How/When/Why Formal Wear?
Editorial by Jacques Hermes
Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Import
Dressing in formal clothing has a long and rich history that is directly linked to social class and royal protocol. Since the time of the royal courts of Europe, the choice of clothing has functioned as an important indicator of social status and prestige.
White tie is considered the most formal form of male attire, reserved for highly formal events such as royal balls and dinners, and worn by the aristocracy and members of royal families.
Accordingly, black tie was introduced as a simpler, though still extremely formal, option, ideal for evening events and cocktail parties.
Blue tie, although less common, is used on special occasions where subtle elegance is required without the austerity of white or black attire.
Historical Review
Over a wide span of time spanning from ancient times to the modern world, formal garments were and are chosen as symbols of prestige and respect. The form of these clothes was different and constantly changed according to society and time. The most recent and widely accepted such variation is the suit, variations of which are now chosen in a multitude of places and occasions.
This adaptability of the garment is due to the various shades, seams and applications that have emerged over time to meet various needs of use. The most basic of these are the white, black and blue option.
The use of white clothing dates back to the 19th century, when dancing and large social events were a central part of the social life of the aristocracy ¹ .
This was followed by black clothing which became popular in the 20th century as a more practical choice for the same occasions².
Blue garments, although less common, began to appear in the mid-20th century, offering an alternative for more subtle yet elegant looks³.
How/When/Why Formal Wear?
Below will be defined and verified the parameters that concern every person who wants to choose the formal clothing for their outings. The main ones are " how ", " when " and " why ".
How
The manner in which a formal garment is selected should pay due attention to detail and fit. As will be explained in the next section, in addition to the above fundamental factors, shade also plays an important role.
A white tuxedo, for example, has high demands on the quality of fabrics and stitching, while its use is accompanied by strict rules, such as the selection of appropriate shoes and accessories.
In black looks, there is more flexibility in options, with quality and fit remaining critical.
Blue garments stand out from the rest in the field of adaptability, but the basic principles of elegance and harmony in the ensemble must also be observed.
When
Generally, formal wear is utilized in occasions that require a high level of formality. Among these events there is a gradation of importance and prestige, so the corresponding shade must be chosen accordingly. The main and most established colors are: blue, black and white.
Blue shades can be worn in high-level business meetings and events where a subtle yet elegant look is required.
Black colors are ideal for weddings, formal dinners, proms and award ceremonies as well as evening events such as cocktail parties.
White clothing may be used in some cases instead of black (formal dinners, weddings, various ceremonies) but, as a statement of the highest formality, it is usually chosen for events of the highest importance such as royal balls⁴.
Why
The choice of formal clothing seems to provide multiple benefits, on a personal and social level. The main of these advantages can be divided into the following categories.
Initially, the choice of such clothing is usually interpreted as the most appropriate and an act that shows respect to the hosts and other attendees. Such a move can easily strengthen social and professional relationships⁵.
In addition, the impact on the psychology of the person who wears these clothes is also important, as self-confidence and the feeling of comfort are enhanced. These favorable feelings may make all the difference when performance under pressure is needed in various important situations⁶.
Finally, the combination of the above creates a pleasant image for observers and positively affects their perception of the person. The acceptance and sympathy of those around you can prove decisive for professional success⁷. This is also confirmed by recent research that concludes that people who wear formal clothes are evaluated as more competent and reliable than their interlocutors⁸.
Jacques Hermes: Your choice for formal and casual wear
In this context, Jacques Hermes offers a refined collection of formal and casual wear, tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer ready-to-wear or tailored to your measurements, it combines quality with elegance to highlight your personal style. With exceptional attention to detail and the selection of the best materials, we guarantee that each piece will make you stand out in any occasion. Visit us today and discover the haute couture experience we offer.
Sources
- Turner, J. (2019). The Evolution of Formal Wear in European Courts. Journal of Historical Fashion Studies, 22(3), ch. 2.
- Evans, M. (2020). Black Tie: The Cultural Significance of Formal Evening Wear. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 18(1), ch. 4.
- Harper, S. (2021). Blue Tie Events: An Analysis of Modern Formal Dress Codes. Fashion and Society, 15(2), ch. 5.
- Johnson, K. (2023). The Role of Formal Wear in Modern Society. Journal of Social Fashion Studies, 12(4), ch. 3.
- Brown, A. (2023). Event-Specific Attire: A Sociological Perspective. Journal of Cultural Sociology, 15(2), ch. 2.
- Smith, J. (2023). The Psychology of Dress Codes. Journal of Social Fashion Studies, 22(1), ch. 5.
- Evans, M. (2023). The Impact of Attire on Professional Interactions. Journal of Business Etiquette, 18(3), ch. 6.
- Harper, S. (2023). Formal Wear and Social Perceptions. Fashion and Society, 17(1), ch. 4.