WONDERING WHAT WINTER WEDDING OUTFIT TO WEAR?

Like any wedding you’re invited to, a winter wedding is a great excuse to pull out your finest. But it’s also a chance to lean into all the best bits of winter wedding outfits when it comes to menswear. Think thicker fabrics, after-dark dressing, stylish men’s boots and a really great winter coat.

HIRE A SUIT FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

Wearing a suit can make you feel great, especially for special occasions where the photos will last long after the event’s over. While owning a suit is a valuable investment, there are some occasions where hiring a suit can be a better choice. 

Wondering when it makes sense to hire a suit rather than buy one? Here are some of the most popular special occasions to hire a suit rather than buy one.

Weddings

Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman or a guest, hiring a suit can help you look and feel great, without ending up with an outfit you won’t wear again. From classic black-tie affairs to relaxed outdoor weddings, hiring a suit gives you a variety of options to match the wedding theme, all while making you feel confident and ready to enjoy the special day. If you’re the man of the moment, here’s some more info on hiring a suit for your wedding.

Prom and graduation

Prom and graduation are both milestone events in a young person’s life – it’s a time to dress up and have a night you’ll always remember. Hiring a suit for prom or graduation means you can pick the right suit for you and your personal style, without having to break the bank. Stand out from the crowd on prom night in a black tux, or choose a pink or blue flannel suit that complements your prom date’s outfit. Graduating? Be proud of your photos with a great-fitting two-piece under your gown.

Corporate events

For professional events, gala dinners or award ceremonies, you’ll need to step into something special. Hiring a suit will make sure you make the right impression in a business or formal setting. With hire, it’s easy to elevate your style without the commitment of a permanent wardrobe addition – great if you don’t need to wear one every day but still want to look good for work-related events.

Race days

Race days are a date for the fashion calendar, where you can go all out and really dress up – you’ll definitely be seen and spotted in plenty of photos. Suit hire for the races just makes sense, you get to wear something stylish and fashion-forward without the commitment or cost. What’s not to like?

Special celebrations and parties

If you’re heading to a formal party or celebration, you’ll want to wear something smart. From milestone birthdays to anniversary celebrations, wearing a suit will help you feel more comfortable and confident at a formal event (and means you end up with great photos).

Hiring a suit means that you can choose a suit that works for you for this one-off event. No more having to wear the same suit for every single occasion to make the most of it, and no more having to splash out on a brand new suit for different dress codes. For most of us, formal events such as the ones above don’t happen very often, so hiring rather than buying a suit can work out as a more sensible option.

Thinking about hiring a suit for your next special event? Here’s everything you need to know about suit hire at Moss.

It’s time to step into the spotlight

Gareth Scourfield is contributor to GQ, Esquire and Gentleman’s Journal, stylist to high-profile clients like Ben Whishaw and Daniel Craig – and our guest editor for AW23. Here he reports on the evolution of the black tie dress code and gives his tips on how to embrace a little black-tie bravery yourself.

Getting invited to a formal event with a black tie dress code can be overwhelming. The classic black tuxedo, white shirt and bowtie combination might feel safe but can often feel a little restrictive too. However, as any recent red-carpet event or award ceremony will testify, lots of men are now being more daring and creative with their evening looks. And you can too: with a little thought and creativity, you can step up your look to embrace the spotlight this black-tie season, while still looking elegant for the occasion.

SHOP BLACK TIE

 

 

The evolution of men’s eveningwear outfits

Look over any number of recent red-carpet events and you’ll see men have been pushing the boundaries of eveningwear with unique design details and daring choices. No longer confined to the classic black suit, they are experimenting with different colours, textures, and patterns that reflect their individuality. Rich-coloured velvet blazers and midnight blue textured tuxedos offer up a bolder alternative to the traditional black tuxedo.

The design influences of 1970s evening wear, which first filtered down from the designer runway shows a few seasons ago, continue to make an impression on the traditional tuxedo suit – wider lapels, more generous proportions, fuller bow ties and louche silk shirts, often unbuttoned, have Saturday Night Fever all over them. Popular colours of the ‘70s such as dark browns and creams along with pale blue and pink ruffle-front dress shirts are also having their moment at glittering events.

