Considered by fashion insiders to be the “party of the year” or the Oscars of fashion, the uber glam Costume Institute Ball is an annual rite of passage that attracts the best of the best dressed A listers including Hollywood royalty and fashion’s elite. While the spotlight is usually dominated by the women, this year some of the men took center stage and SaksPOV asked our mens fashion director Eric Jennings to highlight some formalwear trends worn by these stylish gents.
Q: We saw a lot of bright plaids on the red carpet keeping in theme with the party. How can you wear plaid in formalwear?
EJ: It’s best to wear plaids in formalwear when they’re tonal and they look like ‘non solid’ solids, where the fabric appears solid but with texture. I wouldn’t recommend a high contrast plaid most of the time. A dark tonal plaid can look very elegant, sophisticated & chic. Lately I’ve seen some bright red tartans at formal events like the kilt Marc Jacobs wore at the Gala.
Get the look:
Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Plaid Wool/Silk Blazer
Saks Fifth Avenue Crown Label Checked Wool Blazer/Navy
Q: When do you wear a bow tie vs a regular tie?
EJ: Today men have more options, so it’s really a matter of personal preference. If you choose a straight tie, I’d recommend a solid color in satin. Do keep in mind that the width of the tie should be proportionate to the width of your lapel. Tom Ford wore a wide lapel so he chose a wider tie while Max Irons wore a really narrow lapel so he wore a skinny bow tie.
In general bow ties are more traditional, formal and classic. But note that if you’re not going to tie it yourself (or put the energy into learning how to tie one) don’t wear a bow tie, ie. No pre tied bow ties!
Since bow ties are filling a smaller place on your look, I find that you can experiment more with novelty, color and pattern.
Get the look:
Polo Ralph Lauren Handblock Silk Bow Tie
Polo Ralph Lauren Madras Plaid Silk Bow Tie
Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Satin Tie
Q: What are the different textures that could be worn for formalwear?
EJ: It depends on the location and season of the event when deciding on the fabric of the tuxedo. We’re in the Spring season now so you wouldn’t want to wear heavy velvets or wools, you would choose a lightweight wool or perhaps a silk blend. If you’re going to a edgier event like the MTV movie awards anything goes, but at the Met gala, I’d error on the side of the classics. Be aware of your environment and dress appropriately.
Get the look:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Camo Suiting Blazer
Ralph Lauren Black Label Anthony Pinstripe Wool Suit
Q: How would you wear bright color?
EJ: In moderation. Let the women shine. Socks are a great place to add a pop of bright color, and it won’t overpower your look (or your date’s!). You can also put a pop of color in your tie or pocket square. But remember, think of bright color as an accessory not the main focal point of your look.
Get the look:
Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Socks Gift Pack, 3 Pairs
Robert Graham Tharp Striped Socks
Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Silk Pocket Square/Squares
Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection Pocket Squares, Set of 3
Q: What do you recommend as a tuxedo silhouette?
EJ: I recommend a single breasted 2 button notch, peak or shawl collar. Trousers should always be flat front and hemmed so that they have just a slight break. I did love Kanye West’s gold pin as a closure on his jacket!
Get the look: