Trends in Men's Formal Wear: Timeless Tuxedos

Style and fit both important

Silk vests in hues of silver and grey or burgundy and black with patterns are hot at Scogna Formal Wear. While black and silver ties are the norm, the more adventurous opt for red. And while there is a 60/40 split in favor of bow ties at Scogna Formal Wear, according to Israel Sheinbein, Kris Taylor at Al's Formal Wear maintains that "the four-in-hand neck tie is more popular than the bow tie, and vests are more popular than cummerbunds."

"The most important thing when buying a tuxedo—or for that matter, a suit—is to find something that fits properly," urges Taylor. "It's all about how you look and feel, and a proper fit is the place to start."

One question that men often consider is whether to rent or buy. In most formalwear rental stores, you'll find tuxedos from popular designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, and Bill Blass. Rental costs generally range from $100 to $200.

On the other hand, the price of a good tuxedo will range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the fabric and where it was made. Since many men attend multiple black-tie affairs, buying a tuxedo can be a worthwhile investment.

Give yourself at least two months before the event to make a selection and schedule fittings. Keep in mind that May and June are typically the busiest months for retailers of tuxedos with the prom and wedding season kicking into high gear, so try to avoid these months if possible. By August, retailers are able to concentrate more on Fall and Winter tuxedo orders.

Other Important Accessories

Once the tuxedo is ordered, other accessories must be considered. Wesetly offers a bit of advice: "When preparing for a formal event, men often give little attention to the tie, shoes, and cufflinks." The accessories are important to the overall look, he maintains. "Cufflinks should be quiet, but recognizable. They should be selected so that hopefully you will not find someone else wearing the exact same pair. Take your time," he advises. "Cufflinks do represent you; find styles that are elegant and noteworthy."

When it comes to shoes, Wesetly maintains, you can get away with virtually any type as long as they are shiny and clean. The key words: shiny and clean. If you connect on all three of these options (shoes, cufflinks, tie), he says, "you will feel as though you are wearing the clothing, not that the clothing is wearing you."

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