How to get the black-tie or wedding dress code right this season.

Mr Dean Martin said it turned him from a nobody to a star. Mr Kurt Vonnegut wondered aloud if he only got party invites because he had one. Mr Tom Ford claims to be so comfortable in his, he wears it in the daytime.

You may not have as much need for a tuxedo as these men of note. It takes moving in a certain type of social circle, after all. But, whatever your relationship with black tie, it should play an important role in your formal wardrobe. This means avoiding the temptation to rent a tuxedo when the need arises. Invest in a well-made suit with a classic fit and not only will you look and feel better on your big night, you could save money in the long run.

The origins of the tuxedo lie with royalty; its earliest incarnation recorded in the 1860s when the Prince of Wales placed an order with Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co for a blue silk smoking jacket and matching trousers. The simple combination of wool jacket and black trousers with a satin or silk black stripe down the side of each leg proved a menswear hit. But the tuxedo has evolved since. You may know it as the increasingly popular dress code for company dinners or your friend’s wedding reception. It is likely on your mind as a high-value piece worth investing in. And while the look might be effortless, there are some things you should know before you take the plunge. Here, we’ve chosen three distinctive styles to guide you.

Salle Privée Black Gaspar Slim-Fit Satin-Trimmed Wool and Mohair-Blend Tuxedo

This classic tuxedo illustrates precisely why the style has endured. The Salle Privée suit from Italian mill Vitale Barberis Canonico is a lightweight blend of wool and mohair; perfect to ease you through the long stretch from aperitifs to after-dinner revelries. Most importantly, it should last a lifetime. It’s an example of timeless design, too. You should opt for a traditional peak lapel like this to accentuate the V shape of the body, which creates a sleek, slim silhouette. The alternative, the oblong shaped shawl lapel, is a little less forgiving. But whichever you choose, time-honoured finishes of silk lapels and trims add some sophistication.

Prada Navy Slim-Fit Silk Satin-Trimmed Wool and Mohair-Blend Tuxedo

Tradition is all well and good, but how to stand out in a room of black and white suits? The answer lies in a little colour differentiation. This slim navy Prada is a perfect way to bend the black-tie rules of engagement to suit your individual requirements. The colour boldness is tempered by classic tuxedo traits like the trousers’ traditional black side trim. A similar hue, midnight blue, is also a popular alternative to black. Or simply change up the texture of your bowtie to add a touch of refined flair.

Hackett Black Satin-Trimmed Wool and Mohair-Blend Tuxedo

This Hackett two-piece suit is a sharp, suave rendering of the traditional tuxedo. The jacket is a single-button slim fit, a cooler option for summer weddings than the double-breasted suit (which, if you do try, should be buttoned up throughout proceedings). Get the foundation layer right in a formal white double-cuff shirt with a turn-down collar (wing collars are strictly white-tie events). Pair with patent leather shoes or evening slippers – no brogues, please – for a classic twist on your ultra-modern tuxedo.