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Of course, if you opt to wear a cummerbund with your tuxedo, then you will skip the vest altogether. Just remember that the slats on the cummerbund always face upwards to catch crumbs. For the most part, though, cummerbunds are considered outdated, and most men choose to go with a vest. An evening waistcoat is optional but can add a nice touch of elegance to your outfit.
Go for clean, sleek lines when trying out potential tux jackets. For footwear, you can stick to black or brown shoes. Although other shoe colors may go with your outfit, it’s always better to err on the side of caution by going for something understatedly elegant. As I stated, a black tie optional attire allows you to go a bit more casual. Ditch the standard navy suit and brown Derbys for a pair of muted pastel loafers, or perhaps blue, green or navy boat shoes.
Black Tie Trousers
The peaked lapels are a rather straightforward and bold choice, compared to the shawl lapels, which symbolise timeless elegance. Contrary to popular belief, the black tie is not a product of modern fashion. The origins of the Black tie date all the way back to the seventeenth century in France. He stole it from Croatian mercenaries he had hired during the Thirty-Year War.
Patent leather dress shoes are suitable for black tie looks. In particular, patent Oxford shoes make a perfect choice. To don a pair, keep things classic but highly youthful with a slightly narrow, round-toed style. Not only will such a pair ensure you appear suitably dapper, but they’ll also come across as seriously fashionable. Keep things simple with all the components of black tie wear. You should opt for a classic white turn down collared dress shirt in a high-quality fabric.
Coat & Tie Events
Fashion has moved on since 1865, and the rules of evening wear have also evolved. A black tie attire for men means a tuxedo or a dinner jacket that is primarily black, although you can find them in other colors nowadays, which are still acceptable. Therefore, you’ll see a lot of blacks when you attend a black tie event or wedding. For those who are unfamiliar, a cumberbund is a piece of material that sits at the top of your suit trousers and the bottom of your shirt. It is traditionally made from silk or satin and typically worn with a tuxedo or single-breasted dinner suit for a formal appearance.
Your everyday office shoes just won’t do here, unfortunately. Shawl lapels convey a timeless elegance – especially with a single-breasted close. The perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories. Sport coats, blazers, and jackets, these terms are used interchangeably by many suiting retailers causing a high level of confusion... Don’t go too slim or too wide with the lapel, ensure the trouser length is millimetre-perfect and match your metals. You express yourself through your personal style – it’s something you can’t replicate.
Can You Don a Suit in a Black Tie Wedding?
Regardless of the formal level, the season can give you a great idea of what to wear. For example, if this black-tie event is outside in July, you most likely won't wear a floor-length ball gown. A cocktail dress would be a better move or a floor-length dress that is satin and has movement.
Black tie optional events are designed to send a judgment-free message that not all men own a black-tie ensemble. However, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, so go all out if you can. If the bow tie is a different color than black, your cummerbund should match it. Other colors like bottle green, burgundy, gold, and plum are all great choices. A cummerbund like this silk-satin by Tom Ford is a broad pleated sash that creates a sleek and streamlined profile.
What “Black Tie Preferred” or “Black Tie Requested” Means
Whether it’s the Golden Globes or the Grammys, many of us—male and female—watch for the styles. The fashion chatter usually centers around the ladies; however, there is something to be said for a guy who can successfully achieve a red carpet look. So, take your cues from award show fashion to gain inspiration for what to wear to a black-tie wedding, and forget about any casual attire. This terminology clarifies to the attendees that Black Tie will be worn by at least some of the guests at the party and that it’s being actively encouraged by the host. Still, it isn’t absolutely required, so a man who doesn’t own or can’t afford a tux doesn’t absolutely have to wear one. Also, the Black-Tie Preferred dress code means that you’re probably not going to experience people who are trying to mix levels of formality when they show up to your party.
In terms of colors, it is best to go for dark hues such as navy, charcoal black, and black colors. Well, a wedding is one of the most memorable days in one’s life. Therefore, it is vital to set the scene to be refined and unique. Additionally, the photographs will capture every person attending the event. Thus, the guests should understand what they need to put on to ensure the day is perfect.
