Man Fashion: Tom Ford With Moore and Firth

Tom Ford is finally going public with his movie plans.

As I told you earlier in my blog, the fashion prince will make his directorial debut with a movie adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel, A Single Man.

Colin Firth will star as a gay college professor who is dealing with the death of his longtime lover. Julianne Moore costars as a lifelong friend of the professor’s.

While early talk was Jamie Bell would play one of his students, it turns that role has gone to Matthew Goode.


The story takes place in 1962 in Los Angeles. Filming will begin in L.A. on Nov. 3.

Ford spoke publicly about wanting to get behind the camera when he left Gucci in 2004. He acquired movie right's to A Single Man about a year ago.

He also started his own men's fashion line last year with stores in New York, Las Vegas, Dubai, Los Angles and Moscow, among many others.

Source: eonline.com


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Halloween Make-Up 2008

I promise this is the LAST Halloween post I'm going to do this year. In case any of you still have not thought of what you want to be , I thought I'd give you one last idea- just go with the crazy make-up. People would be so busy admiring your eyes that they won't have time to care about the rest of your outfit!
Besides Galliano, my two other favourite crazy make-up looks are from Dior (left) and the Lacroix haute couture (right) show. Both redefines the upper and lower part of the eyes making their eyes look HUGE. They are in essence however, the opposite of each other. While Dior uses a sharp white base, Lacroix uses a smokey black base. Either way, I'm loving both of them. Go for the Dior look if you want to look feline and the Lacroix look for something a bit darker. A bit more subtly, we have the smokey eyes of the Chanel haute couture (left) and the Balenciaga (right) show. Just go heavy with the eye liner and the smudging. If you do have a costume, these would be more subtle looks for you. You don't want to take away too much from the outfit now do you?

And as for some simple DIY ideas: You can be forks/knives/spoon with alumninium, a piece of steak and ketchup/mustard to go with that. You can be Tetris pieces. Pacman and the ghost. Or a Twister board- just wear white and stick colored dots on yourself and carry the spinning thing!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Image Source: Style.com
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Man Fashion: Casual Business Clothing

Presentation is everything when it comes to business clothing, As everyone should know the first impression is almost important. Hence, right business clothing, be traditional, casual classic, or smart casual can actually help a person's level of confident and chance of being successful too. Therefore, working business men are always in search for ways to differentiate themselves from their peers, and what better way to do it than to look different?

Unless you are in the fashion industry, dressing too faddishly will have your bosses wondering if you are more concerned with your wardrobe than your job. So instead of formal business attire, most of the men moved to Casual Business Clothing.


Three Level of Business Clothing

The new business casual look evolved as Silicon Valley opened up the world to young entrepreneurs and a more relaxed way of doing business. Casual business clothing comes to three basic levels: classic, smart and relaxed.



Classic

Traditional business and Classic casual business clothing is elegant. These two level of business dress call for an elegant, clean finish to your look.

Traditional business wear consists of a suit, shirt and tie. It is the most formal of business attire. The suit is made of well constructed suiting. The suit jacket should always be buttoned up, except when sitting perhaps.


Casual business classic is a small step down from traditional. It works best when you want to create an overall impression of professionalism, authority, dependability. The jacket is the key in casual business classic fashion. But bear in mind that it should not match your trousers, as that will dress it up to the traditional level.

This casual business classic clothing style is most suitable if your business is based in outdoor lifestyles and products.

Casual Business Smart Style

Casual business smart works best when you want to create an overall impression of accessibility, friendliness, competence, creativity.

So for this look, you only need a neat trousers and a shirt. If you happen to have a jacket with you, remember to loosen the jacket to create the dress down effect.



Casual Business Relaxed Style
Casual business relaxed look are most welcome on end of the week, ie. Friday. The key item is denim. This is the most relaxed form of dressing and should only be worn when you are definitely not expecting to meet any clients. However, Casual Business Relaxed Clothing are also well received by technology group of people working in Silicon Valley.




