What does tenue de ville look like?
With a tenue de ville dress code, you wear a full men's suit. With it, you wear a white or light-coloured shirt, a tie and smart shoes. On these occasions, you wear classic colours, such as dark blue, grey or anthracite. Black makes the whole thing too formal again. If you want extra refinement, you may also add a stylish pocket square or a classic watch.
Which shoes do you wear with tenue de ville?
Under a tenue de ville outfit, you always wear formal shoes. Sneakers, boots or casual loafers therefore don't suit this dress code. Your choice of shoes must support the formal character of the outfit. Classic lace-up shoes such as Oxfords or Derbys are the safest choice. Black or dark brown leather looks the most stylish here. Make sure your shoes are neatly polished; that way you show you've paid attention to your appearance.
What isn’t allowed with tenue de ville?
Avoid anything that feels casual. Your outfit should be well-groomed with a calm and timeless look. Below are a few clear don'ts:
Is tenue de ville the same as business casual?
No. They do resemble each other, but they differ in formality and context. Tenue de ville is a formal daytime outfit, whereas business casual is a modern and relaxed interpretation of business attire.
Brands that match this dress code
