{11.11.08} Ask Valet.

 
The New Rules

How to pull off the
modern tuxedo.

Old: Patent shoes

 

Old: Cummerbund

New: Tab-close pants

 

Old: Straight tie

New: The bow tie's back

 

Old: Wing collar

New: Spread collar

 

Jacket, $218; pants, $128; French cuff shirt, $49 all at Express. Bow tie, $60 at Brooks Brothers.

Winter Formal
Question
Where can I find a tuxedo for under $500 in a style that will last a few years? Also, can I forgo patent leather shoes with a tux? - Joshua, Los Angeles (by way of New York)
 
Answer

This took some digging. Most tux options for less than $500 are ill-fitting polyester monstrosities not fit for the prom. Then we happened upon this gem at the mall store Express of all places. Cut from lightweight wool crepe, the jacket has such classic features as satin peak lapels and a tuxedo stripe down the legs. But modern updates like a slimmer fit, slightly higher arm holes and a double-vent in back keep you from looking like you rented.

 
 
 
 

{11.11.08}

 

Winter Formal

 
 
 
 
Was this 'Mix' worthy?
Yahoo!

What is this?

 

Ask Valet.

Financially Secure

 
Question

I'd like to replace my boyfriend's tired, vinyl zippered wallet. Are there actually good-looking zip-up wallets out there?
- Tara, Pittsburgh

 
Answer

He's not still carrying around that standby condom in there is he? We kid.

» The solution

Advertisement

Advertise on Valet

Most Popular On Valet

Top features for the past 24 hours.

1)

31 Days: When to Wash It

 
2)

31 Days: Cold Showers?

 
3)

31 Days: Unstick a Zipper

 
4)

31 Days: Index

 
5)

Style: Shrinkage Fears

(Updated 1/5/09)

Top keyword searches for the
past 24 hours.

1)

don draper aviators

 
2)

shrinkage

 
3)

hyden yoo

 
4)

moleskine

 
5)

scott sternberg

(Updated 1/5/09)

Top saved features on Delicious for the past 24 hours.

1)

Valet homepage

 
2)

Style: Dressing the Part (Part 1)

 
3)

Handbook: The Dopp Kit

 
4)

Food & Drink: A Bloody Good Time

 
5)

31 Days: When to Wash It

(Updated 1/5/09)

 
 

Need style help?
Submit your conundrum.

 

Advertisement

Advertise on Valet

 

Get Valet Delivered

RSS

When a piece goes live on Valet, RSS delivers it to you.

 

eLetter

We know you're busy. Subscribe to a weekly rundown of the best from Valet.

 

Twitter

Want to know what we're up to or when a new piece is posted?

 

Widget

Add some style to your space with this stylish module.