How to Wear a Tuxedo

How to wear a tuxedo? Classic with a modern fit. That's how I do black tie.

October 10th was National Tuxedo Day and that got me thinking about how much I love wearing tuxedos so when my friends at The Black Tux, a tuxedo rental company, asked about my tuxedo style, I figured I'll share it with you too.

Fit is everything. Whether you're renting or purchasing, a good fit separates the men from the boys. A good fit doesn't mean tight and uncomfortable - you're not wearing skinny jeans! A good fit simply means that you're wearing your appropriate size. Stay away from a "regular" fit and shop for a "tailored" fit. Of course, when you're buying a tuxedo you have more flexibility when it comes to custom tailoring.

Now that we've determined that a tailored fit is the way to go, lets move on to accessorizing your tuxedo. Cufflinks and studs: rock your own. There are many styles available from flashy to conservative so choose a style that best represents your personality. Pocket squares: I prefer solid black or white OR I sometimes sport a pattern in black and white. Colors are okay but when the pocket square color matches the bow tie and cumberbund, that's just tacky! Bow ties: always should be self-tie. If you don't know how to tie a bow tie, learn!

When I wear a tuxedo, I always keep my color palette black and white and the fit is tailored. Simple. Classic. Modern. Timeless. 

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The How-to on Short-Sleeved Shirts

Anyone who has experienced a Summer day in Atlanta could tell you that there are days that it would be best to just stay indoors due to the extreme humidity. Regardless to where you live, it is important to not allow the weather to damper your style or to cause you to care less about what you wear for the sake of keeping cool. For men, one of the ways to remain fashion-forward during the warmer seasons is to choose the right short-sleeved shirt to incorporate into their look.

Although I am not one who is opposed to wearing polo shirts or t-shirts, I would like to focus our attention particularly on the men’s short-sleeved button-up shirt. At one point, the short-sleeved button-up was one that a lot of men would rather avoid altogether; feeling as if it makes them look like a real geek or some typical IT worker.  Truth is, the short-sleeve button-up when worn right, can be the perfect complement to your summer ensemble. To accomplish this tastefully, the gentleman must understand the science behind the fit, patterns and colors and the versatility of these shirts.

THE FIT

Fit is everything! You want to make sure that the short-sleeved shirt is slim-fitting, but not too tight. When wearing a shirt that is too tight or too large, it tends to draw unwanted attention to problem areas and does not communicate well. The shirt should not feel as if it is at risk for popping a button if the wrong move is made. The collar should be able to button comfortably and sit closely on the neck without constriction. Typically, you should only be able to put two fingers in the collar to assure the appropriate size. Likewise, the sleeves should come mid-bicep and should not be so tight that they cut into the bicep nor billow on the arms.

PATTERNS AND COLORS

According to the style etiquette of patterns and colors, solids and stripes are generally more business wear patterns. When wearing a short-sleeved shirt, this option can provide the man with more style versatility and edge in the workplace. As for color, the idea is to treat more vibrant colors as an accessory rather than a primary that does not distract from the overall look. This of course, is subject to interpretation, but should always synchronize with the rest of the outfit. If you are unsure as to what color works best for you, it ‘s probably a good idea to ask a salesperson or someone more informed fashionably.

VERSATILITY

Short-sleeved button-up shirts can be worn either tucked in or left out depending on the look you’re aiming for. Typically, the tucked in look gives a more tailored appearance and works best with a tailored pair of slacks and formidable leather shoes. This can also be worn tucked into a pair of lightweight, cotton shorts. On the other-hand, the short-sleeved shirt can also be worn un-tucked along with a crisp pair of khaki or cotton shorts, rolled-up chinos or denim jeans and trainers.

By Men's Style Blogger & Contributor:

Brian A. Hampton / Dress Like a Gent @_dresslikeagent

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#MRTURKxFashionado TRUNK SHOW RECAP

No one does color and pattern like Mr Turk. No one does menswear like Mr Turk. And in Atlanta, the only place to find this amazing brand is at Trina Turk at Phipps Plaza. Mr Turk is one of the most refreshing menswear labels out there. Jonathan Skow a.k.a. Mr Turk, embraces impeccable tailoring, great design, bold prints, pattern and vibrant colors to create unique collections for confident men. This is fashion! As a fan of Mr Turk, I was thrilled and honored to host his first ever trunk show in Atlanta and introduce this exciting fashion line to a new audience. It was a true fashion party at Trina Turk with a fun group of fashionados and fashionistas enjoying Bulleit Bourbon cocktails, beef tenderloin and lobster bites from Davio's Restaurant while they played "dress up" and shopped. The evening had a socially-conscious purpose as well, bringing awareness to Pride School Atlanta. A portion of Turk sales benefited the school committed to providing a safe, fun and rigorous learning environment to LGBTQQIA students, families and educators.

Burberry Prorsum 2015 Runway

"Classically Bohemian" is what designer Christopher Bailey called his collection for Burberry Prorsum - "I'd wear every single piece" is what I call it! Such a rich collection of prints and patterns like leopard, camo, florals and paisley. Lots of texture, lots of layering. Scarves, ponchos and shawls. I was especially drawn to the pants. They are slightly drop-crotch yet still slim cut to the ankle. Comfortable and on trend at the same time.

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Suits & Motorcycles

E. Vincent Martinez
E. Vincent Martinez

Suit by Banana Republic / Photos by Tomas Espinoza Photography

Nothing compares to a well-fitted suit. It's the difference between good and bad style. Regardless of whatever your career may be, a sharp dressed man is unstoppable.

Because I like an edgier look, the pants are hemmed higher than "normal." You don't have to do that. The suit, as you can see, is a good fit - you can't go wrong with Banana Republic! I wanted a clean, crisp feel, so I chose a tailored-fit white dress shirt from Brooks Brothers. The shoes are  Italian leather wingtips by Roberto Guerrini, the silk pocket square from Century 21 in NYC and the bowtie, vintage.

*All photos by Tomas Espinoza Photography

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Pharrell talks Personal Style with GQ

Pharrell Williams is one of the most stylish men on the planet, big hat and all! In this brief video for GQ, he answers questions about his own personal style and approach to fashion. He's a super cool guy, talented and confident. 

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Suitsupply: from Amsterdam to Atlanta

suitsupply-vincent-martinez-fashionado
suitsupply-vincent-martinez-fashionado

Do you know where all the BEST-DRESSED MEN in Atlanta were last night?

I do. They were at Suitsupply. The city's most dapper dudes embraced the  global retailer with a thunderous roar louder than Mother Nature's evening storms. The rain didn't stop the Suitsupply opening bash in Atlanta from taking off to sartorial badassness in a city hungry for [great] style!

If you want to dress on trend without being trendy, go to

Suitsupply

. If you have an appreciation for the finest Italian textiles, go to

Suitsupply

. AND as for the service, custom tailoring, attention to detail, value and affordability, there is no comparison. Visit Suitsupply and let me know what you think.

suitsupply-atlanta-fashionado
suitsupply-atlanta-fashionado

OH and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the interior of the store. SEXY ... the Suitsupply Atlanta location is one of the sexiest spaces in town! From the chic, geometric patterned walls to the store's layout to the private fitting area...

 

Suitsupply Atlanta is located at the Shops Around Lenox.

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