Black tie, also known as cravate noire, is a formal dress code that’s often used for workplaces, social functions, charity events, parties and more. Some men, however, take the term literally, believing that black tie means nothing more than to wear a black tie. Taking a closer look at this dress code reveals that there’s more to it. So, if you’re planning to attend a black tie event in the near future, you should familiarize yourself with the following elements of this dress code.

Tuxedo

The black tie dress code (for men) calls for a tuxedo. This means you shouldn’t wear just any ordinary three-piece suit when attending a black tie event. Instead, you need to choose a tuxedo with a bow tie. Of course, a tuxedo is technically a type of suit. Tuxedos, however, are characterized by the use of stain on the lapels, pocket trim and buttons. And unlike most other suits, tuxedos are accompanied with a bow tie instead of a necktie.

Black Tuxedo with White Shirt

While tuxedos are available in countless different colors, it’s best to stick with a traditional black tuxedo when getting dressed for a black tie event. Along with a black tuxedo, you should also wear a white shirt. The combination of a white dress shirt with a black tuxedo is a simply yet stunning outfit that’s perfect for black tie events.

Vest

A vest, also known as a waistcoat in the United Kingdom, is an essential component of a black tie tuxedo. It’s worn over your shirt and under your suit jacket; thus, helping to define your body and enhance your appearance.

Dinner Jacket

Another essential component of a black tie tuxedo is a dinner jacket, which should match your trousers. Keep in mind that a dinner jacket is not the same as a suit coat or blazer. Suit coats are the least formal outerwear option, while blazers are slightly more formal though still too casual for black tie. A dinner jacket, however, is the most formal type of outerwear, making it the recommended choice for black tie events.

Black Dress Shoes

Finally, it’s recommended that you wear black dress shoes with this outfit to ensure a cohesive appearance. Some options to consider include leather loafers or leather Oxfords, either of which are excellent choices. Also, take a few minutes to polish and shine your shoes before heading out the door. Adding a touch of polish will make your shoes look cleaner and more complete.

References:

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/black-tie-guide

Now that weather is finally getting cool, many men are trading in their sneakers and sandals for boots. Boots are the perfect choice of footwear for the otherwise cold winter months, as they offer a thicker construction with greater insulation. However, there are several different styles of men’s boots, each of which has its own unique characteristics.

Chukka

Chukka boots are characterized by an ankle-high design with suede or leather uppers and open lacing. They were originally worn by British soldiers during World War II. In the 1960s, however, they became popular among the public as casual wear. Today, chukkas remain a popular style of boots worn by men across the world. Chukkas are also lightweight and somewhat thin when compared to other styles of boots, making them attractive choice when it’s warm outside.

Wingtip

Wingtip boots live up to their namesake by featuring a pointed cap on the toe that opens at the sides to form a wing-like shape. They are suitable for either casual or formal wear, offering an unmatched level of versatility. Most wingtip boots are designed in 100% leather, though some may feature other materials.

Eisner

Another style of boots to consider is the Eisner style. This is a relatively new and more modern style that’s just recently picked up momentum in the realm of mainstream fashion. Eisner boots offer a clean and stylish appearance while also featuring a somewhat light design. They are typically made in brown or black leather, either of which are excellent choices.

Hiking

We can’t talk about popular boot style without mentioning hiking. Hiking boots are literally boots designed for hiking. They are designed with an emphasis on durability, strength and support. But just because they are called “hiking boots” doesn’t necessarily mean you can only wear them when hiking. On the contrary, hiking boots can be worn for just about any occasion, assuming it’s not too formal.

Chelsea

Chelsea boots are characterized by their snug fit with an ankle-high design and elastic panel. Unlike most other styles of boots, they do not have laces. Instead, the elastic side panel allows you to easily slip them on or off. Chelsea boots have origins dating back to England’s Victorian era.

Brogue

Finally, Brogue boots are designed with a low heel and leather uppers with visible serration along the edges. They sit lower on the foot, making them an excellent choice of footwear for formal occasions.

References:

https://www.menshealth.com/style/13-best-boots-fall/slide/1

Doing laundry isn’t particularly fun or enjoyable, but it’s necessary if you want to wear clean clothes. Sure, you can probably wear the same pair of denim jeans for several days, but eventually you’ll need to wash them. While there’s no way to completely avoid laundry day, there are some steps you can take to make the process a little easier.

