Gents, as you reflect on 2017, during this last week of the year, I know some serious questions have crossed your mind. “What goals do I want to accomplish in 2018?” “Is it time to change jobs?” “Should I stay in this relationship in the new year?” and most importantly, “What should I wear on New Years Eve?!” Whether you’re spending New Years Eve at an intimate house party, midnight mass at church, or an all white/all black, gala, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to ring in the New Year, looking like old news. Don’t sweat it, SUITABULL is here to make sure you step into the New Year with some fresh gear! Below, you'll see some the different options that vary from Over the top, to low key chic.
Tuxedos
Your most formal option for the evening, by far will come in the form of a tuxedo. Same, color Jacket and slacks, with satin lapels. The whole 9 yards. If you’re headed to a black tie affair, then your attire is pretty much already set for you. It goes a little something like this: black tux, white shirt, black bow tie, black shoes, no belt, black top hat, gold monocle (the last 2 only apply if you're the monopoly man). Even though you're outfit is mostly set, there's still room to add your own touch. Traditionally, you’ll want a peak lapel, but you can also mix it up with a shawl collar tux. If the occasion calls for “formal attire” (not necessarily black tie), any color tuxedo will work here, white, black, charcoal or navy, to name a few. My personal favorite, a navy blue tux, white shirt, with a black or burgandy velvet bow tie, white silk pocket square, and black velvet loafers. If you’re wearing velvet loafers/slippers, socks won't be necessary.
Dinner Jackets
Dinner Jackets, allow an abundance of creativity, in comparison to the single color palate of a tux. The difference between a dinner jacket and a blazer or sports jacket, are the satin lapels (much like a tuxedo).
Create your base, with black slacks, not polka dot, not striped, not glittery or shiny, not leather, but good old fashioned black wool slacks. Black tuxedo slacks with a satin stripe are ok here too. The Dinner jacket is the real superstar here, so no need to go overboard on the slacks.
Jacket types can vary, depending on how over the top you’d like to be. For a traditional look, go for a white wool dinner jacket with black satin lapels, paired with black slacks and black patent leather oxford shoes.
Take it up a level, with my personal favorite, velvet. This fabric presents colors in a deeper and richer hue, more so than wool or cotton, so pick a good one! Great options are black, blue or red velvet. And of course if you’ve got a velvet dinner jacket, velvet loafers would look great!
For an over the top look, go for a patterned dinner jacket (dark tone camouflage, monochromatic paisley, or dark polka dots) with black satin lapels, paired with toned down slacks and black patent leather loafers.
Suits
If you’re going to a party, that’s not as formal, or even midnight mass, a suit may be your style of choice for the evening.
Suits are easy, because once you’ve selected a great pattern; all it takes is a smart shirt and pocket square selection to show off your skills. As reviewed during my previous post “Suit Anatomy: 101” a well-tailored suit is paramount to this equation!
Grab a solid gray or navy suit with a blue or pink patterned shirt (checkered or striped). Lose the necktie for the night and replace with a solid red or purple pocket square. Finish off the look with cognac color oxfords or loafers.
Take it up a level by summoning your pattern power. That’s right, if you’re sure of you’re willing to put yourself out there, go for a navy pinstripe, or gray windowpane pattern suit. Tread carefully as you pair a patterned suit with a shirt and pocket square, since the suit pattern will cover most of your body, you don’t want to look like a fabric store threw up all over you. Pair your patterned suit with a solid shirt (blue or pink) and a polka dot pocket square. The majority color of your pocket square should complement your shirt. See the previous post, “Square Route” for more tips on pocket square choices!
Blazers/Vests
For the low-key chic kind of gentleman, a blazer or vest (waistcoat) and slacks or a smart pair of jeans will do the trick.
Quick tip: Dark, solid vest, white shirt, with rolled up sleeves and a skinny black tie, paired with dark tailored jeans or herringbone gray slacks and a black loafers (suede or leather).
When wearing a blazer, for a relaxed look, go for a patterned (windowpane or glen plaid), blazer paired with a light blue shirt, tailored dark blue jeans and cognac colored shoes (any type referenced in the “SHOEtopia” post). Top it all off with a smart contrasting colored pocket square.
All White/Black Parties
Tuxedos or suits are the easy go-to choice for “all white” or “all black” parties, just make sure you match the shirt to the tux (obviously). Break up the monotony of the single color palette with different textures. The same can be done with dinner jackets. Try an all black wool tuxedo, with a velvet bow tie and silk pocket square, topped off with velvet loafers.
Pulling off all white is a little trickier. Variety with textures and patterns are key here. Using your tuxedo as a basis, go for a different patterned bowtie or necktie (herringbone or tonal stripes) and satin/silk pocket square. For a personal touch, add in a white lapel pin (either velvet, or satin). For the feet, grab some white leather loafers or all white casual sneakers and show those ankles with a higher tapered hem on the pants.
The key for the night is confidence, no matter what option you chose, be confident, stand up straight, and face those compliments head on!
Stay SUITABULL guys.