Town uniform
The "Tenue de Ville" dress code has a different meaning today than it once did. Originally, the term originated in France and referred to chic city attire. While people once wore "Tenue de Ville" daily, it's now primarily seen as a dress code for special occasions, such as weddings or formal dinners.
A good rule of thumb: the more formal the event, the darker the outfit. Think blue, dark gray, or black. Always remember that the focus should be on the host and hostess. Men's "Tenue de Ville" means an outfit that is neat, refined, and appropriate. Flashy accessories, bright colors, or overly bold details are not part of this dress code.
The development of Tenue de Ville
The Tenue de Ville dress code is essentially chic and formal. While it used to be almost exclusively dark tones, we now see more modern variations. For example, a Tenue de Ville outfit might consist of a lighter blue or gray suit, sometimes even with a subtle pattern.
Despite these modern interpretations, some rules remain essential. The most important principle: the outfit must form a cohesive whole. This means that a dark suit should always be paired with a lighter shirt. The belt and shoes should also be perfectly coordinated with each other and with the suit. This creates a polished and elegant look that remains true to the rules of Tenue de Ville for men.
Townwear tips for men
1
TYPE OF SUIT
At Tenue de Ville, it's all about a stylish suit that perfectly suits the occasion. Ideally, choose a suit that fits perfectly and looks elegant. A tailored suit not only emphasizes your personal style but also provides the refined look this dress code demands.
2
COLOUR
3
shirt
A Tenue de Ville shirt is a lighter color than the suit. Choose a classic white shirt or a subtle pastel shade that elegantly contrasts with the dark fabric of your suit. Avoid busy prints: the strength of Tenue de Ville menswear lies in its simplicity and refinement.
4
SHOES
Complete your Tenue de Ville outfit with smart men's shoes. Opt for classic dress shoes: a low lace-up shoe or a refined buckle shoe made of high-quality leather, preferably with a leather sole. These shoes emphasize the formal look of the suit and provide a timeless, elegant finishing touch.
5
DETAILS
The strength of Tenue de Ville lies in the details. Choose a tie that complements the color of your suit and shirt: subtle and elegant, never flashy. A pocket square can add extra refinement, but keep it tone-on-tone or opt for a subtle nuance. Make sure the leather belt perfectly matches your shoes. Keep jewelry minimal: a classic watch and cufflinks will suffice. This way, your look remains polished, stylish, and balanced.
6
ADVICE
At Tenue de Ville, less is always more. Keep your outfit subtle and understated, so the focus is on the occasion and the host or hostess. It's better to dress a little too basic than too flashy with creative flourishes. With a well-chosen suit , a smart shirt, and the right details, you'll naturally exude style and refinement.
Men's Clothing Tips
Tenue de Ville stands for smart daytime attire. For men, this essentially means a tailored suit, neat and elegant. Mixing and matching and subtly experimenting with garments is allowed, but never stray too far from the classic rules. The more subtle and understated your attire, the better the outfit will fit this dress code.
Dark, solid-color suits like navy blue, charcoal gray, or black are considered traditional and are always a safe bet. Looking for a more modern interpretation? Then consider lighter shades like blue or gray. These shades create a modern-chic look while remaining stylish and consistent with the men's Tenue de Ville etiquette.
view our collection of suits
View all
Color and patterns
In the past, the color brown was frowned upon in this dress code, but it is now permitted. Stripes on a suit are allowed, provided they are subtle. Polka dots, bold patterns, or figures, on the other hand, are an absolute no-go. A men's Tenue de Ville outfit should not be flashy, but rather understated and stylish. A suit can be either a two-piece or a three-piece, with a waistcoat optional.
Shirt and tie
A suit always requires a lighter-colored shirt than the suit. A tie or bow tie is also mandatory. The tie is the eye-catching element of the outfit and a perfect way to subtly emphasize personal taste. Make sure the tie complements the suit's colors; a small pattern is acceptable, but bold stripes or busy prints are not compatible with the Tenue de Ville dress code.
