The Suit. The Shirt. The Tie.

Formal situations call for a very specific dress mode, and are broken up into several categories.  Each category has a typical set of garments that are worn.

White Tie Affairs-White tie affairs call for the classic tail coat, formal shirt, and white cotton pique vest and bow tie, black patent slippers are typically worn with white tie garments.  They are considered the most formal of formal affairs, and are probably the most occasionally used.

Black Tie Affairs- Are the more typical of formal affairs.  These include black tie dinners, opera and theater engagements, etc.  Usually worn with lace up patent shoes, black bow tie and cummerbund (or vest), and shorter coats of very specific styling.  Many weddings are black tie affairs as well.

Morning Dress- Classic English formalwear; consisting of a morning or cutaway jacket and specific morning or heavily striped trousers. Classically morning dress is worn with black oxford shoes and a grey top hat and gloves.

• Cummerbunds are only worn with bow ties, and if so remember to have studs ready for your shirt.
• Regular neckties are appropriate to wear with formalwear, if paired with a vest. 
• Regular neckties are made in a plethora of formalwear colors, so it they can be paired with a plethora of formalwear accessories.
• Patent shoes are always the most appropriate footwear to wear with a black or white tie garment.
• The three most classic formalwear coat styles are the double breasted coat, the one button coat with a peak lapel, or the one button shawl collar.