Jeremy Hackett - The Mr Classic Blog

One of the biggest decisions you can make with formal attire is whether to buy it ‘off the rail’ or take the leap into the world of bespoke tailoring. There are convincing and plentiful arguments for both, so I shan’t get bogged down in the intricacies of the argument at this time.

Instead, look at things from a logical viewpoint: if you rarely wear a tuxedo and you are a regular size then it possibly isn't worth having one made.

On the other hand, having something made is not only going to fit better but it is likely to last longer, and as you would wear a tuxedo for special occasions you might as well look the best you can.

The cream or white dinner jacket is a tricky item to negotiate. Somehow, it doesn’t seem quite so formal as the standard black or navy, and it brings with it a whole host of sartorial issues that you simply don’t get with the darker jacket.

This all begs the question; when is it appropriate to wear one? I have a book at home that states you should only wear a cream dinner jacket when on a cruise, and even then only after you have reached Port Said.

However, that book was written in 1936, so perhaps you should take it with a pinch of salt.

I think generally, at an outdoor event in the summer would be the perfect time to wear a lighter dinner jacket.