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Halloween- The Galliano Way

On the topic of Halloween, we must not forget our favourite showman of all, John Galliano. When it comes to putting on a great statement, there is no one quite like him. Going through his FW08 runway, I've pegged the drama down to two elements: crazy hatwear/hair and crazy make-up.
So maybe there is no rationale behind most of these, but hey, it's time to be creative!
This could be the dead sea captain perhaps?
The show girl. And check out the amazing, vibrant make-up! Talk about drama. Not sure about the lump on her head (looks a bit like a tumor), but am loving the gold spikes!

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Man Fashion: Men Finery Code

When refer to Men Finery Code, one that you should focus on is the whole dressing attire rather than small portion of the whole, which include clothing, accessories and others that could affect your appearance.

So let breakdown a day into 2 major time frame, daytime and evening, and how you should dressing in style.

Daytime

Formal Day Dress/Morning Coat
It is most commonly worn to weddings, and occasionally seen at the other important functions. This dress code consists of striped pants with braces, a cutaway grey or black jacket or other darker color if you like, a white shirt (normally) a grey silk cravat (optional of course), black shoes and a waistcoat in grey. beige or black.


Keep it Light and Simple
Wear lighter colors during the day to look your best. Save black for evenings. Keep your outfit simple is another key to daytime glamour.

Jeans can be appropriate as long as clean and fit well
Just to make sure it suitable for the ocassions you are going to.

Lose the tie, not your credibility
A crisp shirt left open at the neck with in a fabulous pair of cufflinks will dress any outfit up. Make sure it is a good quality fabric that will not have you looking as if you slept in it after an hour or two.

Evening

White Tie Formal
This is the most formal of all styles of dressing. You can choose between a white or black jacket, but you will definitely wear a white bow tie or white dinner shirt.


Black Tie Formal
Traditionally, black tie events require a bow tie and white dinner shirt. Some non-traditionalists will wear a black cravat or a naru collared shirt with a collar button.


Cocktail/After 5/Lounge Suit
In all of these style you will always look perfectly presented in a smart suit and tie. You can always check with the organizers, sometimes ties could be optional too.

Wing it
Never wear your wingtip shoes or brogues with your wingtip shirts. Your shoes should be plain black leather for evening functions.

Lastly, it is advisable to keep the pockets of dinner suit sewn up, this is to ensure the shape of the pocket is in shape, and to resist the temptation of hanging your hands in there and stretching the line of the jacket.


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Halloween on the Streets 2008

Runway inspiration is all good and well, but besides the Prada lace-y vamp look, the rest are not exactly easily achievable. So I did a more generic brainstorm and came up with this:

Has anyone seen that movie recently, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People"? In it, Kirstin Dunst goes to a costume party and dresses up as a 20s flapper girl (though I think she had a specific flapper girl in mind since the theme was "Favourite Dead People"), looking awesome in a black bob, long cigarette, red lipsticks and slinky black dress. That was when it clicked! I want to be a flapper girl this Halloween! It won't even be that hard. All I need to get is a black bob wig, a long cigarette holder and a black slinky dress and then put on pale foundation, smokey eyes and hot red lipsticks- viola, flapper girl!
I even know exactly which dress I'd buy too. This FCUK fringe dress is perfect. I can even wear it again for a night out (even though it is not exactly my usual style...)! But still, I love the idea that I won't be wasting too much money on a cheap looking costume I'd only get to wear once. I actually went into a real costume store my first time today and I must say, I was not impressed. The costume outfits for women typically look cheap and skanky. And I'm not about to fork out $50USD to look cheap and skanky.


I also looked at the fangs. I thought, worse case scenario, I can just dress in all black, wear pale foundation and red lipsticks and with the fangs, I can be a vampire. A nice easy Halloween costume. But then I looked at the packaging and got slightly weirded out. "Molding" plastic stuff into my mouth and in between my teeth- that is NOT prescribed by my orthodontist- just goes against my natural instincts. What if it screws up all the good work my orth spent many years achieving? I thought fangs were just stuck on... I guess not.


So in the end, I walked out with a black bob wig and a reaper rake. The bob because I've always wanted one and it'll go with the flapper look (though this one is not exactly my ideal one cause it has random silver streaks in it...but whatever) and grim reaper's rake, just because it's fun to wave around a reaper rake at people. I know, completely random. I'm not exactly sure what I am going to do with them....but I guess I'll figure it out in the next three days!

Image Source: Flapper Costumes and ASOS
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Halloween on the Runway 2008

It's that time of the year again where we get to dress up in whatever crazy outfit we desire. And what better place than the runway to look for fun, creative, refreshing and fashionable ideas?
On the Marc by Marc Jacobs runway (left) there is punk rock, with retro pink plaids and pleated minis. This would be an especially fun outfit if you are usually not punker chic. And if you are, then maybe the cyber look for the Balenciaga runway (right) would be interesting. After all, Halloween is our chance to try out different looks and have fun!
Another look I am loving is the royal military look found on the MacQueen (left) and the Lacroix haute couture runway (right). The structured uniform jackets and all the details are just so pretty!
Even more regally, there is the royalty look also found on the MacQueen runway. There is just something so regal and colonial about it. I'm not sure how one would achieve this look for Halloween, but an idea is a start right?
And lastly, there is the classic vamp look. There is the elaborate version from the Lacroix haute couture show (left), or for something simpler and easier, the black lace version from the Prada runway (right). In fact, with all the "lace" around, you can very easily achieve this look. All you need are fangs!

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Man Designer Fashion Accessories Essentials

When we talk about Man Designer Fashion Accessories, items that come to my mind are fashion designer tie, fashion designer sunglasses, fashion designer watch, handkerchief, designer shoes, fashion designer wallets, sandals, cellphone, mp3 etc. There are plenty of brands from Man Fashion Designers out there. You can find some designer fashion accessories are expensive and some are affordable. More importantly, what are the most essentials a man should look out for when come to designer fashion accessories.


Designer Fashion Essential 1 - Never Substitute Quantity for Quality
Buying in bulk can leave you looking as if you have a lots of cheap pieces at your wardrobe. But when come to man designer fashion, it is the quality that count. Hence, choose your designer fashion accessories wisely, they are your assets in your future.


Designer Fashion Essential 2 - Organize Your Wardrobe
Trousers, suits at one side, and fashion accessories at the other side etc. It will make finding the correct combination so much easier.


Designer Fashion Essential 3 - Always Feel Confident in What You Wear
As I always said, if you leave your house with second thoughts on what are you wearing on that day, it is most probably you got the wrong combination.


Designer Fashion Essential 4 - Do the "Blink" Test
Stand in fornt of a full length mirror, Look at yourself quickly and see what image you have given to yourself. Do all of these fashion accessories work together with your clothes? Likewise, always test this out when you decide to buy something at the outlets. I always think women are more smarter than men when come to this.


Designer Fashion Essential 5 - Ensure Your Fashion Designer Accessories are appropriate to the occasion
Most of the time we do mess the accessories and the locations or occasion up. So if possible, check with the organizers before you attend any functions or party.


Designer Fashion Essential 6 - Don't leave home without a Handkerchief
I am sure most of the younger don't has this habit. As everyone is now more and more aware and concern about environment around us. It is always a good practice to carry handkerchief rather than paper tissues, you play your part and the rest will take care of it.

Lastly, you can always add more colours and designs to all your accessories, so you will not out of fashion and colour to match, be it formal or casual wear.

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Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/24

Is it just me, or is it not even news anymore that there was a huge drop/rally in the market on a given day? Now that we've broken all the records in the last century, it's hard to be fazed by big swings in the market. I think my next threshold is if (or is it when?) the Dow hits the 7000s.

But anyway, the global market went on another roller coaster ride this week, ending with a big drop on Friday. Asia in particular took a big hit. On the Hong Kong stock exchange, HSBC, the darling of all stocks there, fell by 10% to $88, a 4 year low. I personally could not remember HSBC being below $100.... ever. People are shocked and heartbroken. I don't blame them. The HSBC stock to HK investors is like how Louis Vuittons is to Japanese women- everyone owns at least one or aspires to own one. To see the value of such an entrenched brand go down must be a very traumatizing experience indeed. Who knew that Morgan Stanley slashing the price by 25%, would have such a profound effect?

Back to the rest of the world, developed and emerging markets alike are hit due to slumping currencies and higher financing cost. ING is is latest "big gun" to be bailed out with a $13.5 billion Dutch government injection. And countries such as Iceland, Pakistan and Turkey are in talks with the IMF for help.

