Final answer:
In the 1930s, men's formal attire consisted of sophisticated and class-embodying pieces including a tuxedo, white shirt, and accessories like a top hat for upper-class gatherings. Despite some changes in day-to-day dress reflecting post-WWI fashion trends, formal events maintained a traditional elegance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1930s, the fashion for men attending formal events was one that embodied sophistication and class. The typical attire for a man would include a black tie ensemble, consisting of a black tuxedo, a white shirt with a stiff front, a bow tie, and a cummerbund or waistcoat. Further accessories would often feature a top hat, signifying a mark of elegance and status which had been a symbol of class identity since the 19th century.
While the top hat was an iconic item from the previous century, formal wear in the 1930s had become more structured and sleek, reflecting the economic and social changes of the time. Men’s formal suits were well-tailored, featuring sharp lines, and often completed with polished leather shoes. These garments represented the societal norms expected of men within the context of upper-class gatherings and formal events.
Despite the progressive change in day-to-day attire from earlier decades, where men had begun to adopt more practical clothing post World War I, formal occasions still demanded a traditional and somber elegance that was less influenced by these day-to-day changes in fashion trends.