels.
Photography by Anne Piqué
Travel
Travel outfits prioritize versatility and ease. Unstructured blazers, cool-wool trousers, and comfortable knitwear handle long hours gracefully. Layers such as lightweight outerwear, gilets, or overshirts adapt to temperature shifts. Neutral, interchangeable colors keep the wardrobe cohesive. For shoes, choose soft loafers, or travel-friendly boots that remain comfortable during walking or flights.
Tom Ford
Summer Holidays & Resort
Resort style blends relaxation with refinement. Linen shirts, open-collar polos, seersucker or cool-wool trousers, and tailored swim shorts form the base. Jackets become lighter—unlined blazers or cottton-linen overshirts—and colors move toward washed neutrals and soft pastels. Footwear includes leather sandals, loafers, or espadrilles depending on the setting. Fabrics remain breathable and silhouettes relaxed but not sloppy.
Jacket from Fratelli Mocchia di Coggiola, scarf from Charvet, Sunglasses from CELINE, and gloves from Maison Fabre.
Cultural Events (Opera, Gallery Openings, Theatre)
Cultural settings call for quiet sophistication. A dark suit or tailored separates usually suits the mood. In less formal venues, fine knits, structured jackets, and elegant trousers work well. Materials with depth—mohair, cashmere, velvet, brushed wool—can elevate the ensemble subtly. Shoes should stay refined: oxfords, loafers, or slim derbies with a polished finish.
Seasonal Dressing
Seasonal wardrobes pivot around fabric.
Winter: heavy wools, flannel trousers, cashmere or lambswool knits, structured coats, leather boots.
Summer: linen, cold wool, cotton poplin, lightweight wools, camp-collar shirts, unlined jackets, espadrilles.
Spring/Autumn: transitional layers—field jackets, trench coats, suede blousons, overshirts, and trousers in mid-weight wool or cotton.
Sporting Traditions (Tennis, Sailing, Horse Racing)
Some sports uphold established dress codes.
Tennis: crisp whites, polo shirts, lightweight shorts or trousers.
Sailing: navy and white references, Breton knits, boat shoes, technical outerwear for windy conditions.
Horse racing: tailored jackets, crisp shirts, tie or no tie depending on enclosure, often paired with loafers or lightweight derbies.
These wardrobes blend heritage and practicality.
SKY BLUE
Est. 2019