Don't be intimidated by formalwear. A tuxedo is just a suit–one you wear with a shirt and tie. You’ve got things like cummerbunds and studs to consider. But we’re happy to say you can pretty much ignore those if you want. Here’s what you do need to know.


Your tux jacket should have one or two buttons—never three. That's a business suit.
Avoid any tux that's too trendy. It's supposed to be about timeless, not timely.
Tell your tailor you want to flash some cuff; you're wearing cuff links for a reason.
Ditch the cummerbund and lose the vest you don't need either. A pair of suspenders will do the trick.
White shirt, conventional semispread collar. And if you don't want to wear studs, you don't have to.
Either a straight tie or a bow tie works these days. Just try to match the fabric of the tie to the lapel.
Well-polished black leather-soled black lace-ups will do the trick. Patent leather is strictly optional.
Yes, you can wear a black suit to a formal wear event, as long as it's a smart suit that's perfectly tailored.
White dinner jackets are for the summer months.
Your shirt should fit as well as your tux.