This shift towards more confident dressing can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, society is becoming more accepting of diverse expressions of masculinity. Us men are no longer limited by outdated notions of what is considered ‘appropriate’ or ‘masculine’. Secondly, there is an increasing emphasis on self-expression in today’s culture. We’re realising that our wardrobe choices can be an extension of our personality. With so many more options now available, we all have the freedom to curate our own black-tie looks that truly reflect who we are.

 

 

step up to the black-tie dress code

Over the last decade, I’ve witnessed first-hand this subtle shift in black tie dressing with the celebrity clients I style for red carpet events. The expanding choices in men’s evening wear has allowed me to introduce new interpretations of the traditional black tuxedo, bringing out more of the individual’s personal style and taste. It can be very nuanced, with only subtle changes such as switching from a black patent lace-up to a velvet slipper, adding a piece of jewellery or choosing a velvet jacket or textured jacket rather than the traditional black tuxedo.

The sophistication that comes with donning a well-tailored tuxedo is unmatched. It’s not just about the garment itself, but also the confidence it instills in the wearer. Achieving that perfect fit and selecting garments with elegant proportions are key factors in creating your impeccable look, as are the tuxedo’s design details like satin lapels and pipe-seam trousers. Every element should be carefully curated to enhance the overall aesthetic – small details like making sure your bowtie is properly tied and your shoes are well-polished can be the difference between appearing polished and leaving a positive impression versus falling short on it.

Beyond the glamour, black tie dressing teaches us an important lesson – that confidence comes from within. When a man feels comfortable and stylish in his outfit, it comes through in his demeanour and interactions. It reminds us that dressing well is not just about impressing others, but also about feeling our best selves.

 

 

6 tips for the perfect black tie outfit

1. 1. FIT: Make sure the tuxedo and trousers are tailored to your body shape. Jackets should fit neatly across the shoulders and chest. Bulging biceps and pulled lapels are not a good look. Sleeve length should stop short to show about half an inch of shirt cuff. Trouser length should have a small break, meaning very little fabric around the hem and ankles.
   2. FOOTWEAR: Patent leather shoes, either lace-up or loafer. A velvet shoe or slipper is an elegant alternative. Your scruffy work shoes won’t cut it.
   3. SHIRTS: should always be well pressed. A dress shirt should always have a bibbed front, either narrow pleats or a textured Marcella bib front. I’d replace buttons with black or silver shirt studs, but if you find studs too fiddly, your buttons should be either mother of pearl of hidden completely with a placket front.
   4. TIES: Can’t tie your own tie? I get it, life’s too short, but it’s a life skill you can show off about. Be generous with your silk or velvet bow tie. Puff out the fabric a bit so it appears you have tied it yourself.
   5. ACCESSORIES: Resist comedy accessories. Cufflinks should be smart and classic in silver or gold with the option for mother of pearl or black onyx decoration. A colourful precious stone can elevate a white cuff. Socks should remain dark – a plain black or navy or go for a subtle texture in knitted silk or cotton.
   6. PROPORTIONS: Know your proportions. Taller men look elegant in a double-breasted jacket. Narrow shoulders? Go for a wider lapel, as it gives the illusion of broader shoulders. Stockier frames suit single-button jackets, drawing the eye downwards with a peak or shawl collar lapel. Keep trousers tailored with side adjusters on the waistband for a smoother line. Always consider the outside seam – a flat grosgrain silk panel is more obvious, a silk piped seam more discreet. The trouser hems should just be kissing the top of your shoes, with a small break or clean line. NEVER have your evening trousers puddling over your footwear. It just looks sloppy.

 

SHOP BLACK TIE

 

HEADGEAR TO KEEP YOU WARM AND COSY THIS SEASON

Hats are more than just an afterthought – they have the ability to pull a look together, elevate an outfit or make a solid statement. As the weather starts to cool, now is the perfect time to update your accessories collection and pick up some winter staples.

A woolly beanie may keep you cosy, but sometimes the occasion calls for something a bit different. Here are our picks of the newest autumn winter drops that will have you hanging up your favourite knitted cap for the season.