When you receive an invite that states ‘black tie optional’, know that it is not, in fact, optional. Weddings, parties, even work events are jumping on the bandwagon to smarten things up and yet, it’s a dress code that can cause even the most level-headed of men to shun the invitation before considering it. Before you fall into that camp, know that a tuxedo has the ability to transform you into the most stylish man on earth in one fell swoop. Here’s how:

Serious style aficionados might argue that the traditional tuxedo is hard to beat and while they could be right, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ve taken the easy road.

Fit is everything: if you’re struggling to find something that fits you perfectly, almost any dry cleaner will alter it for you for a relatively small cost. Trust us, if the fit is wrong, there’s very little point in wearing it. The shirt is as important as the jacket, and nothing other than a traditional dress shirt will do. Neck ties are fine, but bow ties are better. Footwear is essential to get right, and bad shoes are the easiest way to ruin a great outfit. Stick to black, make sure they’re in decent condition and always remember to polish them before a big night out.

If you’re keen to stand out from the crowd, dip into the world of colour: deep blues, reds and purples are a particularly suave take on the classic black. Confidence is imperative; believe that you’ve made a brilliant choice, and never go back on that decision. An unconfident man makes for an uncomfortable one. Keep it novelty free by pairing the jacket with black trousers rather than trying to colour match, and leave the rest of the outfit as muted as possible. If you’re feeling bold, add a flicker of the same colour into your bow tie, but everything else should simply remain black and white.

Go one step further by delving into patterns and textures, both of which are an fantastic way to break style boundaries because if you can’t experiment during the festive season – when can you?

If you’re new to the game, it’s probably best to take the subtle approach than go instantly outlandish. Quiet paisley patterns are the perfect starting point, no matter what colour you’re wearing. Emulate some of the best-dressed men in the world and pick sumptuous velvet for an instantly luxurious finish. Round it off by matching the tone of your bow tie to that of your jacket and prepare to turn heads.