How To Wear The Statement Tuxedo Jacket
It’s classy, it’s sophisticated and timeless.
Shot IN STUDIO in BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
Photography, SIMI VIJAY
Styling, Igee Okafor
Men like it, women like it and it almost never fails to embody distinguished elegance and grace.
A few years ago, I was interviewed by my friend Timothy Jeffreys on Fohr Ground about the one piece of clothing I believe every man should own. Without hesitation, my natural response was “a Tuxedo.”
It has been almost two years since the interview and I still stand by that. Everything is much more fashionable with a tuxedo jacket on in all its formal glory.
For me, a lot of how I choose to wear clothing is based on how I feel in it and the tuxedo has never failed to instill the confidence and esteem I like to see in myself. When it comes to that one look that is sure to lift my spirits at any given time, this is it. I see a tuxedo as a palatable menswear equivalent of a superhero costume. It’s classy, it’s sophisticated and timeless. Men like it, women like it and it almost never fails to embody distinguished elegance and grace.
Men enjoy when they look badass and even more so when they get good attention for it.
On the more functional perspective of owning a tuxedo ensemble, I’ll start by noting that as men, we are all good to need it at some point so already, that makes it an essential piece. If you’re going to weddings, galas, or themed parties that require it, an assembly of essential staples keeps your style much more well rounded.
STYLING FORMULA
Top Half
In addition to the traditional white tuxedo jacket, the black or navy, I like to have some fun with prints and patterns. Menswear gets a lot of flack for “lacking imagination” and being monotonous and on the subject of formalwear, that is where examples like the statement tuxedo jacket comes in to overrule the statement.
When it comes to styling a statement tuxedo jacket, it’s no different from how I prefer things anyway: simple with clean lines and shapes allowing for the statement piece to stand out. Subdued support yet clean, and sharp.
For Bow Ties: I typically prefer a bow tie that has a bit of volume in its silhouette. The menswear bible states that your bow tie should typically match the lapels on your jacket and I haven’t found any scenarios where that proved otherwise just yet. I’ll circle back on that.
Also, it might be a bit taboo to admit but I do not enjoy doing my own bow ties. Every time I have attempted, the silhouette hasn’t been true to my taste and it has always taken more time than I would like so these days, I like to buy them as they are like this long silk faille bow tie by Gucci.
For Shirting: A white french cuff is a classic option. It’s what I wear most of the time and with a preference for a point collar. The french cuff requires cufflinks which present a subtle opportunity to show off your taste in accessories.
In that department, I like the color of my cufflinks always matching the scheme of the rest of the ensemble in obvious contrast with the shirt. For example, I’d go for a black/grey option before I considered a white one.
For Accessories: They say you shouldn’t wear a wrist watch with a tuxedo because if you have to wear a tuxedo anywhere, there is no reason you should be checking the time. You should solely be there to have as much fun as you can. While I agree, I believe this is a personal preference that comes with a specific type. I believe one could get away with a slim leather strapped timepiece with subtle details.
It’s something I’ve attempted from time to time and it works for me. I also enjoy accessorizing with rings of any style. For this particular look, I would keep all metals silvers.
BOTTOM HALF
For Tuxedo Trousers: Visually, I enjoy the traditional stripe on the outseam of a tuxedo trouser so generally, I go back and forth with trousers that feature the design and others that do not. The detail is dependent on how clean I want to keep the bottom half of my look. I prefer my hem tailored to desired length hovering over the front upper portion of my shoe. Adjustable side tabs are preferable to belt loops.
For Socks: Black socks are a given. CDLP makes theirs with an eco friendly bamboo yarn I enjoy. It feels soft, and breathable. Also, being that the socks are made with a natural fiber created from bamboo grass, the socks are naturally antibacterial. Sustainability people.
For Shoes: It’s very rare that I do not wear loafers for all of my tuxedo looks. Of all the shoe types, I perceive loafers as the most polished stand out option to support the ensemble details. Sleek leather boots are great as well as laced up options but I find that a lot more loafer options feel a bit less dated. I’m wearing high shine calf leather tassel loafers from Grenson.
GET THE LOOK:
RALPH LAUREN
