Daytime Events: Why Not a Tuxedo, and What to Wear Instead

The tuxedo is evening wear, so for a daytime event choose a suit or, at formal ceremonies, morning dress. It is not that a tuxedo is less formal; its conventions are tied to dinner and artificial light. A tuxedo in the middle of a sunny morning usually makes the wearer seem out of step with the setting and sometimes with the people around him.

The tuxedo belongs to the evening

By the traditional Anglo-American convention, black tie is for events that begin after about six in the evening. The reasons are both historical and practical. The tuxedo began as a dinner garment, more relaxed than the tailcoat of the previous generation, and it belongs to occasions under lamplight. Glossy satin lapels, braided trousers and patent shoes were designed to shine in artificial light; in sunshine they tend to glare and look overdone. The article on why a tuxedo is worn after six in the evening goes further into the reasons.

A convention is not a legal rule. In Vietnam, many grooms choose a tuxedo for a wedding held at noon or in the afternoon, and that is an accepted custom because the groom is the central figure of a special day. But for guests or conference attendees the principle is still worth respecting.

Daytime alternatives

There are three levels that replace the tuxedo by day, from everyday to ceremonial:

1. The two-piece suit (lounge suit): navy, charcoal or light grey, a white or pale blue shirt and a tie. This is the most common choice for nearly every business event. The article on what a lounge suit is sets out the variations.
2. A light-coloured suit: silver grey, beige or pale blue suit the daytime, especially where it is sunny and hot, as in Saigon. Fine wool or a wool and linen blend is more comfortable.
3. Morning dress: a grey or black morning coat, striped grey trousers, waistcoat, tie or ascot. This is the most formal Western daytime dress, used at grand English-style weddings, the Ascot race meeting and royal ceremonies. It is rarely seen in Vietnam; read more in tuxedo and morning coat.

The men's áo dài is also an entirely sensible choice for many ceremonial daytime events.

Common daytime events

• Inaugurations, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings: a navy or charcoal suit, a tie in the brand colour. If you stand on the podium, wear a shade slightly darker than others to stand out with restraint.
• Conferences, seminars, forums: a suit or a blazer combination depending on the invitation; tie as specified.
• Morning and lunchtime weddings: guests wear light suits or áo dài; the groom may choose a formal suit, or a tuxedo if the event extends into the evening.
• Graduation or award ceremonies held by day: a dark suit, white shirt and tie.
• Tea receptions, shop openings: a light suit, or a suit with no tie, depending on the mood.

If an invitation uses unfamiliar wording, check the meanings on our dress code page.

Quick guide by occasion

Occasion	Typical time	What to wear
Inauguration, ribbon cutting	Morning	Navy or charcoal suit, tie
Conference, forum	All day	Suit or blazer, as invited
Morning or noon wedding (guest)	Midday	Light suit or áo dài
Morning or noon wedding (groom)	Midday	Formal suit; tuxedo if the party runs into the evening
Ceremonial English-style event	Daytime	Morning dress
Gala, dinner	After six in the evening	Tuxedo, if the card says black tie

A quick rule to remember: if the sun is high and artificial light is not yet needed, choose a suit. If the event stretches from afternoon into evening and the main ceremony happens after dark, a tuxedo is already reasonable.

When to ask your tailor

If you attend an event that runs from afternoon into evening, or must change from a daytime ceremony to a dinner on the same day, ask your tailor about two different outfits rather than one that has to play both roles. Book a fitting at a showroom and a consultant can help you sort out each occasion.