Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jon Kramer on March 8, 2013 at 4:39pm

I actually have a vest as well. But I thought a tux vest should have satin covered  buttons or whatnot? I think I really want to go with the classic tux shirt so I can get that timeless, classic tuxedo look.

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Permalink Reply by D Whaler on March 8, 2013 at 4:51pm

You are correct in that a proper tux waistcoat should have satin covered buttons.  Its a slight detail, but if you want to go all out its a necessary one. If you already have a vest then you are a few steps ahead. For a classic tux look you definitely need a french cuff shirt with tuxedo studs instead of buttons.

I had one of these made with a wide spread traditional collar instead of the turn down collar:

http://www.indochino.com/product/Starched-at-Casino-Royale-Shirt-%2...

The classic tux shirt would have a turn down collar (as shown in link), I just never liked the way they look.  Its totally a personal preference thing, I say go for it if that's the look you are going for.

Stud/cufflink set:

http://www.indochino.com/product/Tuxedo-Cufflinks-Set

For the traditional look definitely stick with a solid black bowtie and a white linen or satin pocket square.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Kramer on March 9, 2013 at 8:04am

So, I bought some dress boots yesterday and wanted some opinions. I got them because they were on clearance. If they are unsuitable for a tux, I am going to return them; I just need to know. They seem quite nice to me and when they're on with pants you can't even tell they're boots.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on March 9, 2013 at 8:42am

The boots are OK, I guess, though the buckle on the side isn't my thing. That said, above you said you were going for a classic tux look and that doesn't really say boots (can't say I ever saw Cary Grant wear boots with his tux). I've only know a few guys who could carry off boots with a tux.

Plus if you're saying "with pants you can't even tell they're boots" then I'd wonder why even go that route (unless it's the style now at school or other guys are also wearing them). Some boots also push out the pant leg too much, so see how the line of the pant leg falls if you do want to wear the boots.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Kramer on March 9, 2013 at 10:45am

Okay. That makes sense. I just like them because they're quite comfortable and I've personally always liked the idea of a dress boot. Anyhow, if those aren't suitable, I was also looking at something like this:Are these a better match?

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Permalink Reply by D.J. on March 9, 2013 at 7:39pm

I would say go with the shoes, lest you look like George Bush: http://www.thestranger.com/images/blogimages/2010/07/28/1280359525-...

But in all seriousness, I don't see the need for tux boots. I think if you wanted to wear them you should have a reason (for example, a black tie event in winter where you'll have to walk through snow). Otherwise, shoes are the default and I would go with that. At least with shoes you can wear some nice socks and really get noticed. It may be "black tie" but socks can be the place to draw attention. Your date has a colorful dress- you at least can have nice socks. That's what I would do anyway.

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Permalink Reply by Tim G. on March 11, 2013 at 6:54am

If the OP wants to keep it correct, simple and according to the "rules", his socks should also be black. It will continue the line from his jacket to his trousers to his shoes, and thus makes him appear taller. An odd pair of socks on a black tie outfit detracts from the intended formality and may look ridiculous.

Black tie is not the outfit to go crazy with or "draw attention". It is and has been a standardized classic for a reason. If you want to individualize your black tie outfit a bit, do it with your shirt studs, cufflinks and pocket square. Do not experiment with the rest of the outfit.

But for the rest, I agree. OP should ditch the boots and go for the shoes.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on March 10, 2013 at 2:53pm

The shoes are great.

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Permalink Reply by D Whaler on March 11, 2013 at 7:44am

Those are cool casual boots and would look great with jeans or khakis. The wouldn't be dressy enough to wear with a tux.  Dress boots should be much slimmer in build (no chunky sole, no excess bulk). Like This:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/magnanni-donosti-zip-boot/3298536?origi...

A lot of traditional Black tie guys will tell you that boots are a no go and that true black tie requires patented leather shoes. At the balls that I have attended you will find about 1/3-1/2 of the men in attendance will opt for a higher ankle shoe, usually the younger guys.  Its a personal preference thing, if you aren't sure about the boots pull inspiration from this page:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/tuxedo-formal-wear-shoes?origin=leftnav

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Palardy on March 9, 2013 at 3:31pm

First, rent it. The most use that men get out of black tie is fraternal society meetings and, considering you're just leaving high school, you'll likely not be able to join one for a few years anyway, during which time your size may change.

Next, classic is always best--black dinner jacket, black trousers, white shirt, black tie, black cummerbund. Don't go with a pastel waistcoat or tie just because it matches her dress; those are feminine colours to begin with, and the neutral black not only compliments everything, but also looks good on you.

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Permalink Reply by Joshua on March 10, 2013 at 6:46pm

Others have given you great info.  As a HS student, you're probably not done growing and almost certainly not physically mature (as Rebekah said, you'll fill out).

As far as style, at the 3 proms I attended (junior year and 2 senior year), I had a couple different styles.  One year, my friends and I all wore zoots.  I went with a slightly conservative zoot suit (no chains, not quite as baggy trousers).  It was plain enough that it didn't overshadow my date, but I felt spiffy.

Senior year (2 proms: my school, my gf's school), I rented a classic tux with tails.  Black tuxedo, white shirt, vest and bow to match date's dress (green, also my favorite color).

Out of those 2 styles, I definitely preferred the classic tux.  It was different enough from what everyone else was wearing that I felt distinguished and spiffy, but I neither overshadowed my date nor looked like a douche.  Bowtie and vest were green, matching my date's dress, matching boutonniere/corsage for the two of us.  That was enough for us to match and look "couple-y" while keeping it classy.  Then wore my lime green bowtie with my purple graduation gown at commencement.  Tons of compliments ensued.

Again, rent instead of buying unless there are unusual circumstances (such as you'll need a tux several times over the next couple years before you outgrow it).  I would avoid buying a suit unless you'll need it for college interviews or the first year of college (as you'll probably gain some weight [muscle/fat] and grow a bit in at least one direction freshman year.

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Permalink Reply by D Whaler on March 11, 2013 at 8:35am

Also, it hasn't been mentioned yet but what are you thinking of wearing for a watch?

For traditional black tie you shouldn't wear a watch since it is considered rude to be keeping track of time while at a black tie function but the reality is we are slaves of time and in order to keep track of it a sleek and unobtrusive dress watch is acceptable. Whatever you do, don't wear a bulky sports watch with your tux. No watch is better than a plastic g-shock monstrosity.

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