Clothing inspired by dinner suits were a major inspiration for women's fashion in 2008, so it doesn't really come as a surprise that the same fashion trend will be prevalent in menswear in 2008 and 2009.
Certainly not in a semi-formal way, unless the invite requires it. Instead the men's 2008/2009 tuxedo trend will take its cues from the death of the dress code: pairing traditionally formal elements of the dinner suit with fashion pieces. Trend research agency Promostyl got it right in their Men's Summer 2008 Trendbook when they featured dinner suit elements under both their Academic and Spectacle themes.
Avoid James Bond's peaked lapels
The key for guys is to really know which elements to pick from a dinner suit. The easiest are going to be the satin shawl, satin notched or peaked lapels, or the satin stripe on the trouser leg. Personally I'd avoid a peaked lapel and stick to the shawl or notched lapel, these are far easier to wear. I'd also avoid selecting the formal dinner shirt as an element, despite it being included in the women's incarnation of the trend.
And where to buy it?
Dinner suits are an absolute bugger to buy, mostly because off the rack suits tend to be made for an older gents figure so finding a slim cut is near to impossible. Keep an eye out, however, for the recommended elements being used by high-end designers; Dries Van Noten men's catwalk serves as a prime example. If you'd like to buy the full suit and mix and match elements as desired, look to Ralph Lauren's Black Label with its slim cut dinner suit perfect for a trim figure. But if you're after something really unique, look no further than your local vintage fashion store. Don't be too averse at making a good investment however. The right dinner suit is timeless, and this trend will be around for Autumn(Fall)-Winter 2008/2009 and Spring-Summer 2009.
