Dressing tips for a Black-Tie Event: A Complete guide for men

For event invitations marked as “Black-tie preferred”, make a statement by dressing up in a tuxedo or a suit if you don’t mind being noticed for being underdressed. However, both are acceptable in this instance. At an event that is “Black-tie Optional”, you will find a crowd split in half, dressed in either a Tuxedo or a suit. Dressing down in such instances wouldn’t be such a concern as you won’t stand out. If you aren’t prepared to dress up in a tuxedo for an event which requires “Black-tie” attire, save yourself the embarrassment and RSVP, as you most likely won’t be allowed to enter the event. Finally, “Black-tie Creative” allows you to veer from the traditions and mix things up in terms of color and style.

Whilst you can get away with lighter colors for day time and summer events, evening and Winter events call for more formal attire in darker colors.

Buttons – The two options for buttons are plain white or covered with the same silk material used for the lapels. A Tuxedo jacket only has one button in the centre unless it is double-breasted, which is an equally acceptable alternative. Similar to a normal suit, the cuffs should have four touching buttons. The custom made suit should have buttonholes–make sure that the last suit is always unbuttoned.

Vents – Unvented jackets are preferred, as it is the formal, flattering and fitted, but when wearing for long periods this can be uncomfortable and impractical when it comes to reaching your pockets. Today, as a result, single and double vents in semi-formal suits have become more commonplace.

Pockets – Three pockets are placed on the outside of the jacket. The breast pocket holds the pocket square, whilst two more jetted ones without flaps are placed on the two quarters.

The Bib – The bib is a textile panel sewn onto the shirt with either vertical pleats or starched texture. Whilst the starched texture is considered to be more formal, the pleats are definitely more comfortable.

Studs – Formal shirts generally don’t have buttons and instead of buttons the shirts come with buttonholes on both edges which allow the use of Studs. Keep the studs elegant and don’t forget to match them with your cufflinks.

Collar – The wing collar is the most popular choice and style that is worn with Tuxedo jackets and is characterized by the downward pointing wings. Mandarin Collar or Band Collar is the most contemporary styled tuxedo shirt and stands up around the neck. Spread Collar is exactly like it sounds and has a gap between end points of the collar. A spread collar is ideal for comfort if you are wearing a normal necktie attached in a Windsor knot.

Cuffs – One-button rounded or square French cuff are the two choices. Cufflinks are a must to complete your formal attire and are best paired with a rounded French cuff.

Bow Tie - Black bow tie pretty much defines the classic tuxedo whilst white is worn for very formal events. You can mix it up and wear colored or patterned bow ties for less formal events or events marked as “Black-Tie creative”.

Necktie - Works if you want to look just as elegant as wearing a bow tie. Ideal for weddings, you can go for Black or Navy blue colored Neckties to complement your formal attire.

Ascot Tie - Usually reserved for ultra formal daytime weddings, the Ascot Tie is patterned, folded over and fastened with a stickpin.

Bolo Tie - This is a string based tie that is not recommended formal attire. Whilst its ideal for more casual events, think twice before wearing this for a formal one.

Euro Tie - A cross between an ascot tie and a necktie, this has a square-bottom and is best paired with a wing or spread collar.

Suspenders - Suspenders are great touch of elegance and should be considered in place of a belt to keep your pants up. Select a pair with adjustable straps so that it can be customized to your height. 

Tie Bar - Used to fasten your tie to the placket of your shirt between the third and fourth button. Go for neutral colors such as Gold or silver.

Cummerbunds - This is a pleated fabric panel worn around the waist when you are not wearing a vest. Typically worn in black, the cummerbund can be used to match the bridesmaid dresses or wedding colors.

Cufflinks - Cuff links can also add a personal touch to your wedding ensemble in addition to serving a practical purpose. If you are wearing studs with your Tuxedo shirt, then remember to match your cufflinks to it or vice-versa.

After reading this article, it might seem like all these purchases will cost an arm and a leg. Truth be told, it can cost a small fortune. So if you are not prepared to invest in one the more sensible alternative would be to rent a tuxedo. If you are from the Brooklyn area or even the other boroughs of New York City, VIP Limousine and Tuxedo in Brooklyn is a safe bet to find premium branded tuxedos that will suit any occasion.