Tuxedo and Suit Accessories – Defined!

Tuxedos and suits tend to really confuse men (and women!) when it comes to accessories. Never fear! With Operations Director Ben Dobson of Savvi Formalwear in Knoxville, Tennessee, we have put together a few style notes for you to help define the accessory options for men’s formalwear, thus helping you choose the best styles for your wedding! Did you miss our post on how to tell the difference between a tuxedo and a suit? Be sure to read it after you brush up on your accessorizing skills below!

• Bow Tie: Think James Bond, ladies. While this style has resided in the shadows of the more-popular long tie (see below) for the past few years, the bow tie is making slow but steady progress back onto the bridal fashion scene with both tuxedos and suits. Surprisingly, Ben states that younger crowds (i.e. teens at senior proms) have requested bow ties quite often this year, thanks to a rise in the number of fashion shoots featuring the bow tie.
  
  
• Long Tie: The modern option for today’s groom and men, whether wearing a tuxedo or a suit.
  
  
• Cummerbund: This is worn – although rarely these days – with a tuxedo as an alternative to a vest (see below). It is a broad waistband you sometimes see at very traditional gatherings.
  
  
• Vest: Today, men wear vests with either a tuxedo or a suit in a color that matches the bridesmaids.

• Cuff links: These pretty additions to men’s formalwear have a very important task – to fasten shirt cuffs together while adding a little glitz to the ensemble. Generally, men wear cuff links on the shirt under a tuxedo jacket.
  
• Shirt studs: These generally replace the four top buttons on the pleated shirt (see below) worn with a tuxedo. They normally match the cuff links.
  
  
• Pleated shirt: Of course, this is a formal shirt with pleats, worn with a tuxedo. Men generally wear suits with a regular collared shirt instead.
  
  
• Suspenders: Although not a very popular choice today, suspenders are two elastic bands worn over the shoulders to support the pants. Ben states that we normally see this as a casual way of holding men’s pants up without needing a belt. Occasionally, you may see them used with tuxedos or suits that are more formal, too.

• “Tuxedo” shoes: These are high-gloss men’s dress shoes. They are generally patent leather or polished calf and rounded at the end. Of course, your tuxedo specialist can lead your men to the proper footwear with a combination of style and comfort.

Savvi Formalwear can help your groom and all his men find fashion success, with all the proper accessories needed! “We can provide everything they will need – except the socks or underwear,” Ben explains jokingly. “We actually sell the socks, too!”

As for 2012, Ben states that pops of color and classic looks are big. Many men are opting for the slim-fit tuxedo style that is more form fitting. While black tuxedos have reigned supreme for some years at weddings, the grey suit has made a solid fashion appearance as of late. Luckily, Savvi can provide blacks, greys, and even tan tuxedos or suits, and you can accessorize with literally any color. If Ben does not have what you are looking for in-store, getting it takes just mere hours in some cases. Just ask! Ben’s wide stock provides “emergency” resources, too – for if another shop messes up your order. Men can walk in for an appointment and walk out the same day with a complete ensemble in many cases.

To learn more about Savvi Formalwear, visit their website and Facebook, and tell Ben the Pink Ladies sent you!