Black tie revisited

Dress codes can be a minefield for those of us who love to make a statement. But if you’ve got a black-tie event coming up, fear not. Here’s what to do: stick with the usual dress shoes – these ones have a pleasing matte section taking the edge off the fancy patent – and pants with a side stripe, but then go for it with the jacket. Green velvet works a treat, and nods to the holiday season nicely, while switching a bow tie for an almost-as-dressy textured dinner tie keeps everything suitably occasional.