How to Dress for a Black-Tie Affair - Men

A black-tie request may come for an evening wedding, opening night of the opera or perhaps your company's holiday party. Break out the penguin suit guys, because black tie means only one thing: a tuxedo.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bow Tie And Cummerbund Sets
• Dress Socks
• Men's Dress Belts
• Men's Dress Shirts
• Men's Dress Shoes
• Men's Dress Sweater
• Mens' Dress Pants
• Sports Coat
• Tuxedos

1. Invest in a tuxedo if you think you'll have a lot of black-tie events in the coming years. In the long run it may prove more economical than renting.

2. Buy a tuxedo that has a black tie and black cummerbund. This will provide you with a basic, elegant "black-tie" look that will match any formal outfit your date may wear. You can always rent white or colored accessories should the need arise.

3. Rent a tuxedo for the occasional formal evening. Place your request well in advance of the event. Choose a colored cummerbund that matches your date's dress, or opt for the ever-stylish black.

4. Get fitted. Inseam and waist measurements are key for a comfortable and stylish pant, while a well-fitting shoulder, back and arm will ensure a sharp-looking jacket.

5. Personalize your look by selecting a jacket and shirt unique to your taste and build. Jacket cuts vary from cropped to smoking. Shirtfront options include fine pleats or delicate ribs, black enamel or pearl-like buttons.

6. Remember the sequence for getting dressed in a tux. Underwear and socks followed by shirt and pants. Add the cummerbund then jacket, followed by your tie, then shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice tying your tie before the big night. Bow ends should be equal in length and parallel to the floor.
• Store personal tuxedos under sealed plastic or in a garment bag to protect from moths and dust.
• Make sure all pieces are well pressed before putting them on.

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[widgetmaker]

on 11/18/2008 Get a tie you actually have to tie yourself. Clip on or elastic-secured tie are not proper ties. Sure, you have to learn, but it's not very hard. In the officer's mess if you were ever caught wearing a "fake" bow tie you had to buy everyone a round of drinks - something to contemplate.

[storyboy]

on 7/14/2008 If your host is using the term correctly, "Black tie" means semi-formal evening wear (dinner jacket/tuxedo worn after six o'clock). If you think your host means something else, ask, or assume that the host knows what he/she is talking about.

Unless you are attending a "West Coast Black Tie" (Hollywood style) event, or "Red Sea rig" is indicated (warm weather with dinner jackets off, may call for red bow tie and cummerbund), you will be expected to wear a black bow tie and cummerbund or waistcoat. Your shirt should be white. Your shoes should be shiny, plain and black. Cummerbund pleats face up, like a pocket, you should be able to place something in the pleats from above, say a valet-parking ticket.

Black tie is for semi-formal, as contrasted with white tie or formal evening occasions, and so, while there is some room for variation (midnight blue jacket or white dinner jacket in th

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