Formal wear, formal dress or evening dress is probably the oldest Western wear code category available for the most formal events, including weddings, christenings, memorials, confirmations, concerts, balls, and state dinners. It is important that the men in the family follow this code of dress, as it is very much expected from them. It is not only for grown-ups, but also for teenagers and children who are about to enter into high school and college. This is because most Western clothing styles emphasize form and function together, and formal wear dresses and suits are an integral part of every person’s wardrobe. Formal wear are not only available for men, but also for women, however they are slightly dressier than attire for men.
The term formal wear means a full outfit that is worn to formal occasions. This could be a suit jacket, trousers and shoes, or just a shirt and blouse. Formal wear is generally worn for social or business affairs, while informal wear is usually worn for occasions that are less formal. Formal wear are generally accompanied by tuxedos, while informal wear are without tuxedos. Tuxedo attire are mostly worn on black tie occasions like weddings, graduations, corporate gatherings and grand openings, while casual day wear outfits are mostly paired with jeans and a t-shirt.
The traditional formal wear attire includes three types of items; the dinner jacket, the evening gown and the waistcoat. The dinner jacket is a tuxedo, while the evening gown is a long-sleeved or full length gown that usually has a sash and is closed by a cuffs made of cuff links. The waistcoat is a sleeveless or crewnecks shirt that is usually belted. The classic formal wear etiquette for ladies would include a white dinner jacket with a thin silk tie, a white or red evening gown, a gold necklace and a golden or pearl earring set. For men, they would traditionally wear a dark blue or gray jacket with a tie, a black or brown woolen jacket and a leather waistcoat.