Black Tie Optional?

December 1st, 2007

Simplicity is the basic tenet of accurate fashion. Fashion is not difficult to decipher although many believe fashion is as complicated as a Sudoku nightmare. A friend recently asked me a question on formal wear.

“What does Black Tie optional mean?”

If you receive an invitation with “Black tie optional”, you should expect to attend a sophisticated event. Even though “optional” is in the invite, men should wear a tuxedo; however a dark suit is also acceptable. A good tuxedo can be rented from a formal wear store however every man should eventually purchase a custom made tuxedo.

The Tuxedo Construction

1. Jacket

Your jacket can be either single or double breasted. Not too many people can successfully pull off a double breasted jacket. My suggestion is a single breasted, one button and double vent jacket is both classic and debonair.

2. Shirt

Your shirt should be white and not color variations of white (i.e. mother of pearl or dingy). A classic white dress shirt or tuxedo shirt should suffice. I am a fan of French cuffs with great cuff links, as it contributes to the elegant nature of the event.

3. Trousers

Classic tuxedo trousers should fit well in the waist, seat and upper thigh. There should also be a single break at the bottom; however I sometimes wear my trousers without a break. The trousers can either be pleated or flat front depending on your body type and preference.

4. Tie

You should wear a black bow tie with either tuxedo or classic dress shirts. On the hand, you should only wear a long black tie with a classic dress shirt.

5. Shoes & Accessories

Your cuff links should make a subtle statement. In other words you can lose the ostentatious cuff links you bought in a truck stop. Focus on a solid & stylish cuff link that draws good attention to your exposed French cuffs. Purchase nylon black dress socks to wear with your 8-10 holed black lace ups. Be sure to polish them. You don’t necessarily need to rent those shiny patent leather shoes. If you wear them, people will be giving you their keys and asking for more hors d’oeuvres.

A classic black or white neatly folded pocket square should complete your look. Love those handkerchiefs or pocket squares worn by movie stars in the 40s.

This is merely a basic guide to determining what to wear to a black tie optional affair. Life is hard enough; your wardrobe shouldn’t have to be.

Ebong Eka

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