What is Black Tie Attire?

Traditional Black Tie consists of a black tuxedo jacket, white tuxedo dress shirt,  cummerbund or vest, a black bowtie, and polished black shoes, but the most important accessory men forget about is a set of Black Suspenders.  Suspenders must be worn in order to keep your pants at the proper waist line and to keep your pants from sagging.

If you are invited to a formal “Black Tie” event that occurs during the day, and/or in warm weather then the black tuxedo jacket is often exchanged for a white one. Everything else should stay the same.

Suspenders are Back in Style

X-Back Suspenders are once again coming to the forefront of Men’s fashion.  Many of the latest trends nowadays seem to recycle back after a few years. There are things that may disappear in the meantime but will always come back in style. For example 10 years ago Red X-Back Suspenders use to be a hot trend to wear with a pair of jeans and a white shirt.  A few years later they were not as popular but now with the help of TV and Big Screen actors wearing suspenders the look is back. 

There is nothing wrong with inventing different styles as long as you can handle them confidently but not complacent. If you want to start right now, why not  grab some Charcoal or Fushia X-Back Suspenders? Don’t just admire those actors who wore suspenders as an alternative to a dress belt in the movies. Be one of them by wearing a pair of Clip X-Back Suspenders and make other people admire and envy your style.

Dress For Confidence

It is important that you set your own standards when it comes to your clothes, and you come across as confident, classy and stylish. Wearing the proper attire like a form fitting suit with a Designer Brand name Bowtie is also a way of showing confidence and charisma. Bow ties may be classic in looks but they give an expression of taste and style. Add an Over sized Bowtie to part of your wardrobe. This Style of Bow tie is pleasant to look at and its colors will look sharp with any of your formal clothes. If you want to make some changes in your apparel and image, use Bow ties to make a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.

Pocket Squares Are back

When was the last time you noticed a man on television or at a formal event wearing a Pocket Square in his suit pocket?  Most likely the answer would be just recently.  In the last six months Silk Pocket Squares have become the latest trend in Men’s Fashion. 

Pocket squares, or handkerchiefs use to be worn as a side bar to your outfit, but with the reemergence of the Hanky, it has become a must have for any man’s wardrobe.  An Italian Silk Pocket square is vital to keeping the formal look fresh, inviting, and professional to go with your collection of neckties, cufflinks, belts and suspenders.  And while you’re at it, it’s probably a good idea to keep a simple white handkerchief with you, just in case.

3 FashionTips for Dressing Appropriately.

1) For semi formal outings don’t be afraid to wear a suit.  Power dressing is one way you can look your best.  When choosing the proper suit keep in mind that during the winter months you wear darker colors and spring and summer you wear lighter shades. 

2) One of the most common mistakes men make is wearing white socks.  Never ever wear white socks unless you are in shorts and sneakers.  Choose dark colors that match the outfit you are wearing.

3) Finally choose wisely when it comes to your Belts and Ties.  If we are talking about work then go with a conservative belt, but if you are going out on the town then it is good to be daring and break out an Avocado Green snakeskin belt or something retro.

Remember dressing properly does not have to be a chore and when you find the right look for you will not only look good but feel confident in who you are.

Silk Versus Micro Fiber

Bowties have traditionally been made out of silk, but with the price of silk sky rocketing over the past couple of years manufactures are moving toward a Woven Micro Fiber.  Now you are probably wondering if there is a big difference between the two.  Do Micro Fiber Bowties have the same distinction as Silk Bowties? Can this material be worn in the boardroom, or to a formal event? The answer is absolutely yes.  The things they are doing with micro fiber are unbelievable.  We’ve had customers tell us they can’t tell the difference between micro fiber and silk. 

So instead of focusing on the types of material, focus on key pieces that you can mix and match with your shirts and suits. One smart thing to do is pick some base colors like a solid blue bowtie or the standard paisley bowtie. You can buy one quality piece at a time and over time you will see that you have collected enough to not repeat Bowties for a whole month.

Ascots Are Cool

Did you ever think anyone besides Hugh Hefner could make an Ascot look so cool?  Well guess what, he is not the only one anymore.  Ascots have become the latest trend in fashion for the Hollywood crowd.  The latest to sport this hot accessory was Jeremy Piven seen wearing a Navy blue and White Dot Ascot to the Emmy Awards.  Fashion houses around the world have taken note of this trend and are coming out with new vibrant designs to capture the younger audience.  The ascot is not just for the older generation anymore.  Take a look at David Beckham rocking a very stylish black ascot.

Age Appropriate

Age is obviously an issue when choosing your wardrobe, but doesn't have to stop you from looking stylish. “The key is choosing the right look for you as an individual without giving that mutton dressed as lamb impression” (JC Campbell). Style and fashion are not just for the young man.  Here are a few tips to help you achieve your unique look.

Try and wear clothes that fit properly.  The worst thing you can do is wear a shirt that is two sizes to small or a pair of pants hanging off your rear.  Put on that tapered shirt or that perfectly tailored suit.
Try and not go overboard with accessories.  The accessories that you use should blend in with the colors you are wearing and just add hints of color in areas you want them to, such as scarves, neckties, ascots, suspenders and hankies.