Elegance guide for the future groom for progress and beyond progress

Once the engagement thrill settles, the groom starts to plan what he will wear. Every event before the wedding needs clothes that show calm, polish and a bit of who he is. The engagement party, the bachelor party and the rehearsal dinner each give him a chance to wear a different look.

For a dressy engagement party, wear a black suit, a white shirt that stays pressed plus a tie that matches. If the event happens in daylight and feels easy, pick a light cotton sweater and pair it with trousers or clean dark jeans. To draw eyes, choose a suit in a loud color such as purple - that works best after dark.

At the bachelor party, you need to move but also stay cool. A cotton T-shirt and jeans with stretch let you bend, sit and dance. If the night ends at a low key restaurant with close friends, swap the tee for a neat sweatshirt as well as keep the dark trousers.

The rehearsal dinner gives the guests their first clear look at the wedding style. A black suit with a satin sheen or a dinner jacket trimmed in satin looks sharp and tells everyone the next day will be formal.

On the wedding day, all eyes rest on the groom. A black tuxedo never looks dated - you still get to pick the lapel shape, the cloth and the jacket length. Velvet tuxedos feel right for cold months. If the wedding sits outside or lands in summer heat, a white tuxedo stands out against the bride's gown - just check that the whites do not clash.

More grooms now add color to show who they are. Deep green or rich brown suits give a clear signature or still fit the wedding palette. For a barn or a shore, a linen suit in sand, dove or sky blue keeps you cool and looks right for the place.

Do not forget shoes and extras. Black leather shoes suit every formal moment, but pick a pair you walk in all day. Every piece you wear must fit the theme and, more vital, must feel like you. It is your day - wear what lets you stand tall also feel like yourself.