And the winner is............

It’s awards season here in Hollywood again and that means…..red carpet time! Millions of people are glued to their TVs way before the actual shows during the red carpet coverage just to catch a glimpse at what everybody is wearing. So if you are lucky enough to be walking the red carpet yourself, here are some pointers on how to give your formal wear the most fashionable and traditionally dapper look.

Choosing a Tuxedo

The standard for formal wear is tuxedo and the standard for tuxedo is black. When shopping for a tuxedo, look for something that is classic and timeless.

A timeless classic tuxedo jacket will come in one or two button style. Avoid the three button or double breast jacket. The notch lapel tuxedo seem to be the industry standard, though a peak lapel can also qualify if the lapel is not too wide or too skinny. For the most adventurous fashionista, the shawl collar tuxedo has a retro feel and can help you stand out in a  crowd.

The most important consideration should be the fit. Make sure that when buying or even renting a tuxedo, to work with an expert tailor that really knows his trade. Make sure the jacket length is right for your height and that the frame and waist of the jacket feels like a gentle hug. The sleeves should be just long enough to allow your shirt cuff to peek through.

The tuxedo pants should make a timeless statement as well. Choose flat front tuxedo slacks. I happen to hate pleats on pants and I really hate them on tuxedos, so stay away from those.  The pants should hug your body, without being tight and should fall beautifully without any excess material or folds. Make sure the pockets are not flaring out like wings on a plane. The standard rise (from the crotch to the waistline) should be about 9 to 10 1/4 inches in length. A belt is never worn with tuxedo pants. Instead opt for suspenders or the more classic cummerbund. And finally tuxedo pants should never have cuffs.

The Perfect White Shirt

The tuxedo shirt should be crisp white and the standard classic design. Choose shirts in either cotton or linen with a semi-spread or standard collar. A club collar (round collar) could also be worn when creating a more sophisticated and retro look. Avoid wing tip collar shirts unless you graduated high school in the 70's and feel the need to re-live your prom. Also avoid button down collars and wide spread collars

Make sure the shirt fits snugly so as to avoid excess fabric bulging through or creating wrinkles through the jacket. Pleated front shirts are a matter of taste.

A tuxedo shirt should always have French cuffs.

To Bow Tie or Not

The bow tie and necktie are both acceptable choices with today’s contemporary tuxedo. It is truly a personal choice, and comes down to a matter of physique. For the slightly overweight or vertically challenged man, the bow tie is not the best way to go. In the same way the extremely tall and slim gentleman should avoid the neck tie and choose a bow tie instead. When using a necktie the full or double Windsor knots are recommended.

Black is the standard color for ties, though navy, gray and white are also acceptable choices today.

Shoes Me

Patent leather shoes are usually frowned upon these days by the culture vultures that will take those red carpet walkers apart on Monday, however; I truly feel strongly about them, especially when wearing a fitted more contemporary tuxedo. I believe they serve as the equivalent to Fred Leighton diamonds on a woman. It just adds the right amount of male bling! Wear patent leather shoes with gusto and pride.

Accessories Accessories

Here is where it all comes together. The accessories put the finishing touches to your look.

When choosing a shirt that require studs keep it simple. Use silver, white or black studs unless you want to make a statement - in which case add jewel studs to your look.

For cuff links, make sure they are sophisticated and simple (silver, gold, diamond. pearl, precious jewels) and not whimsical and colorful - unless of course you are a teenager in which case have fun with it.

Pocket Squares should be white unless you are wearing a color tie and feel the need to match it. The pocket square should have a simple square fold and peek through about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

Formal wear traditionally demands dark socks but this is where you can have the most fun even if you wearing a traditional look. Colored socks give you that individuality that can make you a swash of brilliance in a sea of black and white penguins.

The perfect watch is slim and understated. Stay away from flashy timepieces or multi bracelets around your wrist

Of course this is just a very basic overview of how to dress formal and traditional. I encourage you to have fun and exercise your individuality.  Make sure to look in the mirror when you are getting ready and before leaving the house like what you see. You will never please everyone all the time but you can definitely feel good about your choices everyday.

Feel free to contact me at with any questions or feedback. I can also be available to dress and style you anytime of year and for any and all occasions.

I'll be back with my own fashion wrap up after each of the awards shows this year. Maybe I will be blogging about you! Have fun on the red carpet!