In the US, experts have placed the blame on hedge fund of funds. Since investors can pull money out of hedge fund of funds anytime they want i.e. now, this has in turn put pressure on hedge funds to pull out of the market and thus the crazy selling and shorting to cover losses. The mounting layoffs *yikes!* (Goldman announced they were cutting back 10% of their workforce-less than I expected!), speculations about whether we're in a recession or not (do we really need anymore proof?), Greenspan admitting to be "partially wrong" and bad company earnings report coming out didn't help. Oh and PNC just announced that they were taking over National City for $5.2 billion (backed by tax payers). This is the next big bank takeover since Wachovia two weeks ago. Investors are now waiting to see if the Fed will further lower interest rates next Wednesday and whether the US economy is indeed in a recession with the GDP data coming out next Thursday.

It's not a completely gloomy outlook though. Asian countries, following Europe, are starting to form their own $80 billion emergency fund- better safe than sorry. The US are working on another stimulating package and a plan to bailout individual home owners, so then they can get better termed loans. Call me a selfish hypocrite, but while I'm all for bailing out banks because it affects me, I'm not sure how I feel about bailing out individuals. Makes me think, "if I knew the government was going to bail them out, maybe I should've gone and bought a house I clearly cannot afford too!" Logically though, I know helping them would help the economy as a whole, since foreclosure is one of the biggest issues. Guess I'll get around to the idea.

On a side note, did you know that the $250 billion capital injection into banks last week is not part of the $700 billion package? I wasn't sure myself until this week. How come they need approval for $700 billion and not $250 billion? $250 billion is still a LOT of money.
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Stop the Fall

I was getting excited about Fall, making a visit to New York and Vermont I started second guessing my move to the West Coast (oh, but wait San Francisco is sort of cold all they time, I can layer up in June if I wanted to.) The layers, the coats, scarves, leg warmers, stockings, I love it all. When I first arrived to start my college years on the East Coast, and after spending my life in the subtropics, I detested the winter. However, with thickened blood, by the end of my four years I actually looked forward to the cold weather - and not to mention Fall fashion...

But HOLD ON a second, back up, back up.



Really.

Looking at Celine's Spring/Summer 2009 line made me want Summer again. After going through their entire runway show I don't really care for autumn leaves right now. Give me the Summer - I want to wear all of this! I would happily replace all the dresses in my closet with any of the above. I love the wrapping idea with such a free flowing dress.



Probably not practical for the office unless you worked at Vogue, but if I could go to work wearing this, I definitely would.



I thought the draping of these dresses were beautiful. Perfect for a summery night out on the town? I think so.

I never really paid attention to Celine and now I'm asking myself why. And those shoes! I love those shoes, but let's wait for me to fully express my craze for shoes, that could take up another two...three posts.

Image source: Style.com

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Man Fashion: Y-3 Collection

Today, I am going to introduce this to you, in fact is not so new after all, but has been well received by younger generation lately. So what am I talking about? Yes, Y-3.


Y-3 is the highly exclusive collaborative project between Adidas and cult Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto. The meaning of the name is clear to see; the Y standing for Yamamoto and the 3 being the famous three stripes of Adidas Y3


Allegedly influenced by the all-encompassing image of Y3 Adidas`s three stripe logo adorning Tokyo kids, Yamamoto y3 chose to integrate their logo into clothes. This led to the clothing, footwear and accessories collections by Y3.



This differed from other collaborations because the collection was designed from scratch rather than changing existing designs, giving Yamamoto total creative freedom to create the Y3 COLLECTIONS.



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Man Fashion: Must Have Timepiece - ToyWatch

If you are thinking this is Toy's Watch, I bet you make a big mistake. ToyWatch has been well received by celebrity communities in recent years, and it become the must have timepiece to have in most of men and women wrist. Most important, this brand actually give you the celebrity style as well as affordable price.






