Formal wear is an essential part of dressing for special occasions, but navigating the different styles, fabrics, and expectations can be daunting. Whether you're attending a black-tie wedding, gala, or corporate event, wearing the right outfit ensures you feel confident and look impeccable. Knowing when to choose a tuxedo over a dinner jacket, or selecting the perfect accessory, makes all the difference in mastering the art of formalwear.
At Tom James, we specialize in creating custom event wear tailored to your needs. From tuxedos and dinner jackets to elegant evening gowns and women’s tuxedos, every piece is crafted with precision and personalized to fit your unique style. Our expert clothiers guide you through each step, helping you choose the ideal fabrics, cuts, and finishing touches to suit the occasion and elevate your confidence. With Tom James, you won’t just show up, you’ll make a lasting impression.
Men’s Tuxedos
A well-tailored tuxedo is the pinnacle of formalwear, perfect for black-tie events, weddings, and galas. With Tom James’ custom options, you can personalize every element, from lapel styles to fabric choices, ensuring your tuxedo reflects your unique style and personality.
Depending on the formality of your event and your personal style, you will have many different options to choose from when crafting your tuxedo, and our expert clothiers are here to guide you through the process, ensuring your tuxedo is suited for the occasion.
Tuxedo Coat Styles
Single-Button Tuxedo Coat: A formalwear classic that exudes timeless elegance and simplicity.
Double-Button Tuxedo Coat: Slightly less formal, offering versatility for events that call for both polish and comfort.
Double-Breasted Tuxedo Coat: A bold and sophisticated choice for those who want to stand out.
Tuxedo Lapel Styles
Peak Lapel: A distinguished, traditional lapel ideal for formal and black-tie events.
Shawl Lapel: A continuous curve from the collar to the waist, often associated with more stylish social events.
Notch Lapel: A more versatile option for semi-formal occasions that still require elegance without the full formality of a peak or shawl lapel.
All tuxedo coats feature satin or grosgrain lapels, along with braiding on the outer seams of the trousers. Satin offers a sleek, shiny look, while grosgrain adds a textured finish for a subtler, refined appearance.
Tuxedo Shirt Styles
Tuxedo shirts come in a range of styles, from traditional to modern, each adding a different nuance to the ensemble.
Wing-Tip Collar: Ideal for white-tie events, featuring winged points designed to accommodate a bow tie.
Point Collar: A timeless, classic collar suitable for most formal events.
Spread Collar: A modern collar that adds a sophisticated touch to the overall outfit.
Tuxedo shirts are available with pleated fronts or pique bibs for classic looks, or with plain fronts for a more contemporary feel. All tuxedo shirts feature French cuffs and can be styled with stud sets or a fly front, with concealed buttons, for a polished finish.
Men’s Dinner Jackets 
Dinner jackets offer a unique twist on formalwear, typically constructed from luxurious fabrics such as jacquard, velvet, silk, or mohair. These jackets are perfect for special events where you want to make a statement. Like tuxedo coats, they feature satin or grosgrain lapels and can be paired with tuxedo shirts and pants.
Popular Colors and Fabrics
Black: A classic and timeless color appropriate for any formal event.
Ivory: Ideal for summer events, offering elegance with a lighter tone.
Midnight blue: A sophisticated alternative to black, providing subtle distinction.
Explore the luxurious Holland & Sherry Black Tie collection or the Holland & Sherry Masquerade collection with your clothier for premium fabric options. For the ultimate bespoke experience, ask about our Oxxford Clothes formalwear.
Men’s Formal Wear Accessories
The proper accessories can instantly elevate any look, these small details make a big difference, elevating your outfit to match the level of formality required by the event.
Stud Sets: Add elegance with decorative buttons placed on the shirt front.
Cummerbunds: A sash worn around the waist, providing a smooth transition between the shirt and pants while adding a refined touch.
Get a Free Wardrobe Consultation
If you are wondering if our service is a good fit, our clothiers would be happy to talk with you and evaluate your current and future wardrobe needs.
We serve busy, successful professionals by meeting them in their homes or offices, on the go, or wherever Is convenient.
Women’s Formal Wear
Tom James offers custom formalwear for women, including tuxedos, dinner jackets, and formal dresses. Our women’s options combine sophistication and style with personalization, ensuring you look stunning and feel comfortable.
Women’s Tuxedos & Dinner Jackets
Women’s tuxedos and dinner jackets are available with satin or grosgrain trim and a choice of lapel styles, including peak, shawl, and notch lapels, or double-breasted designs.
Pair them with matching tuxedo pants, which come with slim or wide-leg options. Dinner jackets are available in luxurious fabrics such as sateen, velvet, and jacquard, creating a striking look for formal events.
Women’s Formal Dresses
Our custom formal dresses come in short or long lengths, with options for satin or grosgrain trim. You can personalize your neckline with styles like round, V-neck, or square neck to suit your taste. These dresses are perfect for events that require elegance, such as weddings, galas, and award ceremonies.
Ask your Tom James clothier for guidance on the best women’s custom formal ensembles to complement your taste and lifestyle.
Elevate your formalwear with Tom James
Understanding the different styles, fabrics, and accessories of formalwear is key to dressing confidently for any event. At Tom James, we offer a wide range of custom formalwear for men and women, ensuring you find the perfect ensemble for every occasion.
Our expert clothiers guide you through every step, from selecting luxurious fabrics to choosing the perfect accessories, so you can create a look that reflects your personal style.
Schedule an appointment with a Tom James clothier today and take advantage of our bespoke formalwear offerings, ensuring you look and feel your best for every special event.