02 VELVET REVOLUTION

Velvet blazer, wool trousers and cotton shirt, from Kiton. Metal cufflinks, from Ermenegildo Zegna.

Another way to switch it up with the black-tie dress code is with a velvet smoking jacket. The naturally lush texture of velvet lends a richness to the deep jewel hues of emerald, navy or even maroon. You can keep it relatively understated by grounding the jacket with a pair of black trousers, or go the whole hog and do head-to-toe velvet.