StyleArchiveZW's Guide to Black Tie Dress Code
Black tie wear for men has been essentially unchanged for
many years. It evolves subtly over time, but if you stick with certain rules
that will make all the difference. When everyone looks the same, you can always
notice when someone has done it properly and someone hasn't. So how does one
wear black tie ye folks ask, here is how.
The traditional colour for Black Tie dress for men has always been black for decades, but in the recent years we've seen em folks breaking rules and not goin for the black but rather darker shades of blue e.g Midnight navy. When buying your suit, the ideal jacket should have a closed back with no vents at all. Remember the silhouette has to be sleek, neat and nice. If you prefer vented jackets opt for one with side vents, centred vents blow open and show your shirt, which looks messy.
The Trousers
Plain hemmed legs with no turn ups are the way to go, pleated for a sharp look or plain flat fronts.
The Shirt
Plain white shirt with no fancy tuck detailing on the collar or funny buttons. Choose finely textured white shirts or if u can find it, the pleated bib shirt. Make sure the collar is a turn down collar, wing collars are for White Tie events. Cuff links can either be silver, black or White.
The Tie or Bowtie
In most cases the tie should match the texture of the facing of your suit, satin with satin, silk with silk. For the daring, its an opportunity to do something different, a different texture can look great but personally i would never do different colours or prints, it would look funny.
Accesories
Braces are a great accesory, they ensure that the trousers stay put throughout the evening, nomatter how much you dance. Shoes, opt for leather pumps for men e.g the Hai Kobo range, or alternatively opt for well shined shoes, slip ons, no brouges! Do wear black socks and your pocket square should coordinate with the rest of the outfit. The Belt, plain black no funny texas buckles or dollar signs.
Remember, dress appropriately rather than try making a fashion statement, you might Flop it.
