Morning dress for men: what to wear
A black or grey morning coat + striped grey trousers + waistcoat + tie.
Formal daytime weddings, Royal Ascot, royal events. Until 6 pm.
- When
- Daytime (until 6 pm)
- Tie
- Yes
- Jeans
- No
- Sneakers
- No
Three outfit ideas
The classic
A black morning coat, grey striped trousers, a dove-grey waistcoat, white shirt and silver tie.
All grey
An all-grey morning suit with a buff waistcoat and pale blue tie – lighter, more summery.
Ascot
A black morning coat, striped trousers, a top hat, a pocket square and black oxfords.
What to wear
- A single-button morning coat with curved tails
- Grey striped trousers
- A waistcoat (grey, buff or pale blue)
- A silk tie or cravat
Shoes
Black oxfords.
Accessories
A top hat (Ascot), a pocket square.
What to avoid
- A tuxedo by day
Colours
Pastels and light colours for women, grey and black for men.
In summer
In summer the waistcoat can be lighter; for women, linen-silk blends and a straw hat.
In winter
In winter men wear a darker coat and overcoat; women a wool suit and a felt hat.
Details that make the difference
- Jacket sleeves should show 1–1.5 cm of shirt cuff.
- Trousers without turn-ups and with a minimal break; for formal codes held up by braces, not a belt.
- Socks: black, fine and over the calf – no skin should show when you sit.
- Never fasten the bottom button of a jacket; a one-button dinner jacket is fastened when standing.
About morning dress
The most formal daytime dress: a morning coat for men, an elegant dress and hat for women. Morning dress began in 19th-century England as riding wear – the coat's front was cut away so it sat well in the saddle. Over time it became the most formal daytime dress, and it still is, especially at British weddings and Royal Ascot.
White tie for men
Black tailcoat + white piqué waistcoat + white bow tie + high-waisted trousers with two braid stripes.
Black tie for men
A black or midnight-blue tuxedo + white dress shirt + black bow tie + patent shoes.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Morning dress: is a tie required?
Yes – a tie or bow tie is required here.
02Morning dress: are jeans OK?
No – jeans are too casual for this code; choose tailored trousers.
03Morning dress: are sneakers OK?
No – choose leather shoes.
04Is morning dress worn outside the UK?
Rarely – mainly at very formal weddings and diplomatic events. Elsewhere a dark suit takes its place.