45
(3) Black tie / semiformal dress: tuxedo, smoking jacket, dinner jacket,
dinner suit, or dinner coat
The above are the norm for black-tie (semiformal) formal evening events.
Jackets are typically black, featuring lapels faced with black satin. White
jackets may also be suitable for formal summertime evening events.
Trousers should be black with a silk braid covering the seam. White dress
shirts with a piqué or pleated front should be worn. As for accessories,
black bowties, black socks, and black patent leather shoes should be chosen
(see figure 23).
2. General attire
(1) Suit, business attire, or lounge suit
This type of clothing is proper for official work-related occasions, such as
paying a visit or attending a conference. Men should wear white or light-
colored shirts, together with a necktie, black or dark shoes, and black or
dark socks. The jacket and trousers should be the same color, preferably a
dark color, and made from the same material. Men may wear a light-
colored suit in the summer or during the day, but a dark suit is more
appropriate for a formal banquet.
Note: When wearing a single-breasted suit, never button the bottom button,
whether it has two or three buttons. You may unbutton the jacket when
sitting down, but button it up after standing up. As for a double-breasted
suit, the bottom button may be buttoned or left unfastened. However, never
unbutton the other buttons when sitting down. When wearing a three-piece
suit, leave the bottom button of the waistcoat unbuttoned. On formal
occasions, you should never remove a suit jacket or tie or wear a short-
sleeved shirt under the jacket. Suspenders, if worn, should not be visible.
A necktie should have an elegant color and pattern, and be the same width
as the jacket collar and long enough to reach the belt. The suit jacket
pockets are for decoration only and should be empty, with pocket covers
kept outside of the pockets. The color of the shoes, socks, and suit jacket
must complement one another. For instance, dark shoes and socks should
be worn with a dark suit jacket. Red, yellow, white, or other light-colored
socks should not be worn with dark shoes.
Note: On formal occasions, either a Western suit or national costume may
be worn.