5 Common Mistakes Men Make When Accessorizing a Tuxedo

Wearing a tuxedo isn’t just about choosing the right fit and color for the occasion. It’s also about properly accessorizing. It seems like a small thing, but it’s the small things that make the biggest difference when it comes to style. One accessory that looks off can make or break your entire look. Here are five common mistakes men make while accessorizing a tuxedo: 

There are many different types of tuxedo shirts to choose from. You can go for a more classic style with a pleated or pique bib, or you can go for a simplified modern style, which omits the bib altogether. There’s also the choice between buttons versus studs, barrel cuffs versus French cuffs, and collar style. Proper tuxedo shirts differ from daytime events to nighttime events; make sure you choose accordingly.

Choosing the wrong tie is a huge mistake to make when accessorizing a tuxedo. First, you must choose between a necktie or a traditional bowtie. Although wearing a necktie with a tuxedo is contested, it is generally considered okay depending on the occasion and how you style it. If you choose to go for a necktie, choose a quality one that is designed to go with a tuxedo. 

For a more traditional, classic look, we recommend going for a bowtie. There are many different bow tie styles, including bat wing and butterfly, as well as fabrics, including satin and velvet, to choose from. Carefully choose your bow tie style, fabric, and color to compliment your overall look.

Avoid pairing your tuxedo with the wrong shoes. Not only are there different types of shoes; there are different colors, materials, and styles. There are plenty of types, from formal opera pumps, to classic Oxford shoes, all the way to modern velvet loafers. There are also various ways each type can be styled. For example, Oxford shoes can have leather panels, toe caps, and so on. Don’t make the mistake of wearing black tie opera pumps to a casual daytime event. Instead, consider the event, whether it’s formal or casual, to choose which shoes to pair with your tuxedo.

Yes, accessorizing a tuxedo even comes down to putting on the right watch. Although luxury sports watches, like Rolexes, are fun to wear and show off, they are not appropriate for formal or black tie events. Instead, choose a dress watch for formal events. Also consider the color, the strap, and the tone of the metal when putting on a watch. As a general rule, pair a light tuxedo with a light colored watch, and a dark tuxedo with a dark colored watch. For formal events, go for a leather strap over a metal one. 

When accessorizing your tuxedo, it’s important to sweat the small stuff. That is, always pay attention to the details. There are many small details to consider such as cufflinks, studs, belts, suspenders, dress socks, shoelaces, lapels, lapel pins, and more. When accessorizing your tuxedo, don’t let the small details fall by the wayside.

Putting on a tuxedo also means putting on all the right accessories. The Lapel Project aims to make men’s fashion accessible, affordable and flexible by offering a variety of lapels and other accessories to help you perfect your look. Connect with us online to get started.