Not sure what to wear to that looming black-tie affair? Just keep it simple and stick to the chic basics.

It’s just about that time of year when those thick paper envelopes tagged with flourishing script arrive in the mail, almost sure to announce the arrival of black-tie season. Oh yes, black tie means you’d better wear a tie and an evening jacket. Since the notion of men wearing black tie was created to showcase a beautiful date in exquisite evening wear, most experts agree that keeping it all black-and-white keeps you from stealing her spotlight. So, unless you know you’re a pro at this kind of dressing, or you’re a rock star walking the red carpet, then the best advice is to keep it simple.

Simply formal

These tips will make your black-tie dressing a breeze.

• Make sure your formalwear fits perfectly. A suit that is too big in the shoulders and chest will make you look dumpy. Sleeves that are too long make you look sloppy and don’t let you show off your cufflinks.

• If you wear a double-breasted jacket, leave the cummerbund at home and keep your jacket buttoned up.

• Use that lint brush. Nothing draws more negative attention at a glamorous event than black formalwear with lint or hair all over it.

• Stash your driver license, credit card and cash in a money clip and slip it in your inside breast pocket for less bulk.

• Learn to tie a bow tie. If need be, pre-tied bow ties will do the trick, but ones that look like the real thing are tough to find.

• No senior-prom ruffles on shirts. Stick to a white wing-collar shirt or a straight-collar shirt with French cuffs, and wear it with a bow tie.

• If you choose to wear a four-in-hand tie instead of a bow tie, always wear it with a crisp white spread- or straight-collar shirt.

• Avoid an overly colorful matching tie and cummerbund, unless you’re dealing the high-roller table in Las Vegas.

• If you add color, do so cautiously. Wear a dark-colored velvet blazer or add a tie with a simple, colorful stripe or a subtly patterned pocket square.

• Do not match pocket squares with a tie, but do keep them in the same color family.

• Wear a French-cuffed shirt with beautiful cufflinks. Your cufflinks should coordinate with the studs on your shirt’s front placket.

• Wear over-the-calf black dress socks with your shoes. No one wants to see a gap of hairy leg between the hem of your pants and your socks.

• You really should invest in a formal pair of shoes in black patent leather or suede. If you absolutely have to wear a plain pair of black dress shoes, shine them up well, before you head out the door.