Dinner somewhere good, cocktails, a show or a birthday. You don't need a suit; you need darker colours, better fabrics and one sharp piece on top.
What to wear, piece by piece
- Jacket
- A blazer in navy, charcoal or black, or a textured jacket in wool or velvet for winter. In summer, a smart knit can do the job on its own.
- Top
- A shirt, or a fine roll neck under the jacket. Darker shades look more evening-ready than daytime pastels.
- Trousers
- Dark wool trousers, or dark, smart jeans with no fading.
- Shoes
- Leather shoes, loafers or boots. Polish them; low lighting still catches scuffs.
- Extras
- A good watch, a belt to match your shoes, and a coat that looks smart over the jacket if it's cold.
What to avoid
- Gym trainers and sportswear.
- Faded or ripped denim.
- Daytime pieces like hoodies or shorts, even on a warm night.
Two ways to wear it
Keep it classic
Navy blazer, white shirt open at the collar, charcoal wool trousers and black leather loafers.
Push it a little
Dark green or burgundy velvet jacket, black roll neck, black trousers and black Chelsea boots. Bold in texture, quiet in colour.
Quick questions
Jeans or trousers?
Either, if the jeans are dark and smart. For a dressier restaurant or the theatre, trousers are the safer pick.
Do I need a tie?
Rarely. A smart evening is usually tie-optional, and an open collar or roll neck looks more relaxed.
What if it's cold?
Add a dark overcoat or a smart wool coat that closes over your blazer. Avoid technical outdoor jackets over evening clothes.