Ong Chin Huat takes a look on how 10 dapper men best wore their outfits during past Malaysia Tatler balls, offering his keen fashion know-how to bring you styling tips for the upcoming 2017 ball. Ong used to be the social editor of Hong Kong Tatler and now continues to contribute to the media scene as a writer, stylist and TV host.
Tatler Asia
Above Ju Nn Phang and Aaron Tey

He looks super smart with just the right accessories, in his case a pocket watch which adds the necessary je ne sais quoi. The boutonnière is the right size and colour to add a little pizzazz to his dinner jacket while his velvet pumps, although not traditional, works well with his entire look. (Maybe his hair could be a little more classical in style – a side parted wet look would be nicer!)

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Above SM Nasarudin and Marion Caunter

Traditionalists may say nay, but a white dinner jacket in the tropics looks smart and relaxed just like this one does. The single-breasted peak lapel shows he is very fashion-forward when it comes to his sartorial sense. His shirt however, should be either pleated or made with Piqué or Marcella material (a stiff dimpled shirt fabric) to give this outfit a more formal air.

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Above Alessandro Macri

This black tie interpretation is a nice twist on traditional men’s evening wear. It is fashionable without losing the formality of the occasion. The scooped waistcoat adds the extra oomph while the shiny dinner jacket in burgundy lends it an air of formality. Wearing a black tie instead of a bow tie might ruffle the well-groomed feathers of menswear experts but because his entire look is trendy and the rest of his outfit is immaculate, he gets away with it. The only thing such a formal occasion calls for are men’s evening slippers in velvet, satin pumps or patent leather formal shoes.

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Above Datin Sri Mary Lourdes-Chandran and Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran

He’s Bernard Chandran so of course he’s going to stand out! In a sea of predominantly black and white, his silk brocade jacket breaks the monotony and is definitely a conversation starter, presuming such a jacket is what one needs to break the ice at a formal gathering. But then again, everything he’s wearing is an ice-breaker, including his jewellery which is worn with oodles of style! Simply fabulous!

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Above Adeline Chua and Barry Edmonds

His #ootn (outfit of the night in Instagram-speak) ticks all the correct boxes in the traditional sense. Rules have relaxed of late but a wing-collared formal dress shirt used to be worn only with white tie and black tail coat. The fact that his white shirt cuffs peeks out from his dinner jacket sleeves by a few centimeters shows that his outfit was bespoke or made-to-measure and this is the cherry on his well-deserved cake.

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Above Robin Ang and Dianna Lee

A midnight blue dinner jacket scores high on sartorial scale especially if it is made with contrasting black satin lapels and pocket flaps. Again, traditionalist might argue that a formal dinner jacket should not have flapped pockets but jetted ones; but in the name of fashion today, rules have really been relaxed when it comes to such tailoring diktats. Again, details speak volumes and it would have been nice to see a more formal shirt and evening shoes.

Tatler Asia
Above Dato' Jovian Mandagie

He looks suave and urbane, the colour of the dinner jacket adding to his charm and is a nice deviation from the norm. His piqué shirt is the correct one to wear with his evening wear. His batwing bow tie has a retro feel and gives his silhouette a slimming effect. He has just the right amount of jewellery to add a touch of swagger to his formal attire.

Tatler Asia
Above Mah Kok Wah and Angelyn Chong

Top marks for this shawl collar dinner jacket which has the correct proportions for his physique. Having a satin trim instead of the entire lapel made of satin adds a dash of uniqueness to his dinner jacket. His patterned bow tie livens up his ensemble and gives us a peek into his personality.

Tatler Asia
Above Carol Koh and Jonathan Yong

A matching bow tie and pocket square may not be the most imaginative combination but it’s safe. His pleated shirt with a wing-tip collar is traditional and classic. He would look a tad more formal if he had worn patent leather evening shoes. The last button of any jacket should never be buttoned.

Tatler Asia
Above Tan Sri Effendi Norway and Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina

A velvet dinner jacket looks luxe and super glamorous. It’s nice that he has a silk scarf draped around his neck as it gives him a dignified air. What would look better is if he had paired his velvet dinner jacket with smart black trousers with a satin braid instead of opting for an all-velvet suit. His burgundy bow tie picks up the tone in his double-sided silk scarf and pulls the entire look together but his best accessory is his mega-watt smile!