How To Do Black Tie

Gentleman, this is one of the most important posts you will ever read. There is a right way to wear black tie and many wrong ways. After reading this you will fall into the former department for the rest of your life. Lets begin: You should NEVER hire evening wear for an occasion. You can see it is hired and you will look like sh%*t. Go spend a lot on your evening wear once. That should last you for the best part of the next decade. Never buy a notched lapel. This is for cheap hired wear. Preferably buy a peak and if you like, a shawl. Stay away from satin and rather choose grosgrain silk. You really can tell the difference. The small details really matter. This is one time when standing out is usually for the wrong reasons. Stick with a classic fit with classic detailing, but well finished. Leave that cummerbund alone. They are a thing of the past so rather wear a waistcoat. Black is not your only option either. Don't be afraid of midnight blue. In many ways this actually looks a lot better than black. One big rule for your shirt is wear a turndown collar not a winged one. Leave the winged for the white tie events. I am a big fan of velvet slippers for black tie so refer to my post on them. Men, once you are suited up and mirror shades of Bond, relax. Go enjoy yourself and have the time of your life. You don't want to be that ironing board in the corner of the room. If you don't understand the terms in this post look them up! Do black tie right.

JB