TOYWATCH - Crystal Collection - Blue


In the fall of 2006, Milan-based designer and wristwatch aficionado Marco Mavilla designed the first ToyWatch. A lightweight, oversized plastic watch, inspired by high design timepieces, ToyWatch is unexpected, arresting and irreverent. Under the direction of fine-watch collector and ToyWatch USA CEO, Randy Gordon, ToyWatch was brought to the USA in the summer of 2006.




TOYWATCH - Skull Collection



ToyWatch has become the "it" wristwatch and the "must-have" item among style influentials and tastemakers, supporters include Robbie Williams, Michael Jordan, Jack Osborne, Johnny Knoxsville, Clive Owen, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Lindsey Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Uma Thurman, Sienna Miller, Paris Hilton... the list goes on!



What distinguishes ToyWatch from the '80s phenomenon is the resulting aesthetic. The bezeled edges and chronographs might be made mostly of plastic, but they have the sophisticated approach of a Rolex.

Find out more from the official website.


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The Leather Puffer

As you might have read, lately, I've been craving a leather jacket. They are the perfect item to edge up a girly outfit. But since I'm the more easily chilled kind, warmth against the bitter cold is always one of my primary concerns. And so following the puffer trench, I discovered the leather puffer. I wasn't even deliberately looking. I was just randomly browsing at the Intermix store and lo' and behold, I find the leather puffer below: I thought the concept was awesome, a cool, edgy and WARM leather jacket. The soft gray color also caught my eye. Probably because it has all the qualities of black but is not (although of course they have it in black). But then I tried it on- just for fun. It fits on very snugly (so if you're buying them online, go one size bigger!) but also very stiffly. I know it is probably because of the stuffing, but for a whooping $875, I expected a bit more. The ability to move to begin with. And secondly, better quality leather. I've come across my fair share of leather, and that was not good leather. It was stiff and felt (and looked now that I think about it) plasticky, making it look a bit cheap, which is ridiculous considering the price tag.

I walked out of the store disappointed. Maybe if they cut down the price tag by at least a 1/3. Then maybe it'll be worth considering. Image Source: Intermix Online Source URL: http://icip2idayusof.blogspot.com/2008/10/
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Man Fashion: Why Man Cheat?

Dear readers, I just came across this interesting survey, and thought of sharing with all of you here as well as listen to your comments.

What makes men cheat? Marriage counselor M. Gary Neuman surveyed 200 cheating and non cheating husbands to get at the real reasons behind men's infidelity. So here are some of his findings. Let see whether you do agree on these points.

1. 48% of men rated emotional dissatisfaction as the primary reason they cheated.
So much for the myth that for men, cheating is all about physical intimacy. According to the author: "But men are emotionally driven beings too. They want their women to show them that they're appreciated, and they want women to understand how hard they're trying to get things right." The problem is that men are less likely than women to express these feelings, so you won't always know when your guy is in need of a little affirmation. "Most men consider it unmanly to ask for a pat on the back, which is why their emotional needs are often overlooked," Neuman says.

2. 66% of cheating men report feeling guilt during the affair.
Clearly, guilt isn't enough to stop a man from cheating. "Men are good at compartmentalizing feelings," Neuman explains. "They can hold on to their emotions and deal with them later." So even if your partner swears he would never cheat, don't assume it can't happen. It's important for both of you to take steps toward creating the relationship you want.

3. 77% of cheating men have a good friend who cheated.
Hanging around friends who stray makes cheating seem normal and legitimizes it as a possibility. The message he's subconsciously telling himself: "My friend is a good guy who happens to be cheating on his wife. I guess even the best of us do it." Hey, I just wonder is this the reason?

4. 40% of cheating men met the other woman at work.
"Oftentimes the woman he cheats with at the office is someone who praises him, looks up to him, and compliments his efforts," Neuman says.

5. Only 12% of cheating men said their mistress was more physically attractive than their wife.
n other words, a man doesn't stray because he thinks he'll get lucky with a better-looking body.

6. 73% of cheating men had physical intimacy with a woman after meeting her more than a month.

Source: Hearst Communications, Inc


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Tell me more, more, more

Generally, I never wear makeup because I have sensitive skin (and I'm a lazy bum!). But when I do manage to get around to putting it on, I use all of the above.

