Dress Code Guide · Daytime Formal

Tenue de Ville for Men

The Complete Guide to Tenue de Ville: From Dress Code Explanation to Seasonal Advice and Personal Guidance at OGÉR

Selected for Tenue de Ville

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Pak van wol | FULL_WIDTH | MODEL | L.Grijs
Wool suit
SALE -25%
in store only
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58

Wool suit

Corneliani

Wool suit
1.423,50 1.898,-
Overhemd van katoen | MODEL | Wit
Cotton shirt
Bestseller
37
38
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45

Cotton shirt

OGÉR

Cotton shirt
128,-
Pak van wol, zijde en linnen (loro piana-stof)| FULL_WIDTH | MODEL | L.Blauw
Suit of wool, silk and linen
SALE -25%
in store only
46
48
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58

Suit of wool, silk and linen

OGÉR

Suit of wool, silk and linen
973,50 1.298,-
Slim-fit twill overhemd | MODEL | FULL_WIDTH | L.Blauw
Slim-fit twill shirt
Bestseller
37
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Slim-fit twill shirt

OGÉR

Slim-fit twill shirt
128,-
Pak van wol | FULL_WIDTH | MODEL | L.Grijs
Wool suit
SALE -25%
in store only
46
48
50
52
54
56
58

Wool suit

Corneliani

Wool suit
1.423,50 1.898,-
What is tenue de ville?

City wear: formal daytime

"Tenue de ville" literally means "city attire" and refers to a neat, elegant daytime outfit that feels chic without the formality of an evening suit. The dress code is precisely between smart casual and cocktail attire.

Where smart casual gives you the freedom to combine a blazer with chinos, tenue de ville requires a full suit with a shirt. While cocktail attire is an evening dress code, tenue de ville is distinctly a daytime dress code: for daytime weddings, receptions, and official ceremonies.

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The suit

Color, cut, and fabric

Navy and grey are the most accepted choices for tenue de ville. Beige and taupe are excellent summer choices. Black is traditionally avoided: it is too formal for a daytime dress code. A subtle pinstripe or fine check pattern is permitted as long as it is understated.

In autumn and winter, opt for a heavier wool fabric. In spring and summer, a lightweight wool or wool-linen blend is the right choice: fabrics that breathe and drape well on a warm day.

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Frequently asked question
Is a tie mandatory for Tenue de Ville
For formal occasions such as a wedding or official ceremony, a tie is highly recommended and, in most cases, the norm. For a less formal reception or business lunch, an open collar with the top button closed is acceptable. The rule of thumb: when in doubt, wear a tie. A silk tie in a subdued colour is never out of place with a smart casual dress code.
Shirt & accessories

Wit, verfijnd en intentioneel

With a tenue de ville suit, wear a white or light-coloured shirt. White is always correct; light blue or subtly striped are equally appropriate. A white linen pocket square adds sophistication. A discreet watch is the only other accessory that suits this dress code.

At OGÉR, we carry shirts from our own labels OGÉR and Fray, crafted from fine Egyptian cotton.

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Shoes

Leather, polished, and fitting

For tenue de ville, you wear smart leather shoes in black or dark brown. An Oxford or Derby in smooth leather is the most correct choice. A brogue is equally appropriate and adds a character to the outfit that suits a daytime occasion well.

Loafers in suede or smooth leather are acceptable for less formal interpretations, especially during the summer months. Sneakers, boots, and casual shoes do not belong with tenue de ville.

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What are you not wearing

The rules that matter

Jeans, chinos or casual trousers are not appropriate for tenue de ville, not even in combination with a nice sports jacket. Striking colours, busy prints or an overly informal shirt break the line of the dress code. Sneakers, open shoes or boots are not part of it. On the other hand, overdoing it in the wrong direction is also a pitfall: a tuxedo or formal evening suit is too much. The key rule: well-groomed, understated and intentional.

when
Formal and semi-formal daytime occasions
Mandatory
Full suit in navy, grey, beige or taupe
tie
Mandatory for formal occasions, always wear if in doubt
Frequently Asked Questions

For a formal wedding or official ceremony, a tie is highly recommended. For a less formal reception, an open collar is acceptable. When in doubt: wear a tie. A silk tie in a subdued color is never over the top.

Tenue de ville is a daytime dress code for formal daytime occasions. Cocktail attire is an evening dress code with a more festive character, from five or six o'clock onwards. Similar in terms of suit, but cocktail attire allows for a slightly more evening look.

Traditionally, black is avoided: it's too formal for a daytime dress code. Navy blue, grey, beige, and taupe are the correct choices. A very dark blue suit can push the boundaries at an evening wedding with a 'tenue de ville' dress code.

In summer, opt for lighter colours and airy fabrics: light grey, beige or taupe in a lightweight wool or wool-linen blend. Navy blue remains appropriate, but choose a lighter, breathable fabric.

Smart casual is more informal: a blazer with chinos is sufficient, and a tie is not expected. Tenue de ville requires a full suit, a neat shirt, and in most cases, a tie. Anyone wearing smart casual to a tenue de ville occasion will be considered underdressed.

personal advice

make an appointment with one of our custom specialists

From the first fitting to the final touches. We will guide you in assembling your tenue de ville outfit at one of our branches.

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