A man models the Percival Boxy Cropped Pocket Overshirt in navy, styled over a shirt and tie with jeans and a baseball cap.

Awards & Formal Events Style Guide

It’s getting to that time of year… When we spend days on end camped out by the letterbox, refreshing our email inbox, waiting with bated breath for that invite to the Oscars informing us we’ve been nominated for best supporting role for your part in convincing the boss that you and the rest of your department had an early night the previous evening, and were not, in fact, brutally murdering Don’t Look Back In Anger at a dive bar karaoke after eight pints of Papa Guinness and five Baby Guinnesses (a feat you like to call ‘The Family Affair’).

For real, though, formal events and awards ceremonies are coming up, so what should you wear?

What to wear to an awards ceremony?

Awards ceremonies are fancy. No two ways about it—they just are. And whether you’re Kendrick Lamar, Chris Evans, or Gav the Coach & Horses Players’ Player of the Season, there’s a solid chance you’re going to be front and centre at some point, so you’re going to want to be looking your best. Let us give you a few suggestions.

Classic black tie attire

Listen, it’s classic for a reason. Classic never fades. If in doubt, classic black tie is your failsafe. Classic White Poplin Shirt, Tailored Linen Black Trousers, and Tailored Linen Black Blazer with a black tie. Easy. Next.

Tailored suits

Tailored suits are ideal awards ceremony attire, and you won’t find a better tailored suit than this Forest Wool Tailored Blazer with matching Tailored Trousers. Pair with an open shirt or Knitted Polo for a slightly more casual look, or a buttoned up shirt and tie if you want to keep it properly smart.

Men's formal trousers

Trousers are often disregarded as just… trousers. Foolish behaviour. Trousers maketh the man, probably. Find the trousers that work for you. You’ve got super-smart Pleated Trousers (pair with a Knitted Polo or a Linen Shirt for a nice mix of textures). You’ve got Tailored Linen Trousers that go with just about anything. Tailored Seersucker Trousers for proper comfort and style. Explore the trouser, intrepid wanderer.

Men's casual formal fashion

Right, so, remember earlier when we said awards ceremonies are fancy and there’s no two ways about it? We were just playing. Sometimes it might be a little bit more relaxed. Like, still formal, but not a proper black tie situation. Here’s some inspiration for just such a situation.

Polo Shirts

We’ll be banging this drum until the inevitable and merciful heat death of the universe—Knitted Polos are always appropriate. You’ve seen them at awards ceremonies before, actually: The Rock, Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Andrew Garfield, The Brahma Bull etc. etc. etc.

We named The Rock three times there because he’s massive and we never ever want the smacketh down to be layeth upon us.

Pair a Knitted Polo like this Alfie Knitted Polo with a Linen Suit and whether or not you win the award you’ve been nominated for, you’ll still be the people’s champ.

Overshirts

Overshirts don’t usually scream formality, but, as part of the right outfit, they might whisper it. This Navy Wool Overshirt will pair beautifully with a decent pair of trousers and smart shoes.

Best Fabrics for formal events

Certain fabrics lend themselves more readily to formal events than others. Although, it all depends how they’re used—a woolen jumper is a shocking idea, but a wool suit is perfect. As long as you know what you’re doing, you can make use of any fabric at a formal event, but one fabric rules above all others, generally speaking.

Cotton

Cotton is king for formal events. It keeps its shape better than linen and seersucker, as well as being less prone to creasing. It’s lighter than wool and more versatile to boot. You can’t go wrong with cotton in a formal setting.

Accessories for awards night

Anyone can master the basics, but it is the accessories that are going to set you apart. Remember when Andrew Garfield put those reading glasses on, looked straight down the lens of the camera, and telepathically impregnated 45% of the female population of the Western world? Take note, son. Get a permanent marker and take big, detailed notes.

Formal shoes to elevate your look

No point putting together a lovely formal outfit and then sucking the gumption out of it by sticking a pair of knackered old astros on your hooves. Get some smart shoes, kid. Here, try some Solovair Hi-Shine Gibsons, or some Tassel Loafers.