One day, "It" will happen, by which I mean sudden and unexpected news that you want to celebrate. In such cases, you…

One day, "It" will happen, by which I mean sudden and unexpected news that you want to celebrate. In such cases, you will want the right outfit. 🧵

What do I mean by "It?" I mean that joyous moments are not always something you can plan for. Perhaps you received a pay raise or got accepted at a waitlisted school. Perhaps a loved one is now cancer-free. Such moments can be sudden and unexpected — and you want to be prepared.

Of course, you can always celebrate in the same clothes you wear to bed. But IMO, this diminishes the moment. Thus, it's nice to special outfits for "It," even if you don't wear them all the time. It's similar to toasting a special glass of champagne and drinking water.

So what are the options for men? If you receive "the news" in the evening — or plan on celebrating that evening — then the most obvious choice is a dinner suit (aka tuxedo). Such outfits can be relatively affordable nowadays through Spier & Mackay.

Of course, you will also need the right accoutrements: a formal shirt with a pleated front, fly front, or pique bib; studs and cufflinks (if the shirt is designed to be worn with studs); a cummerbund or formal waistcoat; and proper shoes (e.g., opera pumps, patent oxfords).

In such instances, I think you can wear black tie to places that don't call for black tie, such as an upscale bar or restaurant. But if such attire feels too formal for you, consider a mohair-wool or sleek dark double-breasted suit. These will feel similarly special.

Harrison's of Edinburgh, my favorite cloth merchant, sells a linen-wool blend in their "Isca" book. This fabric has a subtle sheen that's hard to capture in photos or videos, but is unmistakably special in-person. It's great for evening occasions. IG be_spokenbyjihae

I think special occasions call for neckwear, but if those feel foreign to you, consider a knit. In the spring/ summer months, this can be a long-sleeve polo (Proper Cloth makes great ones in a cotton-Tencel blend). For winter, try William Lockie or John Smedley's turtlenecks.

If you're celebrating during the morning or afternoon, then you'll want a cheerier suit. The options are endless: cream linen, olive cotton, traditional or tonal seersucker, or just a normal worsted suit in a non-business color, such as brown.

Such things can once again be dressed down with a colorful, patterned shirt or a dark button-up. If you're shy about suits, then a sport coat will give you the same flattering effects of traditional tailoring, but without the stiff formality. Start with a navy sport coat.

If these styles feel too traditional or formal to you, we can bring it down another notch. In the winter, perhaps this can be expressed through a beautifully tailored topcoat; in the summer, perhaps it's cotton bomber.

Brands such as Stoffa, Lemaire, and Auralee are very good at making technically casual pieces that feel dressier and more special without going fully into traditional tailoring. Consider a pair of flowy trousers with one of their lightweight jackets.

Tonal dressing can be an easy way to make a casual outfit feel more sophisticated and special. Choose one color and then get all of your contrast through sheen, texture, pattern, and material. Black leather will reflect light differently than black cotton or wool.

The point is not to push you in any one aesthetic direction, but simply to encourage you to have one special outfit for when "It" happens. A good outfit will elevate your mood and help you mark the occasion. Celebrating in a t-shirt is fine — but a nice outfit is better.