#1) Preserve Color with Vinegar

You can preserve the color of your clothes by washing them with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. After adding your clothes to the washing machine, go ahead and pour the laundry detergent and then add the vinegar. Vinegar is a safe and effective way to protect your clothes from bleeding color.

#2) Clean Your Washing Machine

When was the last time that you cleaned your washing machine? The truth is that most men rarely, if ever, clean their washing machine. Whether it’s a front-loader or top-loader, however, your washing machine should be cleaned on a regular basis. Failure to do so will result in mold and mildew accumulating in tiny cracks and crevices. And when you wash your clothes, it may seep onto the fabric. Refer to your washing machine’s owner’s manual for more information on when and how to clean it.

#3) Eliminate Wrinkles with Ice Cubes

If you’re out of dryer sheets, an alternative way to protect your clothes from wrinkles is to dry them with a couple cubes of ice. The added moisture of the ice discourages wrinkles from forming; thus, eliminating the need to press your clothes with a hot steam iron.

#4) Aluminum Foil

Another way to protect your clothes from wrinkles is to dry them with a crumbled up piece of aluminum foil. Unlike ice cubes, however, aluminum foil doesn’t work by adding moisture. Instead, it works by neutralizing static electricity, which is the underlying cause of wrinkles. Simply crumble up one or two pieces of aluminum foil into a ball and place them inside the dryer with your clothes.

#5) Use Color-Safe Detergent

You can further protect the color of your clothes by washing them with color-safe detergent. As the name suggests, this detergent contains special ingredients to preserve colors and protect them from bleeding.

#6) Use Dish Soap for Grease Stains

If you have grease stains on your clothes, dry pre-treating them with dish soap prior to washing. Most dish soap is designed to absorb grease, making it a highly effective tool at removing such stains.

References:

http://www.viralnova.com/laundry-life-hacks/

Who says you have to spend thousands of dollars to complete your wardrobe? While a large wardrobe gives you more outfit options, you can still cover all of the bases with a minimalist wardrobe. So, if you’re looking to slim down your wardrobe, consider adding the following fashion basics to your closet.

Indigo Jeans

A pair of high-quality indigo-colored jeans is the perfect go-to pants for both casual and semi-casual occasions. The dark color allows you to dress up or dress down, depending on the occasion. If you’re running errands around town, for instance, you can wear indigo jeans with a plain white t-shirt or polo shirt. But if you’re going to dinner, you should wear a button-up dress shirt (tucked in) for a more formal appearance.

Light Blue Button-Up Shirt

In addition to a indigo jeans, you should also include a light blue button-up dress shirt in your minimalist wardrobe. This shirt can be worn for a variety of occasions. You can wear it with khakis, shorts, jeans or even a suit. Furthermore, you can wear button-up shirts such as this year-round. When it’s warm outside, simply roll up the sleeves for improved comfort and style. And when it’s cold outside, roll the sleeves back down. Feel free to experiment with other colors, but light blue typically offers the greatest versatility.

Two-Piece Suit

Of course, you’ll also need a two-piece suit for special formal occasions. While a three-piece suit consists of trousers, a matching jacket and a waistcoat (vest), a two-piece suit only consists of trousers and a matching jacket. Therefore, you can usually buy them for less. With that said, you should also pick up a necktie to complete your appearance. A waistcoat typically isn’t necessary — unless specified in the dress code — but a necktie usually is.

Leather Oxfords

There’s no better choice of formal footwear than a pair of genuine leather Oxfords. They offer a classic, timeless style that’s guaranteed to compliment your outfit. When choosing Oxfords, check the lacing to see how it’s designed. Balmoral lacing is the preferred choice among most fashion-conscious men. Additionally, it’s recommended that you stick with black Oxfords due to the unmatched versatility they offer.

Solid-Color Shirts

Finally, pick up several different solid-colored t-shirts for your wardrobe. Whether you prefer crew neck or v-neck, solid-colored shirts are the perfect solution for a casual look. They look better and more mature than graphic shirts with cheesy phrases. And you can wear them in countless ways.

References:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2016/09/21/minimal-wardrobe-3-pairs-shoes-man-needs/