Formal Footwear, Tuxedo Shoes
Black Tie Affair: Styling Tips for Mens Tuxedo Shoes and Accessories
Accepting an invitation to a black-tie affair can be stressful. (More Below…)
Understanding the long-established etiquette rules when it comes to formal events is not in the man code. But the fact is, formal events are part of every man’s life at some point. Most men get through school without wearing a tuxedo. There weren’t any tuxedo wearing classes in school, but the tuxedo conversation probably did come up around prom time. If you are confused about rocking the black tie affair, here are some styling tips for mens tuxedo shoes and other accessories.
How Mens Tuxedo Shoes Can Pull Your Look Together
Black tie affairs can be fun. Those events are stages for individual style expression. A tuxedo that fits the right way and has all the right accessories is truly a work of art. Important elements in that art form are mens tuxedo shoes. Tuxedo shoes bring the essence of the tuxedo together.
Another important accessory is the tie. Learning to tie a bow tie is important, even though long ties are acceptable replacements for the bow tie these days. The style of the tuxedo is also relevant.
Tall or Short: What Type of Tux?
If you’re short, stay away from the double-breasted tux. If you’re tall, buy a two or three-button tux without the shawl lapel. A peak lapel tux is best for short and tall men. Don’t forget the vest if you want to go the extra distance.
A cummerbund is always a good idea, and so is a pocket square, instead of a boutonniere. A white stiff collar shirt with cuff links is the way to go with a bow tie, but some men like the white fold down collar shirt and long tie look. The good news is, no matter your size, shape or age, mens tuxedo shoes look great on everybody.
Patent Leather or Velvet: Picking Black Tuxedo Shoe Materials
Those basic details are not as hard as picking the right mens tuxedo shoes. Everyone has an opinion when it comes to wearing shoes that complement a tuxedo. The old school tuxedo wearers always wore a pair of black patent leather lace-up brogues with a tux. Men who want to show class, wear black velvet slip-ons to a black tie event.
Those choices are still okay, but a well-polished pair of black, pointed toe oxfords is what’s happening in the mens tuxedo shoe world these days. A pair of black calf suede slip-ons with a tassel will be just as charming and classy as a pair of velvet bedroom shoes with any style tuxedo.
The key to wearing mens tuxedo shoes is to not overreact. Buying a pair of shoes, you will only wear once or twice is not a good idea. You should buy a versatile shoe (like mens alligator shoes) that works for business and for a black tie affair. The trick is to stay true to yourself and listen to your inner styling voice.
Tuxedo Shoes
Black, Brown and Grey Tuxedo Shoes: Matching Accessories with Every Color
Shoes are the focal point in any fashion statement.
Most men don’t know much about the shoes they buy. Some men don’t know what quality shoes look like, and they don’t know how to turn shoes into a color story that compliments their choice in daytime and evening attire. If you are one of them, read on for more insights and learn how black, brown or grey tuxedo shoes can go with every color. The right clothes can make a man stand out in a crowd, but if that man is wearing shoes from another planet, he might want to get out of that crowd as quickly as possible.
Rocking a Suit with Black, Brown and Grey Tuxedo Shoes
The right shoes rock a suit. They are the glue that sticks a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt together. When shorts are the uniform of the day, the right color shoes make the shorts sing. Black shoes or sneakers seem to be the go-to picks of the day, every day, for some men.
The thought of wearing grey tuxedo shoes instead of black tuxedo shoes at a black tie event is as foreign to them as Korean kimchi is to an Italian restaurant. There are men who know how to put shoes and suits together so they rock, but like other men, you might need a catch-up course in shoe etiquette.
Black is the New Boring
The first lesson is, “black shoes are boring.” Color is in, so wear your shoe colors with pride. Take a lesson from the Italians and wear tan or brown shoes with a navy or grey suit. Don’t be afraid to pull those grey Python sneakers out of the closet, and wear them with a black suit with narrow grey pinstripes. Forget the tie and button-down collar shirt. Wear a no-collar shirt and add a colorful pocket square to the suit jacket. Grey tuxedo shoes are subtle, but they add the right touch to any suit.
That off-white sports jacket is collecting dust in your closet, so put it on with a pair of torn-up jeans and a light blue polo shirt. Then slip into those sockless off-white alligator driving mocs for some daytime action. Pull out that yellow T-shirt and red athletic shorts and grab that pair of red alligator espadrilles and head to the lake.
The Only Rule is There is No Rule
The only rule when it comes to wearing ties, socks, and shoes with suits, jackets, and tuxedos is there really isn’t any rule that will hinder you from wearing what you want. Be daring. Experiment with colors. If you want to wear grey tuxedo shoes with a midnight blue tuxedo, do it. Give your blue suit with a subtle plaid some color with a flashy 1940s-inspired tie.
Always keep a white pocket square handy to go with that tie. Pocket squares don’t have to match ties, but your belt color should match your shoe color. Accessorizing the right way boosts confidence and makes you feel special.
When choosing between black, brown and grey tuxedo shoes, let your imagination go free. Contrasting colors is the newest way to stand out in a crowd. Show off your personality and style by being a bit creative, and you’ll be the center of attention.
