Going to a black-tie dinner? Read our complete guide to what to wear in any social situation.
When most men hear the words Black Tie Event they shudder. They get nervous and tensed. The thought of not only dressing up but knowing the right things to wear can be confusing. It does not have to be this way. Black tie means special occasions. It means you need to wear an outfit unique to anything that you would wear to any other place.
Tie your own bowtie
Consider this: Above picture is a Ron Gallela shot of Tom Jones at a black tie bash in Beverly Hills in 1984. He is smoking a cigar, wearing an expression of mild befuddlement and his untied bowtie hangs loosely round his neck. By this point in his career he’d been an international pin-up, Elvis’ wingman and had taken Vegas by storm. With a pre-tied bowtie, he’d never have left Pontypridd.
Buy, don’t hire
Even a cheap tux can be rescued by being taken to a tailor. As long as it fits properly (watch the shoulders) it actually makes most men look better.
Learn from Bond
Why do all the agents (even Lazenby) look good in a DJ? Partly because they put as much effort into the white shirt as the suit that covers it. “I prefer a wardrobe that errs on the side of simplicity,” Tom Ford once said. “A crisp white shirt is all Daniel Craig needs to frame his rugged good looks. Bond, too, isn’t a fop or a dandy; he’s a spy, albeit a glamorous one.”
A pocket square isn’t necessary
If you choose to sport one, avoid colour and stick to white cotton or linen. Wear itCary Grant “Presidential” style folded at right angles to the pocket.
Don’t forget your feet
Always wear black fine-gauge knee-length socks – there is nothing more tacky than a flash of flesh when all dressed up.
Midnight blue can be a bold choice
Chris Pine stood out at the 2010 Met Ball for all the right reasons. In fact, under artificial light midnight blue looks blacker than true black, which can have a green cast to it. Be aware that you will end up talking about the suit all evening though.
Never wear suede shoes
Some say artificial light makes suede look dusty.
Bowtie opitional
You can have more fun with black tie than you think. But there has to be respect there. You can just wear a slim black tie with a black suit, which always looks great.
Our best advise: Just do like a spy in order to look great with a tie. If you have more great advices please feel free to leave a comment below.
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