Black suits are for glamour, not business

August 5th 2009

I have a friend that loves black suits. Can’t get enough of them. For him, a black suit and a white shirt are the chicest things a man can wear. He is a big fan of Reservoir Dogs, so that might have influence him somewhat, but he still has a po...

Black suits are for glamour, not business

Match in comments:
It's hard to say, these things aren't that universal anymore. But if in doubt, I'd go with charcoal - always err on the side of propriety with an event like that...

Black tie - SuitsAugust 5th 2009

My 50-year-old black tie

May 25th 2009

I had heard ‘stories’ about treasures found in second-hand shops before. The way it goes, one day the author is browsing through the racks while his girlfriend tries on shoes, and all of a sudden he discovers an Anderson & Sheppa...

My 50-year-old black tie

Match in comments:
Thanks Edward, really useful example...

Black tieMay 25th 2009

Reader question: Covering the black tie waist

May 18th 2009

MC: Simon, I’m interested in your thoughts on a waistcoat pairing for my upcoming wedding. My tuxedo is single button, peak lapel (grosgrain). I have flexibility on the shirt style (wing or standard collar) and the waistcoat. Would you recommen...

Reader question: Covering the black tie waist

Match in comments:
Thank you very much!...

Black tieMay 18th 2009

The three black-tie sins

May 6th 2009

Criticism of what people wear to black-tie events tends to focus on obvious sins: wearing a lounge suit, wearing a coloured tie and wearing a long tie instead of a bow ( though this is less objectionable than one may think). These are some of the big...

The three black-tie sins

Match in comments:
Yes, absolutely...

Black tieMay 6th 2009

Black tie: What does correct mean?

February 20th 2009

During comments on a recent posting, discussion of the use of the word ‘correct’ came up in reference to black tie. Unfortunately, that word has almost no firm meaning today in reference to menswear. Even with regards to black tie, which ...

Black tie: What does correct mean?

Match in comments:
That an SB dinner jacket is the most formal? Yes...

Black tieFebruary 20th 2009

Evening wear: Why a four-in-hand is better than a...

February 10th 2009

Aren’t you just sick of celebrities turning up to the Oscars in a four-in-hand tie? A black tie event demands a bow tie. A long tie may be trendier, but this is an outfit steeped in history. History and tradition demand a bow tie. Right? Wrong....

Evening wear: Why a four-in-hand is better than a...

Match in comments:
Dear Simon living in Zurich I have the advantage of beeing in Milano in three hours. I have not only bought traditional Marinella ties but also more modern ones from AD56. The shop owner wears them very casually, the thi...

Black tie - TiesFebruary 10th 2009