1. Classic Formalwearwith a Twist Timeless formal attire has its allure. Impeccable and dignified, a man in black and white with a bowtie, a shawl collar, and a perfectly tailored tuxedo jacket is a man well-dressed. It takes talent to master the art of dressing formally. It takes a master to embody the impeccable, classic look, and yet lend to it a personal touch. Here are a collection of ideas how to jazz up your evening wear, for the groom, the groomsmen, or for a gala ball.
2. 1. Accessorize Formalwear comes replete with its own entourage of accessories, and yet here is something a little different: A print silk scarf… to match the bowas this groom shows, a new accessory can freshen any suit, and transform classic groom attire to classic groom attire with class.
3. 2. Modernize There’s no mistaking this man for a stuffy nineteenth century gentleman. A fedora, hand on hip and a little attitude, and he’s unmistakably from the present. It’s surprising perhaps that the fedora is representative of the present, and not a tribute to the past, but the same could be said for any trendy yet classic fashion item.
4. 3. Personalize It’s your night. Let your clothing tell your story. Military attire is not unique at a military wedding, but a full military tux? There are grooms who pay tribute to their heritage, or tribute to their passions, or tribute to their woman, with the wedding attire they choose, while maintaining the grace of a man at a formal event.
5. 4. Hypnotize It’s all dazzle and shine from Neil Patrick Harris. Texture and fabric can completely refresh the look of the classic dinner attire, even if you stick to the standards in every other respect, such as color and cut.
6. 5. Advertise Justin Timberlake at a Nickelodeon event, wearing the bright orange of the brand. Color is a great, but not a new way to personalize your wedding or formal attire. Think of a new way to match the bride’s flowers, the tablecloths, or your company’s brand at a business event.
7. 6. Formalize I suspect the original top hat wearing, cane toting Englishmen would appreciate if they were attributed with …
8. 7. Informalize Is it a tux if it isn’t 3D? What defines a tux anyway? He’s got the shawl collar, the bowtie and the boutonniere. He’s just missing the sleeves. For a motuxedojacket with a pair of jeans and begin a trend of casual formal. Photo: Blake Lewis
9. 8. Surprise What’s black and white and polka dots all over? A young man with a personal take on the classic dinner suit. He has stuck to the black and white color scheme but adds life with a printed jacket, in this case polka dots. But it could be floral or paisley or any other print you can dream of.
11. 10. Youthenize Why ruin a perfectly fun and goofy night with a fitted dinner jacket and a fully buttoned dress shirt? Alternatively, why assume that formal dress requires formal behavior. Lighten up the evening with a big smile, pink sunglasses, or your favorite funky accessory.
