Dressing Deciphered

Men, it's time to think outside the mall when it comes to getting dressed.

Get over the Brooks Brothers mentality and the L.L. Bean shirts, and show some character! says Guy La Ferrera, master tailor and owner of the Guy La Ferrera men's clothing store in Boca Raton. You have freedom of choice today. Stop dressing like you're in prep school.

"Even when an event invite suggests a dress code, there's room to experiment," says La Ferrera, whose store has been an area staple since 1982. "Over the years, he's seen men's clothing and dress codes evolve, and he chatted with us about what black tie, cocktail attire and business casual mean today."

Black Tie: In the Rat Pack days, black tie meant a black tuxedo with a shawl collar, a notch collar or a peak lapel. And, while a classic tuxedo is always in style, there are other formal options. "Today, you see more men wearing fancy dinner jackets, meaning paisleys, all kinds of unique patterns, with materials that have some shine and texture," La Ferrera says. "Men have been experimenting with more colorful bowties or wearing a long tie as opposed to a bow tie, allowing a little bit of personality and individualism."

Cocktail Attire: This typically means a coat and tie, but, again, there's room for creativity. "It could be anything from a classic sport coat to a navy blazer, or it's an opportunity for you to wear a fun dinner jacket, perhaps without a satin lapel," he says. "Something that's festive and joyous." He adds that cocktail attire doesn't require a necktie. "I think the necktie has become an option, and wearing a beautiful, clean jacket, maybe with a pocket handkerchief, expressing elegance and civility, is more important."

Business Casual: La Ferrera says that business casual equates to dressing with a sense of stability and respect for the people you associate with in business. "Try a suit without a tie or a traditional sport coat with a sport shirt and a pocket square." He also reminds men that there are options beyond denim and dress pants, like cotton trousers. "Dress smart," he says. "Don't dress like you're going to Wall Street, and you walk into a steakhouse, and the whole room is a sea of dark gray, navy and black. It's depressing. Have some fun!"