As we ramp up to the season of red carpets and exotic weddings,we're going to be seeing a whole lot more male black tie action on the red carpets and weddin events. While super-classic, peak lapel black dinner suits aren't going anywhere, there are always a few trends that creep into the most traditional dress code a man gets the change to wear.

Not to be confused with 'white tie' - a totally separate, uber-formal dress code that usually involves a tail coat and some sort of event with the Queen - a white tux jacket is an easy way to give your eveningwear a crisp update. Perhaps the most famous adopter is James Bond - seen on Sean Connery in Goldfinger, Sean Conner in A View To A Kill and, most recently, Daniel Craig in Spectre.

The tux can be a difficult get up to pull off - it's hardly everyday wear, after all - but stick to these rules and you should be on the right track to looking stirring, not shaken...

(Courtesy of Bespoke Nigeria Fashion Tips...)

Cc lalasticlala, Seun, myne24

Rule 1. Tailor it, don't rent

First off, you have to let go of the cheap option. Rented tuxedos may appeal to the average man who only goes to one black tie event every 10 years, but, as Chimmie Ijezie, creative director of Bespoke Nigeria, says: “It’s virtually impossible to rent a tuxedo that will fit you correctly in all the key areas.

“Investing in a bespoke Custom Tailored tuxedo, will have you looking your very best – and save you money in the long run.” You can get a fitting tailored suit from Bespoke Nigeria.


Rule 2. Get the cut right

“The finer details come later, but it is important to get the fit of the suit jacket and trousers right first,” says Chimmie.

Look at the shoulders to make sure the pads don’t jut out. Check the back of the suit jacket, which should fall neatly and in a straight line when fastened. The fabric around the stomach should be close to your body but not tight and certainly never strained.

"The lengths of both the jacket and trousers are also key, too long and you can look swamped, too short and you can come across cumbersome," adds Chimmie. "If you pay attention to these fundamental aspects, you can’t go far wrong.”

Cc lalasticlala

Rule 3- Wear A Slim Fit Black Trouser

Having mastered the top half, the outfit would be severely let down by some unfitted, baggy black trousers. This is not the time to try and mask your black suit trousers as formal-ready. Buy specific black tuxedo trousers and pay special attention to the fit. If you have picked a pair with braiding or a silk strip, then your lapel should match this. If you want a pleat in your trousers that is absolutely acceptable but more men these days are opting for flat fronted. Getting these small elements right will benefit the overall outfit no-end.


Rule 4- Black Bow-Tie or Nothing

I am yet to see a good example of a gentleman wearing a white tuxedo without the obligatory black bow tie. Need I add, it should always be a self tying bow tie. Nothing clipped or pinned. Tying a bow tie is a skill every man should learn and it is for these precise moments when it comes into its own. It’s better to wear nothing than to wear a normal long tie. It adds a certain seriousness to your style, something that depicts the casual formal, or dinner formal expression your style should have. If long Tie is what you want, just kindly wear an office suit and leave our precious white tuxedo out of this

Rule 5 - Black Shoes Completes The Look
Always try and wear a black shoe. It gives the tuxedo a feeling of completeness. But that black can come in three different forms; patent leather, smooth calf or cow and velvet. Of the three, I think patent leather is the most common and also perhaps the most appropriate. I think this is partly due to the fact that patent leather really only works with black or white tie. In other words, it is exclusively for black and white tie. Velvet is not as formal as patent leather, but significantly more stylish and elegant when paired with a tux. Some would even say foppish. It is worth noting that velvet only works in slipper form; commonly known as prince Albert Slippers and slung by brands like Stubbs & Wootton and Del Toro. The only catch is that in the most traditional sense they are worn only by a host or a gentleman at his club. Although I imagine few would quip if you were to wear them elsewhere, such as to a wedding. Lastly, we have your everyday smooth cow leather. It does not have quite the shine of patent leather, nor the matte textured look of velvet. But it is elegant and simple.





Chimmie Ijezie is the creative director of Bespoke Nigeria, a label that make handmade and custom made to measure suits, traditional kaftans, Agbada, shoes, Sandals and Bags. He also makes wedding suits for men and hopefully plans to start making gowns for women. You can always contact him for your bespoke suits and he equally offers home services including measurements and deliveries. Check out their page on Instagram @bespokenigeria. He can be reached via WhatsApp on +2348032030453.

You have got some pretty great tips in here actually, some very simple ones and very effective, at least that is my own point of view. However, I have to tell you that I never really liked the white tuxedos, I am not saying that they are not great, but I just do not like it, I am more into the classy black tuxedos. And I have to say, that most dilettantes, actually rent those tuxedos, which is not right, not at all. You have to tailor it, so it would actually fit perfect on you. In case you are looking for some amazing tuxedos, you can actually visit https://www.gentlemansguru.com/product-category/formal-wear/tuxedos/, I am actually buying all of my tuxedos and suits from there.