Traditionally, this is the formal ensemble to wear for a wedding occurring before 3pm (hence the name), comprising dress trousers, a white shirt, double-breasted waistcoat and morning coat. Of course, modern style screams for a bespoke approach even to traditional tailoring, so personalise by playing with prints (tie, socks, waistcoat, jacket lining), patterns (pinstripes, checks, polka dots, herringbone), textures (silk waistcoat, dried flower buttonhole) and colour (blue/grey/brown suit, colourful cravat/pocket square, bright waistcoat). Alternatively, stick to the dress code and pair with a top hat and cane to complete the formalities, or relax the look entirely with a coloured shirt or designer silk scarf. Nod to vintage wear by substituting a tailcoat for a ‘Peaky Blinders’ knee-length frock coat with flat cap and skinny tie and prepare to set your fiancé’s heart aflutter.

 

The sharp combination of all-black (silk-lapelled) dinner jacket, tapered dress trousers and bow tie (with braces, black socks and white pleated dress shirt) remains as debonair as ever, allowing grooms to channel their James Bond alter ego while remaining perennially on trend. Add a waistcoat or cummerbund for extra formality or pick a more pared-back ensemble by donning the bare essentials (with or without a bow tie). This is one look where you can’t mess with the original format too much, so splice in some personality via the minutiae such as varying the tone to a midnight blue (or brown or grey – so long as the trouser colour is the same) or sporting an eye-catching – though not too blingy – pair of cufflinks, designer shiny Oxford shoes, turtleneck instead of a shirt, coloured bow tie, or a luxe velvet jacket.

 

 

This is one of the most popular outfits and includes a two-button (single or double-breasted, two or three-piece) suit, tie and Oxford shoes. Experiment with your lapels, tie thickness, shirt and suit colours, and fabrics – texture such as tweed is de rigueur – to create a fabulously bespoke outfit, which can be made even more ‘you’ with those all-important accessories such as pocket square, boutonniere, braces, cufflinks and shoes.

 

Torre

 

 

Celebrate the season of rebirth with lighter fabrics and tones, layering them to ensure you’re warm and comfortable while showcasing a look loaded with en vogue interest. Think steel blue, fresh sage and pebble grey suits peppered with floral prints or accents in your tie, waistcoat, shirt or even jacket. 

 

 

Now is the perfect time for cream and sandy shades, sweet pastels and festival brights. Plump for cooler cottons, linen and breathable silk blends a la ‘elevated loungewear’ for your suit material. Up the panache with bold and jazzy prints (botanical, pop art, or ocean-inspired), colour blocking, co-ords and snazzy sneakers.

 

 

Tweed, corduroy and flannel are winning materials for autumn, while warm and rich berry tones like burgundy and burnt orange (today’s most statement tux) or earthy shades of ochre and rustic browns work wonderfully as seasonal colour schemes. Dress head-to-toe in these opulent tones or pick a feature item such as your jacket and infuse additional style with the extras such as a paisley print tie, dried flower buttonhole, velvet bow tie or check waistcoat. Slip on a pair of luxe loafers for laid-back style.

 

 

This time of year gives grooms the opportunity to indulge in a heady dose of luxury. Think heavier, feel-me fabrics such as tweed, wool and velvet in brooding tones of deep midnight blues, dark ferns and slate greys. Throw in some pattern via the neckwear or waistcoat, or a knit as an alternative, with a pinch of plaid, herringbone or a unique print. Mash your materials and motifs for an eclectic ensemble or focus on a textured feature or two for a more subtle edge.

 

 

words Hannah May