| I attend about 12 black tie events per year. Everyone thinks it's simple, but you do have a few decisions.
1. You have a lapel decision to make re: the coat - shawl or peak. I believe the shawl lapel is more classic.
2. You don't have a color decision to make - black is the only color.
3. You have a shirt collar decision to make re: the shirt - down or up. I can't remember the terms, but I feel the more classic look is the down collar. The up collar makes you look like you are off the Sopranos. And - NO RUFFLES!! Again, no color decision to make - white is the only color.
4. Always wear dark socks.
5. Don't wear patent leather shoes. If you have the money, buy a nice pair of pumps. Black Belgian slippers or Gucci loafers also work.
6. It's spelled cummerbun and the creases face up.
You can usually get a decent deal on a tuxedo at Jos. Banks. They are pretty good for a starter tuxedo. J Press and Brooks both sell very nice tuxedos.
They are called "tuxedo" because the Prince of Wales wore a coat of that style (ie. without tails) to a formal party in Tuxedo Park, New York. |