6 subtle ways to better your black tie, courtesy of our cover stars
From wrapping up your outfit with a cummerbund to adding colourful socks to your black tie, allow our latest cover stars to up your evening wear
Words: Jonathan Wells
Photography: Tomo Brejc
Our latest bunch of cover stars are a fashionable bunch. They may be relatively new to the British acting scene, but from roles in international period dramas to hormonally-charged Netflix hits, they’ve spent their formative years strutting and sashaying across our screens in inimitably youthful style.
On our latest cover, we suited and booted the 6 young thesps in classic black tie. But, take a closer look at their traditional get-ups and you’ll spot several subtle spins on this iconic evening wear. So, from choice of shoes to choice of shirt, allow these rising stars to show you how to better your black tie.
Step into Edward Bluemel’s shoes with a patent leather pair
From your head to your toes, there’s a right way to execute every single aspect of black tie. And when it comes to shoes, the shinier the better. You may tend to top off your tuxedo with a normal pair of black lace-ups, but Edward Bluemel proves that the only way to go is patent.
These high-shine black leather shoes add another level of class to your evening wear. Just take Crockett & Jones’ Overton shoes, complete with Goodyear welts. Or opt for Edward Green’s Gatsby-inspired Carnegie shoes. Alternatively, slip on Church’s Whaley shoes with leather linings to keep your formal footwear in top form for years.
Wrap up your outfit with a cummerbund like Leo Suter
There are few people who can make a cummerbund look cool; that’s the hard, harsh truth of the matter. But, if you’re blessed with style strong enough to pull it off — like the indomitably charming Leo Suter — here are the bands to buy.
Turnbull & Asser make a mean black satin option, crafted from pure silk and featuring an elasticated back. Favourbrook’s silk-faille cummerbund will expertly disguise the bunching of your shirt around your waist, and Hackett’s luxurious offering is a formalwear must.
Take a tip from Malachi Kirby and his wing collar shirt
Okay, we admit it; you don’t really need a wing collar shirt to make black tie work. But button up one of these purpose-made, ultra-formal button-downs and your black tie will be taken to a whole new level of cool. Malachi Kirby will attest to that much.
So, to follow the actor’s example, head to Hackett and pick up one of their wing tip pleat front shirts, an enduring and effortless style staple. Favourbook also make a great double-cuff wing-collar shirt — as do Ralph Lauren, who’ve thrown a piqué bib and crisp Italian cotton into the mix.
Sock it to the black tie brigade like Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Nothing pops like a contrast sock. And, when the rest of your outfit is made up of two monochromatic colours, that goes double. So take a leaf out of Hero Fiennes Tiffin’s sock drawer and buy yourself a bright, bold pair to really add a signature streak of colour to your tuxedo.
Pantherella won’t see you far wrong, especially if you opt for this luscious mustard shade. Or look to Charvet, whose ribbed cotton socks are comfortable, resilient and eye-catching. Of course, the gold standard — or should that be blue standard? — comes by way of Loro Piana, and their over-the-calf stretch cashmere socks.
Tie together your outfit with a bow like Chance Perdomo’s
Here’s an unpopular opinion; we’ve got nothing against a pre-tied bow tie. Of course, if you have mastered the art of tying a traditional bow, go down that silky road every time. But there are few suiting sins as severe as a badly executed bow tie, so occasionally it pays to mimic Chance Perdomo and go pre-tied.
Henry Poole do a luxuriously smooth black satin option, made in England. Turnbull & Asser, too, have given their pre-tied option a slight sheen to match the lapel of your classic tuxedo. Or, if you’re confident in your tie-tying abilities, Gives & Hawkes black barathea silk offering is the perfect accessory for you.
Tom York’s dress studs will button up your black tie in style
And we leave perhaps the most subtle style upgrade until last. Tom York, he of Poldark fame, knows a thing or two about traditional dressing, but his dress studs are a classic black tie touch at risk of being lost in the past. Join us then, gents, in ensuring that doesn’t happen.
Head to Deakin & Francis to pick up a set of sterling silver dress studs — attractively hand-enamelled in a black and clear finish. Or turn once more to Turnbull & Asser, whose reversible studs are made using the finest materials including silver, gold and mother-of-pearl. Alternatively, Aspinal of London have a set that exudes classic Hollywood style.
Want another black tie tip? We’d recommend opting for velvet slippers if the soirée so calls…
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