City Dress Code

A dress code often worn at parties and weddings that take place during the day is the Tenue de Ville. What is Tenue de Ville? This is a dress code for neat but subtle clothing that you mainly wear 

worn during the day but nowadays also common in the evening at weddings. This dress code is also called city clothing, because ‘Tenue de Ville’ literally means “city attire.” When you dress according to the associated etiquette, you are guaranteed to look neat but not overly fancy. This dress code originates from the time when fashion was increasingly worn on the street. As a result, Tenue de Ville is one of the oldest (and most disputed) dress codes. The “most disputed” part refers to the fact that there are no really strict etiquette rules for this dress code. Nevertheless, there are still a number of aspects you must definitely consider when putting together an outfit that must comply with this dress code. GENTS discusses these do’s and don’ts in detail below! If you put together a city clothing outfit for example for a wedding, in other words, it must be a subtle touch have. Striking patterns, flashy accessories absolutely do not belong. Besides bright colors, black is also not customary to wear. So what should you wear that is also in line with the Tenue de Ville etiquette? 

Full suit or stylish combination

First the basics: what kind of suit What do you wear for the Tenue de Ville dress code? In principle, you have two options. You can choose a full suit. HIt is classically customary in the Tenue de Ville etiquette to wear a suit in one color. Calm, solid colors are the most traditional. Choose material suitable for the season, for example a linen-look suit in summer.

Don't want to appear in a classic suit? Then you can choose to put together a neat combination yourself. When you go for this modern option, it is important to select the right items. Otherwise, you break the Tenue de Ville etiquette. Wear a neat pair of trousers that matches well with the shirt and blazer you selected. The trousers do not have to be the same color or shade as the rest. However, be careful not to make it too flashy, as that is definitely not appreciated. Keep it subtle instead. Example of a combination outfit with Tenue de Ville dress code: in the past, a light beige pair of trousers under a dark blue blazer was very common. 

Colors and patterns

As you may have noticed, colors and patterns (or the lack thereof) are crucial in the Tenue de Ville etiquette. Originally, dark, solid colors were the best option for this dress code. Think of navy blue and dark gray. Meanwhile, the options in terms of color have expanded with modern-chic shades. This means you can now also wear light gray, beige, or cobalt blue. However, black is taboo for the Tenue de Ville dress code. Pastel or earth tones are always a safe choice. Additionally, it is important that the color of the shirt is always lighter than the suit or costume.

Tip from GENTS: go for dark colors if you participate in a very formal event. 

Furthermore, there is the option to wear a print. Officially, according to the Tenue de Ville etiquette, it is not excluded to wear patterns or prints. Nevertheless, we at GENTS advise you not to overdo it. A subtle stripe or calm check is allowed, but it should not be too prominent. Want to be sure you don't miss the mark with a Tenue de Ville dress code? Be wise and keep it reasonable basic.

Tenue de Ville etiquette accessories

By now you probably realize that the Tenue de Ville dress code mainly stands for neatness and not too fancy. This etiquette certainly also applies to the accompanying accessories. We discuss the accessories from top to bottom. This dress code nowadays does not necessarily have to be worn with a tie. Of course, the tie that match the colors of your suit. In addition, a nuanced pattern or motif is allowed. The same rule applies here as for patterns in general according to the Tenue de Ville etiquette: don't overdo it. 

Another accessory that is important within the Tenue de Ville etiquette? The shoes. What exactly do you wear under a Tenue de Ville outfit? GENTS recommends going for brogue leather shoes. These are neat men's shoes made of genuine leather with subtle perforations that form a pattern. Smooth leather shoes are also perfectly fine to wear. The preference is definitely for shoes with laces. Which color shoes you wear depends on the color of your belt. According to the Tenue de Ville etiquette, the shoes must be matched with the belt. To complete your outfit, you also wear an inconspicuous pair of socks on.