The tuxedo follows a centuries-old tradition of dressing up after dark.
The tuxedo, simply a traditional English dinner coat, got its name when it first appeared in the U.S. at the Tuxedo Club, according to Emily Post's 1922 publication "Etiquette." The tuxedo survived the tumult of two world wars, economic depression and countless fashion fads to remain among the highest standards of formal wear. Many considerations determine when and wear a tuxedo.
Black Tie
Black tie dress code emphasizes formality and tradition. Your single- or double-breasted jackets should remain buttoned to highlight a slimmer figure and V-shaped torso. Pair it with trousers of the same material with no cuffs or belts. Both bow ties and long ties work with tuxedos, as long as they are plain black satin. Always include a vest or cummerbund. Your shoes must be black patent or highly polished pumps or oxfords. Accessories include black, gold or mother-of-pearl studs and cufflinks, and black or white silk suspenders. Consider a white silk handkerchief for a pocket square. A white or ivory jacket can replace black in tropical climates and for summertime events. Do not wear a trench coat with a tuxedo.
White Tie
The white tie and tailcoat represent the most formal fashion standard.
Even more illustrious is the white tie, or full dress, event, though they occur less frequently in modern society. According to The Black Tie Guide, the white tie ensemble closely follows everything used in black tie with the notable exception of the jacket. You need to wear a black wool double-breasted tailcoat unbuttoned with tails ending just behind your knees and a plain white bow tie. Black tie and white tie cover the two basic categories of formal evening wear.
Invitation
The invitation dictates the degree of formality and specifies if it is a black tie or white tie event. Look for this information in the lower right corner of the invitation. Hosts don't always designate the dress code and don't always expect guests to wear tuxedos. "Black tie optional" or "formal" invitations allow for a sold black tailored suit, with straight tie, in place of a tuxedo. When in doubt, go more formal. It's better to be overdressed than under.
Suitability
By strict definition evening wear should be worn only at events starting after 6 p.m. Weddings are an exception and the most common event requiring tuxedos, with groomsmen and attendants often wearing identical ensembles, including shoes, as chosen by the bride and groom. Whether the groom wears the same tuxedo as his groomsmen is an individual choice, although a more traditional wedding says they all should wear the same model. Proms, debutante balls, charity balls and formal dinners may require tuxedos as well. Again, let the invitation be your guide.
Tags: dress code, evening wear, white silk
