Let me save you some embarrassment. If the invite says ‘black tie’, that is what you must wear. No dressing it up with a novelty bow tie or waistcoat. If you want to add some colour, try a midnight blue tux: more flattering against pale winter skin. My choice would be Gieves & Hawkes. For less formal festivities, try a velvet jacket in black or navy (burgundy and bottle green, above, are also acceptable) from Zara (£79.99), worn with slim-fit cords in the same colour palette and a plain white round-neck T-shirt. Add velvet slipper loafers if you’re feeling brave. Daring, not boring.
