| Have you been invited to a black tie event and | | | | Vests & Cummerbunds Both are not |
| are considering to buy your own tuxedo? | | | | required but they will add a nice elegant touch to |
| Considering all the sales many retailers are | | | | your tuxedo. If you choose to wear one, make |
| offering, this might be just the right time to do | | | | sure not to wear both but only one at a time. |
| so. As a good rule of thumb: If you wear the | | | | Traditionally the color black is chosen. If you |
| tuxedo at least once a year, then owning your | | | | choose to wear a cummerbund that is pleated, |
| own tux will be a good option. Not only will it save | | | | make sure that the pleats are worn upward |
| you money in the long run but it will safe you the | | | | facing. |
| hassle of renting a tuxedo each time. If you are | | | | Bow Ties Traditionally the bow tie for black tie |
| planning on buying your own tuxedo you will also | | | | attire is solid black in color. Most classic bow ties |
| need a few other accessories to have the | | | | measure a spread of 2.5 inches. Even though |
| complete look. Below is a list of clothing | | | | clip-on bow ties might seem a convenient |
| accessories that will add the final touch to your | | | | alternative, nothing compares to a bow tie you tie |
| tuxedo. | | | | yourself. |
| Tuxedo Shoes If you think that your daily dress | | | | Tuxedo Dress Shirts There are two common |
| shoes that you normally wear with your business | | | | dress shirts worn for black tie attire: |
| suits will work, then think again! A tuxedo just | | | | 1. Wing-Collar Shirts: The Wing Collar Shirts have a |
| doesn't look right with ordinary black dress shoes. | | | | heavy starched collar that stands up on your |
| It is important that the shoes give of a classy | | | | neck. Only the tips of the collar are folded down |
| elegant shine that compliments the "high class" | | | | and create the "wing-tip" look. Wing-collared shirts |
| look of the tuxedo. Tuxedo shoes have a high | | | | are often times considered to be slightly |
| gloss polish that gives of an incomparable shine. | | | | uncomfortable on your neck. If your event is |
| There are two types of tuxedo shoes to choose | | | | taking longer and/or if you have more sensitive |
| from: The lace-up style, and the "slip-on" type. | | | | skin choose the flip-over collar shirt. |
| Whatever style you choose if completely your | | | | 2. The Flip-Over Collar: This type of dress shirt is |
| personal preference. Some lower end tuxedo | | | | basically a formal version of the ordinary dress |
| shoes are PVC coated. The PVC plastic coating is | | | | shirt. The collar is just as the one from a regular |
| a cheap way to add shine to the shoe. Keep in | | | | dress shirt. There are two ways the shirt is made |
| mind though that such shoes don't "breathe" as | | | | more formal: First, the shirt uses French Cuffs |
| well as the more costly leather shoes. If you are | | | | that are worn with cufflinks, and secondly, the |
| planning on stying in your tuxedo for a while and if | | | | shirt typically has decorations in form of folds at |
| dancing is part of your functions, then higher end | | | | the front. Such folds are also called pleats that |
| leather shoes are definitely recommended. | | | | typically measure ¼ - ¾ inch apart. |