Yes, I sort of look like a walking advertisement for Bare Escentuals. I actually just started using the brand a couple of days ago and I'm hooked. Their powder foundation is incredible. It's light, feels and looks as if I've got nothing on, except, all of a sudden I have immaculate skin. Comparable to an airbrush - I swear, it covers everything. If you need more coverage, just press some extra powder on that particular area before you apply it to your entire face. Walah! Instant concealer!

One thing that I am very particular about is mascara. I have really long eye lashes, and I don't want bother with an eyelash curler, clumping, or something that's too heavy. Lancome's L'EXTREME mascara is just right for me because it makes my lashes even longer! It's clean, curls my lashes, doesn't flake, and goes on ever so smoothly.

I got my M.A.C pigment as a gift from a friend. "Naked" is a great colour as it has just the right shimmer, it looks great on the inner corners of the eyes and on the bottom lid along with some liner. For some more drama, you can brush a touch on top of your cheekbones for a night out.

While I pretty much only wear what I just told you, the amount of makeup that I own would make you think otherwise. I own a lot of makeup, most of which I use once every 2 years (I don't think you're even supposed to keep it for that long). Before, I kept it all in multiple makeup bags - very unorganized. Now I keep it one big pouch,thanks to my friend A who has started to make these adorable pouches that she sells on Etsy. Awesome prints, really great quality, and the perfect carrier for all my stuff.

That's what I've got in my bag, what are your essentials?

Image source: Alliebeans, Bare Escentuals, Lancome, M.A.C, The Body Shop, Sephora

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Men Fashion: Tuxedo Essentials

by Melanie Bernds

Tuxedo Essentials: Master the final points of Formal Wear
A Brief History
Contrary to common belief, colorful tuxedos were not an invention of the 1970's and 1980's. In fact, brightly colored formal wear was the rule in the courts of England until the early 1800's when a certain Beau Brummell appeared at a formal function in black and white. While Mr. Brummell caused quite a stir, he also began a fashion trend that has yet to die.


A second major transformation in formal wear occurred in the 1890's in Tuxedo Park, New York, when tobacco tycoon Griswold Lorillard appeared at the Tuxedo Park Ball in a black version of the English smoking jacket. Until that time, black coat tails and a white bow tie had been the tradition. Like Brummell, Lorillard caused quite a stir and started a trend that continues. He was also influential in naming this new outfit the "tuxedo", after the city in which it debuted.


Though colorful tuxedos can be seen in the windows of many formal wear stores, the most widely worn selection is the black tuxedo. The jacket may be single or double-breasted with notched, peaked or shawl lapels. Tuxedo pants traditionally have a strip of satin or grosgrain running down the outer seam of the leg.


Dress shirts may be constructed of fine broadcloth or voile. They are generally white with subtle front pleats, French cuffs, and a wing or turned-down collar. Traditional bow ties are black satin or grosgrain, though brightly colored and patterned bow ties are very popular today.


Essential Accessories
A waistcoat OR a cummerbund should be worn with a tuxedo, but never both. Waistcoats are formal vests, usually made out of a contrasting silk or matching wool. Cummerbunds are worn around the waist, attaching in the back with a small clasp. A cummerbund should match the bow tie. Tradition calls for cummerbunds to be worn with the pleats facing up. (The folds of a cummerbund were once used for storing theater tickets.)


"Tuxedo shoes" are best characterized as lightweight, black, and free of ornamentation. They are traditionally patent leather pumps or seamless lace-ups. They should be worn with lightweight black stockings.

Levels of Distinction: White Tie vs. Black Tie
It is important to note that there are several levels of formal dress, the two most formal being "black tie" and "white tie."


For a black tie social function, appropriate attire consists of a black tuxedo and dress pants, a white dress shirt with turned-down collar, a black or patterned bow tie and cummerbund, black formal socks, and plain black or patent leather oxford shoes.


For a white tie event, nothing less than full dress attire will do. White tie is the most formal of formal wear and includes silk-face black coat tails and dress trousers, white pique dress waistcoat and matching bow tie, white pleated dress shirt with wing collar and French cuffs, formal socks, patent leather shoes, and pearl cuff links or studs. The look is completed with a dark overcoat, white gloves and scarf, and an opera hat.



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