Choosing what suit to wear to an occasion is a consistently evolving struggle for a man. For one, you’ve got to stay on top of your fashion game, as suit styles go out of fashion faster than you can make a trip to the tailor. Here are six different formal suit styles you need to have in your wardrobe and you’re sorted for the year.

Mandarin collar suits

Similar to mandarin collared shirts (though don’t combine these two unless you’re really confident about what you’re doing), mandarin collar suits would be at home at most formal occasions. You could confuse them with a Nehru-collared fit if you weren’t paying attention. Mandarin suits however, are usually more tightly wrapped around the torso, and make for a more formal and dapper look than the identifiably Nehru look of the former. 

Slim fit suits

While this isn’t as strict a definition as the other items on this list, as any type of suit could be tailored in a slim fit. Slim fit suits have managed to carve out a niche of their own in the modern day. Characterised by – you guessed it – a slim fit blazer and trousers, this one is your safe bet if you’ve got a lean frame.

Shawl lapel blazers

Identified by the uninterrupted finish of the collar as opposed to other types of lapels traditionally found on men’s suits, shawl lapel blazers can now finally be worn outside of a ballroom. Generally seen on tuxedos, these ones are strictly for parties/festive occasions, though we wouldn’t mind giving them a shot in professional night-time get togethers either. Just…don’t try these for important meetings.

Single breasted

A single-breasted suit is the traditional man’s suit, and the fact that it still exists even after years, possibly centuries, of men rocking this look to great effect is a testament to how well it works. Single breasted suits could be identified by a single set of buttons, usually two or three in number, and the two sides never overlap. It works for more semi-formal occasions  rather than out and out CEO-grade meetings.

Double breasted

Another style that has managed to remain timeless, a double-breasted suit consists of overlapping fabric and more, many more, buttons lining the sides. They’ve certainly not had as smooth a journey as the single breasted suit though, as we can all remember a time when they were looked upon as stuffy and boring. Not anymore, as they’re back in fashion and ready to be rocked at most parties you’d end up at this season.

Dinner jackets

If you’re really strapped for time and still want to dress up in something that effectively works for an evening party, you can’t go wrong with dinner jackets. Characterised by the colour black, a bow tie, shorter and slimmer fits and a shawl-styled lapel (though that’s not necessary), dinner jackets remain a tried and tested method of impressing pretty much anyone.