The invitation for the Hawai'i State Society Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., says "black tie or formal ethnic wear." What does this mean? We asked three stylish Honolulu men with varied ethnic backgrounds to show us what it means to them and what they plan to wear in Washington.

It can be a challenge to be appropriate, chic and cultural but these three men have bridged the gap. They will respect the historical significance of the event, yet also display pride in their own cultural heritages.

RALPH MALANI

PROFESSION: Stylist, Aveda, Ala Moana Center

NEIGHBORHOOD: Kane'ohe

ETHNICITY: Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Samoan, German

WHAT HE'S WEARING: Custom-made Tiare Teiti cotton/rayon shirt by Ida Teiti (www.honey girlwaterwear .com), Hugo Boss tuxedo pants purchased from Celebrity Tuxedos (in Sears), 100 inches of Tahitian pearls. At the ball he will be wearing formal patent leather shoes from Neiman Marcus, but he didn't want to scuff them for the photo shoot.

ADRIAN KAMALI'I

PROFESSION: President, Pae 'Aina Communications

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

ETHNICITY: Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese

WHAT HE'S WEARING: Mandarin-collar tuxedo shirt, vest, tuxedo jacket (with no lapels, therefore ideal for wearing lei) from Tuxedos by Hale Niu, multiple strands of Ni'ihau shell lei and bare feet. Since he is attending three balls, each with a different dress code, Kamali'i will take three outfits. For the Hawai'i-Illinois ball, he will wear a traditional tuxedo. For the PEARL Gala, with a focus on Asia and the Pacific, he will wear a tuxedo shirt, long tie and vest. And, yes, on the Mainland he will be wearing shoes to all the balls.

SAVEATAMA MAX SWORD

PROFESSION: Vice president, Industry Affairs, Outrigger Enterprises Group

NEIGHBORHOOD: Makiki

ETHNICITY: Samoan, German, Scottish, Fijian

WHAT HE'S WEARING: Ulu fala (pandanus) necklace worn only by chiefs in Samoa (Sword is a chief), mandarin-collar jacket and vest by Tuxedos by Hale Niu. The vest coordinates with the ie fai taga (lavalava with pockets). The sandals are from Payless. "Samoans only wear sandals," Sword said — but he may have to add wool socks in Washington.