There are two elements you should be looking at in your evening suits or tuxedo as it has commonly become known. Firstly a single breasted dinner jacket with either grosgrain or satin covered lapels is accepted as the standard in this mode of dress; although if you are have a broad build, the double breasted style of jacket is also acceptable.

Whichever style of jacket you choose; the traditional style has a ventless back and will usually sport either a shawl or peak lapel. The jacket for an evening suit is available in black or midnight blue and largely speaking these are the only two colours you will see in an evening suit for such an event.

Since the dinner jacket is normally of a short length, a common feature is to have satin in the outer seams of the trousers in a formal evening suit. With outer seams that match the material the lapel is made from, these trousers also do not feature belt loops. This is due to the traditional combination of a cummerbund and braces which were an essential elements of a black tie suit. Of course the cummerbund is no longer considered an essential element of the dinner suit - after all James Bond has become synonymous with this look and he doesn't wear one; if man currently considered the last word in style doesn't need one neither do you.

The correct dress shirt is also an essential part of the overall look of a dinner suit as it sets off the dinner jacket perfectly. The perfect dress shirt for such an occasion should sport a wing tip collar as this collar is designed with the bow tie in mind. A dress shirt replaces buttons with shirt studs, and has a pleated bosom. The wearer can stipulate what material the studs are made from and should match their cuff links accordingly, completing the look of the evening suit.

Getting the accessories right for your dinner suit is imperative at these events so having silk socks to match the colour of your suit and a white handkerchief in your top pocket. A bow tie no matter what the colour should always be silk and you should always black leather shoes to truly look the part.