In the previous part of this prom series, “Prom Tuxedos: Don’t Rent, Buy!” I described the basics of buying a tuxedo.  This blog will focus on how to personalize your tuxedo with accessories:  shirts, cummerbunds, vests, bow ties, tuxedo ties, cuff links, button covers, and shoes.

Shirts: Tuxedo shirt collars come in a variety of styles: wing collars, mandarin collars or turndown collars. Wing collars, the most formal collar style, have a stiff, clean front.  Mandarin collars are the most contemporary of tuxedo collar styles.  This collar stands up around the neck and is worn without a tie. Turndown collars have a soft, pleated front.  There are also a few options when it comes to your sleeve cuffs: standard dress-shirt cuffs held together with cuff links; French cuffs, folded over and closed with cuff links; and cuffs that close with a button.  Your shirt cuff should fall about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch below your jacket. Also, make sure your shirt is long enough to be tucked firmly in your waistband.

Neckwear: When it comes to neckwear, most men will opt for one of two choices; bow ties or neckties. According The Knot’s article, “Grooms: A Glossary of Tuxedo Terms and Wedding Tuxedo Styles,” bow ties are the most classic neckwear for tuxedos.  White bow ties are reserved for very-formal events, while colored bow ties are suitable for any occasion. Neckties give a modern and slightly casual look to tuxedos.  Choose a silk necktie in black or a muted color to ensure that your tie is as dressy as your tux.

Cummerbund or Vest: Between cummerbunds and vests, cummerbunds are the more classic of the two choices.  These pleated pieces of fabric come in a variety of colors and are worn around the waist.  When wearing a cummerbund, make sure the waist of your trousers is high enough to be completely covered by the cummerbund.  According to The Knot’s article, “Grooms: Find the Most Flattering Tuxedo Styles for Your Wedding,” “Those who have a heavy waist, [should] choose a vest rather than a cummerbund to draw attention away from your waistline and up toward your face.”  Vest buttons should line up with the front of your jacket, and the bottom should slightly overlap the trouser waistband.

Shoes: Although tuxedo shoes come in a variety of styles, they should almost always be made of black patent leather.   The best time to shop for shoes is at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen.   Always opt for roomy shoes rather than shoes that are too tight.  Take some time break in your tuxedo shoes before prom so that they will be as comfortable as possible.

Accessories: Cuff links are the perfect accessory to complement your tuxedo.  Choose basic black cuff links trimmed in gold or silver or choose cuff links that show some personality (i.e. your favorite sports team, a hobby, etc.).  You can also experiment with other accessories like: a pocket square, button covers, a tie pin, snazzy socks or a nice watch

Finally, at least a week before prom, examine and try on your tuxedo and accessories to make sure the fit is perfect and everything looks pristine.  Always remember that comfort is key.  Twist, turn, move your arms up and down; you should be able to move easily.  If there is a problem with the fit, you’ll still have time to get the kinks worked out.

Let SYMS help you get ready for prom with our large selection of tuxedos and accessories.  Please read our blog, “Prom Tuxedos: Don’t Rent, Buy!” to learn more about SYMS tuxedo selection.  Some of our accessories include: tuxedo shirts starting at $19.99; vest and tie sets or cummerbund and tie sets starting at $29.99; bow ties and neck ties starting at $3.99; tuxedo shoes starting at $30.00; and cufflinks stating at $9.99.

To learn more about accessorizing your tuxedo check out the following articles: “How to Buy a Tuxedo,” “Grooms: Find the Most Flattering Tuxedo Styles for Your Wedding,” and “Grooms: How to Personalize Your Tuxedo.”