Mastering formal dress codes presents unique challenges when you possess an oval body shape. The key lies in understanding how to use proportion, structure, and precise tailoring to create a refined silhouette that commands respect and projects authority.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover exactly how to dress for every formal occasion, with specific recommendations that enhance your natural features whilst adhering to traditional dress codes.
White Tie
White tie represents the pinnacle of formal dress, demanding absolute precision in every detail. A bespoke tailcoat from Henry Poole & Co or Huntsman must sit perfectly at your natural waist, with the front edges cutting sharply away to elongate your torso.
The trousers demand high-rise construction with forward-facing double stripes in pure silk grosgrain, creating an elongating effect. Savile Row stalwarts ensure proper rise and precise fit through the seat and thigh.
Commission a Marcella cotton dress shirt from Turnbull & Asser or Emma Willis with a detachable wing collar measuring exactly 2.5 inches in height to balance your facial features. Mother-of-pearl studs from Benson & Clegg add understated refinement.
A white Marcella waistcoat from Favourbrook must sit absolutely horizontal at your waist, with three studs visible above. Patent leather Oxford evening pumps from John Lobb complete the ensemble with quiet authority.
Black Tie
A single-breasted dinner jacket from Gieves & Hawkes crafted in midnight blue barathea wool creates a more flattering silhouette than traditional black. Peak lapels in grosgrain silk draw the eye upward and outward, whilst proper waist suppression provides subtle definition.
Select trousers with a single row of braiding and no cuffs, cut to kiss the shoe without breaking. Side adjusters eliminate the need for a cummerbund, creating a cleaner line through your midsection.
A Marcella cotton evening shirt from Budd Shirtmakers requires a moderately spread collar and pleated bib, paired with a hand-tied black silk bow tie from Drake’s that matches your lapel width precisely.
Opera pumps in patent leather from Edward Green or velvet Albert slippers from Bowhill & Elliott provide sophisticated footwear options, whilst a simple white linen pocket square from Simonnot-Godard adds the final refined touch.
Morning Dress
A black morning coat from Welsh & Jefferies demands absolute precision in cut, with the skirts following your body’s lines without clinging. Light padding in the shoulders creates structure without appearing aggressive.
Grey cashmere striped trousers from Oliver Brown require forward-facing stripes and a moderate rise, complemented by black Oxford shoes from Crockett & Jones with a refined round toe.
A cream double-breasted waistcoat in wool provides structure and formality, whilst its points sit precisely at your waistband. A light blue hairline stripe shirt from Frank Foster features a moderate spread collar to balance your proportions.
A black silk top hat from Lock & Co Hatters and a silver chronograph from Patek Philippe complete the ensemble with timeless sophistication.
Business Formal
A navy single-breasted suit from Anderson & Sheppard requires full canvas construction in 13-ounce worsted wool from Dugdale Bros & Co. The jacket features subtle waist suppression and light shoulder padding to create a strong frame.
Flat-front trousers from Cerrato sit at your natural waist with a 11-inch rise, complemented by black Oxford shoes from Gaziano & Girling in premium calf leather.
A spread collar shirt in white Sea Island cotton from Charvet provides the perfect foundation, paired with a burgundy grenadine silk tie from E.G. Cappelli and a white linen pocket square.
A slim dress watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre measuring 38mm provides sophistication without overwhelming your wrist.
Cocktail Attire
A dark grey single-breasted jacket from Cesare Attolini in textured wool creates visual interest whilst maintaining formality. The soft Neapolitan shoulder complements your natural silhouette.
Charcoal wool trousers from Marco Cerrato feature extended tab waist closure and a moderate taper, while burgundy Oxford shoes from Saint Crispin’s add subtle flair.
A light blue Bengal stripe shirt from Finamore 1925 works harmoniously with a navy and silver geometric silk tie from Bryceland’s, creating depth without overwhelming your frame.
A vintage steel Cartier Tank watch and cream linen pocket square from Rubinacci complete the sophisticated ensemble.
Black Tie Optional
A charcoal single-breasted suit from Ring Jacket provides versatility through impeccable Japanese tailoring. The subtle herringbone pattern adds depth without drawing attention to your midsection.
The matching trousers feature a moderate rise and clean lines, complemented by black cap-toe Oxfords from Vass in museum calf leather.
A white poplin shirt from G. Inglese features a spread collar and double cuffs, paired with either a black silk grenadine tie from Drake’s or a black silk bow tie for maximum versatility.
Sterling silver cufflinks from Deakin & Francis and a white linen pocket square complete the refined appearance.
Semi-Formal
A dark brown suit from Orazio Luciano in Super 130s wool provides sophisticated versatility. The Neapolitan cut creates a relaxed yet refined silhouette perfect for evening events.
The trousers maintain a clean line through proper rise and subtle taper, while suede Oxford shoes from Crockett & Jones add textural interest.
An ecru twill shirt from Ascot Chang features a moderate spread collar, complemented by a bronze ancient madder silk tie from Cappelli and coordinating pocket square.
A rose gold dress watch from A. Lange & Söhne adds warmth to the ensemble.
Business Casual
A navy blazer from The Armoury by Ring Jacket in wool hopsack creates structure without formality. Natural shoulders and minimal lining ensure comfort without sacrificing sophistication.
Medium grey tropical wool trousers from Rota feature a clean front and precise fit, while suede loafers from Edward Green in dark oak provide refined casualness.
A light blue Oxford cloth button-down shirt from Mercer & Sons establishes the perfect balance of casual refinement, complemented by an ancient madder silk pocket square from Drake’s.
A steel sports watch from Rolex adds subtle luxury whilst maintaining the business casual aesthetic.
The Art of Formal Refinement
Each dress code presents unique opportunities to create balanced, sophisticated ensembles that work harmoniously with your oval body shape.
By following these precise recommendations, you ensure every appearance projects quiet confidence, innate style understanding, and impeccable attention to detail.
Style Like a True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!