“There are dinner jackets, and then there are dinner jackets”
– Vesper Lynd, Casino Royale
It’s here. It’s time. No more pulling punches. A Black Tie affair is where you bring your best. As the male equivalent to the red carpet, it’s where gentlemen can dress their best to compete with the ladies. After all, we should have our moment in the spotlight too. The most important thing is that you cannot be intimidated by the formality of a black tie affair. Make no mistake, a black tie event is the grandest of fashion arenas. That’s why we are going to get you in and out of there as the best looking man in the room.
OK superstar, you want to look sharp but don’t want to spend your life savings on a black tie outfit. Relax, there’s no need to splurge, as a black tie wardrobe can be revamped with just a few quality items. Play within the parameters: Buy a select number of high quality pieces for your clothing roster and keep the rotation tight. Even the most regal of gentlemen will exhaust their year’s formal events before their wardrobe.
Some people think the finest formal wear should be reserved for renaissance men. However, a modern gentleman is more than adept to handle the sartorial responsibility of a black tie event. With our help, you’ll be exuding extravagant elegance (wow that’s a mouthful). We’ll share with you the language of sophistication and once we’re through, you’ll be the one exuding extravagant elegance in spades.
The Tuxedo
Originating in Britain around the late 1800s, tuxedos were properly incorporated into menswear around the same time in upscale New York City. Ironically, they were initially used as a lounge suit for casual activities such as smoking or strolling through the outdoors.
Today, tuxedos have become the epitome of menswear across the globe. It is of paramount importance that your tuxedo is tailored to the specifications of your body for a customized fit. You may think “Oh I’m only wearing this a handful of times. It’s too much hassle to get it altered.” Well, that’s exactly why you should get it tailored. The last thing you want is someone thinking your best look is one that resembles a sail draped over you.
The Tux should have a wool base with grosgrain (a ribbed material) on peaked lapels. If you have a slimmer frame, select a jacket with shawl collar to fill our your torso area. Single or double-breasted is up to you. Bear in mind that single-breasted is more modern whereas double-breasted is considered 80s retro. And don’t be like every other guy wearing black to play it safe…try a midnight blue for once. You’ll be amazed how sharp it looks under the flashing cameras.
The Shirt
Crisp white cotton with French cuffs. You really do need a pair of cuffs. However, if you’ve burned your budget on all the other bells and whistles of the outfit, the silk knots that usually come with the shirt will do just fine. Ideally the front shirt buttons would be chrome with black enamel finish but again, the regular buttons will get the job done. If you really want to get fancy, select a shirt with a wing collar to let the bow-tie stand out.
The Bowtie
Customarily worn by those with a flair for the dramatic, bowties are the only acceptable neckwear for black tie affairs. In fact, a solid black silk bow-tie exclusively belongs to this ensemble. Ideally, it should be a bow-tie that you actually tie. It’s easy to learn how to do it and will amaze those around you that you can pull it off. However, if you’re more comfortable with a pre-tied, no one is going to judge. There will be many others wearing them too.
The Accessories
Cuff-links
Considering the formal environment of the event, buy a pair of simple disk cuff-links that won’t ruffle any feathers. Stay away from novelty cufflinks as they would stick out like a sore thumb. Fiddle with them whenever you have the chance to accentuate the V-shape of your torso.
Lapel Boutonniere
Not a necessary component of the outfit but one that certainly doesn’t hurt your style. A white or red flower would immediately catch any wandering eyes and add that special zing to your outfit. Absolutely mandatory at weddings.
Pocket Square
Always white, always cotton. Go with a four-peak fold if your pocket square is riding solo or go with the presidential fold as a subtle detail if you are going to have a lapel decoration.
The Shoes
Only black Oxfords will do. Don’t have them? Buy a pair, or don’t bother showing up. No need to break the bank on Armani or Prada. Just make sure they’re gloss-finished and well-polished. If they don’t literally shine, keep polishing till they do. And go with black silk socks. Anything else would just look silly.
Conclusion
Suave, soul, and style. We have given you all you need to look your best amongst the best. Sourced from the best advice in the game, this is the guide to the best a gentleman can wear. Gone are the notched lapels and argyle neckties that clutter up your work wardrobe. The black tie outfit is so much higher in class that it deserves its own postal code. Your job is to own it. Make it you. Wear it with the confidence of a thousand Ryan Goslings.
Similar to a recipe, you will have recognized the ingredients for the outfits: shirts, trousers, jackets, and ties. The magic is the amplified quality of the pieces for this special event. Assemble them together to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
A roar of approval rocks you as the bright lights grace your entrance. Welcome to the show!
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