Let’s start with the bag, eh? Plus, how a shorter man with larger feet can avoid “clown shoes”. And why you can’t really avoid wearing a tuxedo to a black-tie event – and nor should you want to.

Sometimes we ask a question in the hope of receiving a particular answer. “Does anyone want this last slice of cake?” for example, or “Would you like to leave or remain in the European Union?” But we don’t always get the response we’d like…

The aim of this column is always to give straight answers to your style queries. This week, we try to prevent two readers from looking like clowns – one because he has unusually big feet; the other because he’s tempted to flout the formal rules of black tie. Plus, we offer some tightly packed advice on what to take on an around-the-world trip.

Keep your questions coming via Instagram or email them direct to dan.rookwood@mrporter.com, then check back in next Friday for three direct answers.

I’m going on a six-month around the world trip. I’ll be travelling to different climates and will obviously have to add more items to my luggage depending on where I’ll be. But how do I initially pack light? And which bag or suitcase would you recommend? My first destination has a tropical climate.

From Mr Carel Chicara, via email

First, let’s decide on the luggage – then you’ll know how much stuff you can pack. You want something robust, easy to spot on a baggage carousel and, most importantly, something with wheels. (When I went “backpacking” around the world aged 21, I scarcely ever put the pack on my back and wished I had made life a lot less hernia-inducing for myself by taking a case I could roll, as my smug travel companion did. Also, suitcases are a lot less faff to pack and repack.)

With this in mind, I’d suggest this large, brightly coloured suitcase from Eastpak, which is made from lightweight foam and durable canvas. Sure, it’s not as pretty as the similarly sized aluminum one from Rimowa, but it’s much more practical and 2.2kg lighter – which will make all the difference when you’re nearing the weight limit, as no-one likes being forced to hastily repack at the check in desk. It’s also considerably lighter on the pocket.

Take a backpack as carry on to leave you hands-free when sightseeing or trekking. My first pick would be this highly durable backpack from Patagonia – a brand universally trusted by intrepid travellers.

Pro tip: flat pack an empty holdall like this one also from Patagonia which folds into its own pocket. You’ll need it for the souvenirs you inevitably pick up en route.

Then in terms of what to pack, think light layers that you can roll tightly and that won’t crease horribly. Three base layers worn together will be even warmer than one chunky piece, will take up a fraction of the room, and give you exponentially more outfit permutations.

Stick to a neutral colour palette – eg, blues, greys, white, olive green – so that everything goes with everything. Check out performance labels such as Patagonia (again) and Arc’teryx as well as flight-friendly brands such as Derek Rose, James Perse and Oliver Spencer Loungewear.

Prioritise lightweight comfort – thin cotton, jersey, merino, breathable shell. Aside from the obvious T-shirts, shorts and hoodies, I always pack an Arc’teryx Veilence suit jacket and trousers everywhere I go. You can scrunch the suit up and it never creases, it takes up no room and it’s made temperature regulating fabric. To learn how to pack everything as efficiently as possible, watch this and this (and maybe even this).

Final word: be absolutely ruthless and pare down to the bare minimum – especially when it comes to heavier items like shoes. Don’t cram the case, leave a bit of space. Remember that whatever you take, you will be lugging around for months, packing and repacking. You can always pick up anything you really need as you go. (We deliver to 170 countries, just so you know.)

I am a relatively shorter fellow with big feet. I love boots and high-top sneakers, but I stay away from them in fear of looking like I am wearing clown shoes. What are some tips to selecting sneakers/boots that complement my body?

From Mr Lusenii Kromah, via email

In order to help answer this question, I sought the expert opinion of MR PORTER’s Style Director, Mr Olie Arnold, a man’s whose job it is to dress people in a way that most flatters their body shape.

“Firstly, opt for a boot with a round toe, rather than anything pointed, and go for one that has a detail on the toe – such as broguing, or a toe cap,” he says. Such detailing helps to visually “break up” the line of the shoe which stops it looking too elongated. Try these Grenson brogues or these pebble-grain boots from O'Keeffe.

“Or, pick a boot that has laces that extend towards the toe, such as these hiking boots or these monkey boots,” he continues.

“As for sneakers, look for ones that are sleeker and not chunky.” Classic Chuck Taylor high-tops are perfect. “Choose a darker colour that doesn't draw unwanted attention to your feet.”

Slim-fit and skinny trousers will accentuate the size of your feet so wide leg trousers, which cover some of the shoe, are a good option. Fortunately these are back on trend right now. Try these from Pop Trading Company or these from Craig Green.

I am attending a formal black-tie wedding in late November. However, I have recently graduated university and therefore don’t have a big budget for an elegant tux. Is a black suit and bow tie appropriate? It is quite a posh crowd.

From Mr Mason Nowak, via email

Mr Nowak, you want me to tell you to relax, it’s fine, you can get away with bending the rules here. But I cannot in all good conscience do so. The rules of black tie are pretty black and white.

I once failed to read the dress code on a well-to-do wedding invitation and turned up in a regular suit and tie when every other man present had got the morning suit memo. I’ve rarely felt so uncomfortable. Trust me, in a “posh” crowd, you don’t want to be that guy. The withering looks will ruin your night.

Wearing a bow tie with a black suit is arguably worse than wearing a neck tie. It demonstrates that you are trying to wing it. If you insist on wearing a suit, have the honesty to wear a black neck tie with it. This is Mr Tom Ford’s go-to uniform, as he explains here.

However, my strong advice here is to dig deep (or borrow some money off your father) and get yourself kitted out. First of all, it’s what the happy couple have asked you to wear, and they’re paying for your dinner and drinks.

But moreover, every man should have a tuxedo in his wardrobe for special occasions. Occasions when commemorative photos are taken. Consider it an investment purchase. Buy a classic style and it will never date – so as long as you stay in shape, you’ll get good wear out of it over the next decade. Do the maths: if you’ve recently left university then you can expect to go to at least 20 weddings over the next 10 years as your social circle pairs off. A good proportion of those are likely to be black tie. Plus, there will be assorted dinners and balls and proms and landmark birthdays.

You should find this recent explainer on the rules of black tie helpful. In short, opt for a black peak-lapel tuxedo with grosgrain facing and matching trousers worn with a bib front double cuff tuxedo shirt (no wing collars), a self-tie black bow tie, and highly polished black leather shoes.

A decent tux isn’t cheap but this one from Hackett and this one from Ralph Lauren both represent solid value for money.

Do you agree? The answer I am hoping for is: I do.