The Tuxedo Tribulations

In my very first post, I mentioned that Steve declared right away that he wants to wear a tuxedo with a bow tie, and I wasn't really sure at that point. After watching the Oscars the other night, though, I think I am all for the bow tie. Turns out that's pretty much what all the fashionable men were wearing. Here are some highlights, along with some commentary:

John Mayer--a nice basic made better with Jennifer Aniston standing near. I like the black bow tie and the white buttons. And the peak lapels are a good addition. John has done a good job of modeling all the standards of black tie. But is that a cumberbund? Or just his pants?



Emile Hirsch--the tie is okay, but I don't really like the shiny lapels. This looks like it's silk-trimmed; I guess I prefer self-trimmed or else silk-trimmed with self-trimmed edges (see the Oscar coat below).



Daniel Craig--this is probably my favorite look of the night. I like that it looks like a one-button jacket (even if it's really a two-button). In general, I prefer peak and notch lapels over shawl lapels, but these look pretty sharp. Also, I notice that Daniel's tie has a very rounded bow, as opposed to John's squared-off bow tie in the first picture. It seems like this tie compliments the rounded lapels of Daniel's jacket, whereas the corners of John's tie echo the peaks of his jacket. I think the shawl/poofy bow tie combo would look ever-so-slightly better next to my dress, but I think this will be one of those decisions we'll have to make depending on whichever looks best on Steve.



In general, notch lapels are less formal than shawl lapels, but I think I like them better, at least when they are made to look more formal. Here's one example of a really nice and formal jacket with notch lapels by Oscar de la Renta:



Director Sam Mendes--now here is a jacket that explains why notch lapels are more casual. This jacket really looks just like a regular suit jacket. However, of all the regular ("four-in-hand") ties, I think this one looks the best. Although, to be accurate, "four-in-hand" refers to the knot; this one actually looks like a double windsor (although really, I have no idea--it just looks bigger, so I assume it is a DW).



Brad Pitt--here's another notch lapel jacket. It also looks pretty casual, except that the slight sheen of the lapel takes it up a "notch" (pun intended), and the bow tie really dresses it up. I like this overall look, but for the black buttons--they are too distracting and kind of remind me of Frosty the Snowman or something. I think subtle white or pearlized buttons look more polished. Also, does it kind of look like this jacket is too small for Brad? It seems to pucker a bit more than others' jackets.



Kevin Kline--is wearing a wing-collar shirt, which is the "epitome of formality," according to blacktieguide.com. Apparently, in the more formal days of eras past, detachable wing collars stood nearly as high as the wearer's jaw line, and today should extend three-quarters of an inch above the coat collar. However, I don't like this style at all. Because you can see the tie wrapping around his neck, it looks like he's been wrapped up like a gift or something. But not in a good way. I don't like it.



Matthew Broderick--I mostly just included this picture because it also features my girl SJP. But also, I wanted to just note that it looks very casual. A quick history lesson (if true): wearing neck ties with formal attire was popularized by young actors and sports players, who were allegedly unable to master the bow tie. I am not sure whether I buy into this story entirely, but it would make sense that people would try to emulate the style of actors and athletes, so maybe.



Mickey Rourke--what is there to say? You fugly bastard, Mickey.



Zac Effron--I feel like this entry is taking on a sort of negative tone, but I just wanted to ask what is up with the teeny-tiny bow tie? I don't like it. I also included this picture of Zac because Steve totally thinks he is, like, totally sssup-urrr.



Robert Downey Jr.--you are one cool dude Robert, but I am not sure I am digging the gray detailing on this jacket. Looks a little too 90's.



Sean Penn--okay, now I have slipped into full-on fashion critique mode (not that I purport to know anything about men's fashion! Seriously, I just learned everything contained in this entry on the WWW--thank you Google). But I just wanted to point out that Sean looks sloppy and should definitely learn how to tie a double windsor if he's going go with this kind of tie.



George Clooney--I just wanted to end on a positive note. I love this tuxedo--a notch lapel with just a little extra edging to make it slightly more formal; a nice full plain, black bow tie; pearlized buttons; turndown collar; two buttons. It's a great look. I think Steve would look hot in this, don't you?



Of all these options, which are your favorites?