There’s something undeniably special about dressing up. Whether it’s a black-tie wedding, a company holiday party, or an intimate dinner that calls for something a bit more thoughtful, formalwear invites us to slow down and choose pieces with intention. It’s not just about what you wear - it’s about how you feel when you walk into the room.
At Brackish, we believe formalwear should feel polished but never stiff, classic but never predictable. It should reflect who you are while honoring the occasion at hand. With the social calendar filling quickly - weddings, galas, benefit dinners, cocktail parties, and seasonal celebrations - now is the perfect time to revisit the art of dressing well.
Consider this your go-to guide for navigating formalwear with confidence, ease, and a touch of personality, all through the lens of Brackish craftsmanship.
Understanding Formal Dress Codes (Without Overthinking It)
Dress codes can feel intimidating, but once you understand the basics, they become a helpful framework rather than a set of rigid rules. The key is knowing how to elevate your look appropriately while leaving room for personal expression - something Brackish is known for.
Below, we break down the most common formal and semi-formal dress codes and share how to style each with handcrafted Brackish accessories.
Black Tie: Classic, Elevated, and Timeless
When an invitation reads black tie, tradition reigns supreme - but that doesn’t mean your look has to feel expected.
Black tie attire typically calls for:
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A tuxedo or formal dinner jacket
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A crisp white dress shirt
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A black bow tie
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Polished shoes and refined accessories
At its core, black tie is about restraint and refinement. Clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and thoughtful details make all the difference.
The Bow Tie: Your Foundation Piece
Traditionally, black tie means a black bow tie - and for good reason. It’s timeless, elegant, and always appropriate.
Two standout options:
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The Rice Bow Tie – A Brackish classic, beloved for its texture and versatility
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The Slate Bow Tie – Sleek, understated, and quietly confident
Both offer a subtle layer of craftsmanship that elevates a tuxedo without overpowering it.
Finishing Touches That Matter
Accessories are where black tie truly comes together. Adding cufflinks and tux studs instantly refines your look, signaling attention to detail. For those who want to lean into tradition while still standing out, a cummerbund is an unexpected yet incredibly polished choice.
A Brackish cummerbund adds dimension and depth, grounding the look while introducing artisanal character. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t shout - but it certainly gets noticed.
Style Tip: Keep the palette cohesive. Black tie is not the moment for experimentation in color, but texture and craftsmanship are always welcome.
Black Tie Optional: Where Personality Shines
Black tie optional gives you a little more breathing room - and it’s where Brackish truly excels.
Here, a tuxedo is still welcome, but a dark suit paired with elevated accessories is equally appropriate. This is your opportunity to express subtle individuality while maintaining formality.
Consider:
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A dark navy or charcoal suit
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A conversation starter bow tie
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A thoughtfully chosen pocket square
A Pocket Square, adds just enough distinction to set your look apart while remaining entirely appropriate for the occasion.
Before 5 O’Clock: Polished, Not Overdone
Events that begin earlier in the day - think luncheons, daytime weddings, or corporate receptions - call for a lighter, more relaxed approach to formalwear.
This is where restraint meets ease.
How to Dress for Daytime Formal Events
Before 5 p.m., the mood is typically brighter and less formal than evening affairs. You’ll want to look pulled together, but not overly ceremonial.
Brackish favorites for daytime events include:
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The Succession Tie Clip – A refined way to anchor your look without overwhelming it
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Plum Thicket Pins – Perfect for jackets, lapels, or even hats
These accessories bring texture and interest without leaning too formal. They’re subtle, tasteful, and endlessly versatile.
Style Tip: Lighter fabrics, softer tailoring, and neutral palettes work beautifully during the day. Let your accessories do the quiet talking.
Afternoon & Early Evening: Elevated Casual Done Right
There’s a sweet spot between formal and casual - and it’s often where the most memorable looks live.
Afternoon dinners, cocktail gatherings, and relaxed celebrations allow you to step away from strict dress codes and lean into creativity, comfort, and personal style.
Pocket Squares: Small Detail, Big Impact
A silk pocket square is one of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit. Whether folded crisply or styled with a soft puff, it adds dimension and polish without effort.
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Chippingham Silk Pocket Square: for your pop of color
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San Salvador Silk Pocket Square: for formal occasion
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Hermitage Silk Pocket Square: for a suit for any color
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Mast Silk Pocket Square: for a conversation starter
Brackish silk pocket squares pair beautifully with both tailored jackets and relaxed blazers, offering a nod to tradition with a modern sensibility.
Belts That Pull It All Together
Never underestimate the power of a great belt. Brackish’s feathered belts are designed to ground your look while adding artisanal texture.
Two standout options:
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Cypress Shadow Belt – Ideal for those who appreciate a statement buckle
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Trippin Tipsey Belt – An everyday essential that transitions seamlessly from day to night
These pieces strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
Why Accessories Matter More Than Ever
In a world of fast fashion, accessories are where true craftsmanship shines. A thoughtfully chosen bow tie, pin, or pocket square doesn’t just complete an outfit - it tells a story.
Every Brackish piece is handcrafted in Charleston, South Carolina, by skilled artisans who understand that the smallest details often make the biggest impact. From sustainably sourced feathers to carefully considered silhouettes, each accessory is designed to feel personal, purposeful, and timeless.
Dressing with Confidence (and Intention)
The most important element of formalwear isn’t the dress code - it’s confidence. When you choose pieces that feel authentic to you, it shows.
Whether you’re stepping into a black-tie ballroom, attending a daytime celebration, or heading to an early evening gathering, Brackish accessories allow you to meet the moment with ease and individuality.
Because formalwear shouldn’t feel intimidating. It should feel like an invitation - to celebrate, to gather, and to show up as your most polished self.
Final Thought
Formal dressing is less about rules and more about respect - for the occasion, for the craftsmanship behind what you wear, and for your own personal style. With Brackish, every detail is intentional, every piece handcrafted, and every look elevated just enough.
Consider this your reminder: when in doubt, choose quality, choose craftsmanship, and choose pieces that tell a story worth wearing.
