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My Dear Friends,
Let it be known, that for these posts I write, there is a certain amount of accrued knowledge I have collected over the years, however, to better inform you, I do indeed cross-reference and fact check the things I write in order to best steer you in a favorable direction when it comes to issues of style. A close friend of mine, Jamie, always calls me "Google" because I'm constantly checking the facts on Google, (not that Google always has its facts straight, but it's a good start).
So you've just received an invite to a Black Tie Affair. I'm sure many of you ask the question, "What do I wear?". Before we get to that, what is Black Tie? Well according to my friend Google who directed me to Wikipedia, Black tie is a dress code of formal wear for evening events and social functions derived from British and American costume conventions of the 19th century. Worn only for events after 6 p.m., black tie is semi-formal, i.e. less formal than white tie but more formal than informal or business dress. In the United States, black tie attire is often referred to as a tuxedo. Evening Black Tie events are more formal than daytime events, naturally. And, winter events are often more formal altogether, with dark colors being more appropriate than that of summer events, naturally. Knowing the time of day and the time of year for the event as well as what kind of event it is can help you with how to dress and look your best.
Now in order to establish what to wear, you must first read the invitation carefully and determine what it says exactly regarding its requested or recommended Black Tie attire. Now don't be alarmed with all the different options of either "Black Tie Optional", "Black Tie Preferred", "Black Tie Creative", "Black Tie Requested", "Black Tie Mandatory".... Stop! Stop! Stop! There's no need to worry and frustrate yourself with all these options because they all say "Black Tie" and when it says that, it actually means a bow tie and not an actual black tie. And so, when a man is requested to wear a black bow tie, its usually with what is otherwise known as a tuxedo. Therefore, regardless of the type of Black Tie attire the invite says to wear, if you show up in at least the very basics of what goes with wearing a black tuxedo, such as a black tie (bow tie), a white shirt (NOT A WING TIP COLLAR), but preferrably a spread collar, a white pocket square, black socks and simple black shoes, you can't go wrong. Then of course, depending on your sense of style and your level of confidence when walking into a room, these above mentioned basics can be modified and accessorized giving you a little extra flair for style and pep in your step. ;-)
Finally, one might ask, "Where can I get fitted with something great and stylish that I can keep for awhile?" Of course!! Because who wants to keep buying new tuxedos every year? The answer to that is also quite simple. There are obviously many places where one can buy a nice designer tuxedo with all the fittings and accessories but for me, Ralph Lauren is my one-stop shop place to go to. For years, time and time again, Ralph Lauren has come out with Collections that are simply elegant and forever timeless. Like Ralph Lauren has said, "I have always loved things that are timeless and get better with age". Buying a garment from Ralph Lauren is just that, timeless. I have pieces that I've bought from Ralph dating back 10 years+ and I can still wear them today, where the aging of the garment hasn't affected it much and if it has, only for the better. Here are some photos of Black Tie
combinations from Ralph Lauren's past Collections.
• RALPH LAUREN HOLIDAY COLLECTION 2011 •
• RALPH LAUREN BLACK LABEL FALL 2012 •
• RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL FALL 2012 •
• RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL FALL 2012 •
• RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL 2010 •
*** SOME THINGS YOU WANT TO AVOID***
(The New Rules of Black Tie - GQ UK - November 19th, 2015)
Leave the "Hollywood Black Tie" for the red carpet.
Hollywood Black Tie is this strange thing where you wear a black suit and a black tie and somehow that's appropriate for eveningwear. For me, that's not eveningwear, it;s not a dinner suit."
Ditch the white jacket.
"If it's daytime, if it's the summer, if you're an ex-army Colonel on a cruise in the Tropics, you can wear one - and a white jacket might look more appropriate. But never in the evening or in the winter."
Unless you're Ryan Gosling, keep it simple.
"Saying 'I've seen Ryan Gosling in that outfit, therefore it'll look good on me' won't work. There is room for personal expression but you've also got to exercise caution as well. I get people who come in and say "I want to look like James Bond", which is fine but not if you're 5"9, portly and middle-aged. You need to find something that suits your body shape and who you are - most of all is appropriate for the event."
***SOME COOL FUN SHOES***
As I mentioned before, Ralph Lauren is my one-stop shop go-to place. Here is some fun footwear to help jazz up any Black Tie outfit....
• RALPH LAUREN •
-Collis Velvet Slipper-
• RALPH LAUREN •
-Collis Script Velvet Slipper- (Avail. in 4 colors)
• RALPH LAUREN •
-Collis Horse Velvet Slipper- (Avail. in 3 colors)
• RALPH LAUREN •
-Needlepoint Dog Loafer-
• RALPH LAUREN •
-Needlepoint Skull Wool Loafer-