While having a very in-depth conversation with my new favorite groom about custom tuxedos, it sparked that little light in my mind to write about tuxedo and here we are. While on one of my favorite sites (GQ) looking for formal wear, I came across this amazing articles about choosing and buying a tux. And you know, if I think you need to know about it, I must write about it.

Somewhere along the line, a tuxedo went from being the most majestic piece in a man’s wardrobe to something that he had to wear. As in, “Yeah, dude, I gotta wear a tux to this wedding next weekend.” You know what? Quit your carping. The fact is, you’ll never look better, more manly—more gentlemanly—than in a tuxedo said Will Welch for GQ. According to GQ, when picking your tux, start with the basics.

The Basic: Such as the classic, timeless black tux, white shirt, black bow tie (yes, bow tie—they’re back in a big way). There’s nothing quirky or dangerous about this outfit, and that’s okay. Opting for a classic doesn’t make you a square; it makes you a gentleman.

Keep It Slim: At some point in the evening, you’re going to toss the jacket. Make sure you’re wearing a slim-fit shirt that won’t blouse out pirate-style by the time you’re leading “Livin’ on a Prayer” choruses.

Go Blue:
A midnight blue tux strikes an alternative but still classic note. Generally, wear one with a white shirt and black tie. Unless you want to look all…Grammy Awards, in which case you can do like Brandon and go for a black formalwear shirt, open at the collar. Look for other versions by Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Neil Barrett, and D&G.

Know Your Lapels: Notch
When in doubt, go with a notch lapel. Less of a statement than a shawl or a peak, it essentially mimics a conventional suit jacket and looks right on just about anyone.

Rock the Velvet
Note: velvet jacket—not suit. Like a midnight blue tux, velvet adds flair to your formalwear. Black is your safest option, but if you’re not afraid to play it up, look for one in bottle green, burgundy, or navy. Just keep the rest of the outfit simple, from the pants to the shirt to the tie.

Know Your Lapels: Peak
The original tuxedo, which debuted in 1886 in Tuxedo Park, New York, featured a peak lapel. Wear with pride.

Master the White Dinner Jacket:
The white dinner jacket—worn always with black tux pants—is part Old Hollywood (Bogart), part rocker (André 3000). Although not exclusively for summer, it’s best worn from March to October—or whenever they’re serving mint juleps.

Know Your Lapels: Shawl Collar
It had its heyday in the ’50s, worn most famously by James Dean, but it has surged back into fashion of late. Just be sure to keep the collar on the slim side.

One Tux, Two Ways
The Clark Gables and Cary Grants of the world would scoff, but the long tie has—for better or worse—become part of the formalwear canon. Just make sure it syncs up with the width and material of your lapels. So, satin lapel, satin tie.

Did you know there was so much to buying a tux? I didn’t! But, that’s what I’m here for; to advise you on these little things in life. Below are some of the tux pictures from GQ and the model certainly looks handsome and more importantly confident in his tux which is most definitely what you want.

Well, what do you think about this? Was this helpful information? You know how much I love to hear from you.

Happy shopping,

Violaine

All photo credits to Paola Kudacki

Flexsitez - Wedding and event planning based in Atlanta Georgia

How incredibly adorable are these lime green costume pair of sneakers by  Converse? I came across these while visiting the amazing Memory Journalists who captured the pictures in Sacramento. Oh, don’t worry, your groom can customize his pair as well. I’m truly giddy about personalizing a certain pair for a certain planner. Yours truly; Violaine

Giddy about Converse,

Violaine Diogene

Flexsitez - Wedding and event planning based in Atlanta Georgia

A few weeks ago we discussed the Full Windsor Knot as part of our series The Art of the Knot. This week, we’re still discussing the Windsor Knot but instead of a Full Windsor Knot, this is the Half Windsor Knot! Yes, there is a difference between the two of them.

The Half Windsor Knot, is a modest version of the Windsor Knot. It’s a symmetrical and triangular tie knot that you can use with any dress shirt. It works best with somewhat wider neckties made from light to medium fabrics. You can use this particular knot for a formal rehearsal dinner if you were to wear a tie.

The instructions for tying a half-Windsor knot (way 1) are shown below courtesy of  Totieatie.com. We assume that you are right-handed in the following instructions. The figures below are mirror images. They are what you will see if you stand in front of a mirror. If you would like to see a video instruction instead, please click here.

I hope these series are helping you and if they’re not you know you can just send me an email letting me know your thoughts.

 With you in mind,

Violaine Diogene

1. At the beginning, the wide end of the tie should be on your right side and the other end should be on your left side.

2. Cross the wide end over the other end. Now three regions are formed (Left, Right and Center).

3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end from Left to Right.

4. Bring the wide end over to the Center region.

5. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Left region.

6. Bring the wide end out of the shirt from Left to Right.

7. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Center region.

8. Bring the wide end down and pass the loop in front. Ensure that the knot is tightened.

9. Use one hand to pull the narrow end down gently and use the other hand to move the knot up until it reaches the center of the collar.

Flexsitez - Wedding and event planning based in Atlanta Georgia