The current fashion scene is flooded with new menswear each month thanks to the hype. Party animals and dandies have always bowed to the rules of black tie – a smoking jacket here, a pair beaten-up tennis shoes elsewhere. There are many ways to mix formalwear these days, so it’s time to rethink the old dress code.
- One-Of-One Tuxedo
One of the many hero pieces revealed in Demna’s Balenciaga Couture debut, is an elegantly contoured Tuxedo that refers to one owned by Cristobal (price on request).
- Sex Tux
Alessandro Michele wore a red velvet tuxedo taken from Gucci’s archive in 1996 for Gucci’s 100th Anniversary Collection. Look familiar? It’s the one that made Gwyneth Paltrow famous, Michele stated (jacket, $3600 and pants, $1300).
- Nighttime Shades
Bow tie, pocket square and cummerbund… You can now add a pair of Cartier shades ($1,195) to your black-tie accessory list.
- Flashy Tie
Lindman New York, a custom-neckwear brand, can create almost any collar accessory that you can imagine. You just need a midnight blue tie Add sequins ($150).
- Dress Watch
The latest Chanel accessory, the Boy Friend Watch in steel, features an opaline guilloche dial with a leather parts and a quilted leather strap. It is guaranteed to be a hit with menswear ($4,600).
- Ankara-Print Scarf
Even though the evening scarf has not been seen regularly in decades, London tailor Ozwald Boateng’s silk scarfs bring it back to life ($408).
- Faux-Fur Overcoat
Huy Luong and Dylan Cao founded the rising NYC label Commission. Commission’s menswear debut pays homage to Vietnamese style and Korean fashion in the 1970s. Pieces like this faux fur duster update the era’s sartorial codes for today’s social media age ($1,995).
- Highland Dress Skirt
The Thom Browne Kilt has been the staple black-tie item for adventurous dressers around the globe since Odell Beckham Jr. wore it to the Met Gala ($2,240).
- A Ring Worth Kissing
While some may think the male engagement ring looks like a fancy watch or a Tiffany & Co. ring, we believe it is a Tiffany & Co. ring set featuring a stunning Sri Lankan sapphire (price on request).
- Slinky Pleated Shirt
Fendi’s elegant, piped button down whispers of late night that turns into early mornings ($1,790).
- Cummerbund Cross-Body
Dunhill’s handy damask-print silk cummerbund bag is the best way to store all your wedding party supplies. It costs only $595.
- Disco Derbys
The sober Prada derby was doused with rhinestones this season and sent to the dance floor ($1,400).
- Loafers in 18K
While black tie is usually a formal affair, you don’t need to wear lace-ups in quiet black. But sometimes the gold Giuseppe Zanotti loafers ($995) are the best choice.
- Floral Cocktail Jacket
In a world where fashion is all about breaking rules, there’s one rule that remains: Tom Ford, the king and queen of debonair evening wear, is your best bet when you need a lame floral jacket.
- Riding Cape
Formalwear is all drama, romance, and mystery. Celine Homme’s Hedi slimane is the best designer to play to this fantasy. Her formal caps have become a signature ($2,550).
- Silky Shirt
Dress codes can be cleverly subverted. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello’s margold silk blouse ($1,990) is a better alternative to the tuxedo.
- Surrealist Necklace
Daniel Roseberry, the artistic director, has created some of the most viral outfits this year by playing with Schiaparelli’s irreverent, sculptural code house. This striking gilded necklace invites you to make a moment of it all (price on request).
- Earrings in Enamel
Frank Ocean, a long-awaited fashion designer, unveiled Homer in August. This first collection included silk scarves and diamond jewelry. These enamel earrings ($1,795) were hand-painted.
- Party Blazer
The elegant space between James Bond & Austin Powers is Etro’s leopard-print velvet jacket ($2,160).
- Gem-Set Suit
Martine Rose, Balenciaga alum, is known for her tailored suits. This rhinestone-encrusted set includes a wide-shouldered jacket and relaxed-fit trousers. (Price on request).
- Vintage Cuff Links
Hermes made chain-link cufflinks in the 1970s that fit around your shirt cuff. This was a revolutionary move that is rarely seen today. Foundwell still has vintage versions ($1,295).
