Silver Formal Tie

Cummerbund vs. vest?

Most department and men's formal wear stores also sell matching tie and cummerbund sets. However, while suits are traditionally dark and conservative, vests and ties can be fun to play with in different colors and patterns, Taylor says.

Many men today actually prefer to wear vests rather than cummerbunds. Silk vests in hues of silver and grey or burgundy and black with patterns are hot at Scogna Formal Wear. Similarly, while black and silver ties are the norm, the more adventurous opt for red.

As for the style of formal neckwear, there's 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 Stylish Formal Shirts

Regardless of whether the choice is conservative or more playful vests or cummerbunds and ties, white shirts remain the most popular for formal occasions. Light blue and beige are also requested, however, especially when the tuxedo choice is brown.

When it comes to choosing between a wing or spread collar shirt, Wesetly says that both options are current and stylish. "The luxury of the spread collar is the versatility. The collar allows the individual to cross between both worlds without being out of place. The wide collar can be worn at special events, nights out, business engagements, etc."

Wing-collar shirts are considered more traditional (and worn mostly with bow ties), while the spread collar is more fashion forward. Wesetly's personal recommendation? "A spread collar shirt with a bow tie and vest is a mix of the old with the new, a combination that will never make you look out of style."