Recently, I had a dinner to attend and styling for a formal dinner is pretty easy. To play safe, a suit is a better option. I styled mine with a fancy bow tie, a lapel pin, a pair of leather shoes and black socks. All pieces should complement. The key I think is not to over accessorize.
It's a formal event and elegance should be of essence. In order to achieve this, using minimal accessories is always better, remember less is more.
I used Gold at strategic points to help create the classy effect. I consider that to be a subtle way of laying emphasis on the outfit.
The use of a pair of a long black socks was deliberate, the socks just have to be long enough; for me the longer the classier .
So, that is it. When next you are heading for a formal even think elegance and class.