A dinner jacket is something that makes you look formal. Yet, it is also something that can be worn with casual clothing and this is what differentiates it from suit jackets. It makes all the difference to have one of these in your closet because you never know what occasion you will need it in. And the best thing is that a dinner jacket can actually suit any occasion.

Dinner jackets are usually worn to events after 6 p.m. but it doesn't have to be that strict. You can also choose from a variety of colors from ivory to white or gray to black. Black is the most popular color but color should be the least of your worries when you are out shopping for a dinner jacket. Here are a few types that you should look at when you are in the market for the perfect dinner jacket.

• Thin – If you are a thin man, you may want to look into using single-breast dinner jackets. Double-breasted dinner jackets will only make you look thinner. What you need to look out for is a jacket that has a wider lapel than usual so that you can put more focus on your upper body which will look bigger because of the wider lapel. If you choose a dinner jacket with a pattern, make sure that the pattern is not too exaggerated and large. Again, a solid color is something that is best invested in because a solid color will not compete with your thinness. This is also great to have if you are a short man.

• Stocky – A wise choice for the slightly stocky or even overly stocky man is to get a solid-colored dinner jacket. It should be of the right shape and size as well, not too big and definitely not too small. An excellent dinner jacket is one that comes in black because the color itself can help slim down a person. Also, the lapels shouldn't be too wide and they should be long to add length to the upper body. This is a great way to disguise your weight and if you get a dinner jacket with vertical lines, this is even better because the lines will bring attention up to your face rather than your body. Also, if you are a short and stocky man, this will give the illusion that you are taller than you really are.

• Tall & lanky – The advantage of being tall and thin is that one can wear almost any tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket. A classic dinner jacket for a tall and thin man can concentrate on other things like accenting it with different style. He can wear a double-breasted jacket even if he is thin because his height will compensate for it.

• Tall & stocky – Now, it's different for a stocky person who is tall. A person with this kind of built must avoid wearing double-breasted jackets as well as the types with wide lapels. Also, men with wide or round faces must stay away from wearing thin ties as much as possible. It only adds more bulk to the whole get-up.