by marcellas reynolds image lab
BLACk tIE:
This is simple. “Black Tie” always means a tuxedo—
and a bow tie. Please do not make the mistake of
wearing any tie other than a bow tie to a black tie
event. That fashion faux pas should be relegated
to pro athletes, pimps and Samuel L. Jackson at the
Oscars. Black ties should be simple and elegant.
Think Cary Grant or George Clooney. I think it’s a
black tux but feel free to don a white jacket. Tails are
too costume-y. Designers like Dolce and Gabbana
are also moving black tie forward with color which is
great for a holiday party.
ForMAL:
Formal is black tie. It also means no deviation from
black. Black tie weddings are formal. As a rule
of thumb do not go crazy with your bow tie and
cummerbund. Nothing reads quite as cheap and
low-class as anything other than a black bow tie and
cummerbund. When you put on your cummerbund
the pleats face upward. If you must exercise your
Tis The Season:
personality do a bigger bow tie, fancy knot or higher
grade silk but that is it. Formal also means a patent
What to Wear
leather shoe. This is the one and only time a man is
allowed to wear a patent leather shoe. Period. And
What Not to Wear
no belts with a cummerbund. Use suspenders!
There it is gentlemen! Your one-stop dictionary
on how to dress it up for the holidays. Remember:
Does it seem like the holidays start earlier and earlier each year? You know the mo-
everything clean and pressed, shoes shined, fingers
ment that the Halloween pumpkins and ghouls come down that Santa and Rudolph are
manicured, a fresh, crisp haircut and you are ready to
party. Coming in December: my gift guide! The right
hot on their trail. Thanksgiving? Forget it. No advertising of gourds! By now the six Hal-
gift at every price. ‘Til then… have a blast!
loween costumes you wore are stored away. You’re beginning to get the invites for work
soirées and holiday get-togethers. It makes you long for the Halloween invites! At least
you knew what to wear to that Halloween party. Really, what’s the difference between
“smart casual” and “cocktail chic?” Well as a boy-about-town I’m going to decode the
puzzle, solve the mystery and show you how to dress right for any occasion.
BusInEss AttIrE: up denim. Feel free to wear jeans but make sure they
That’s simple, it’s anything you would normally wear are relatively new, less distressed and hole or rip free.
to work when it’s not casual Friday. As a rule of thumb I’d pair the jeans with a collared shirt and a blazer. To
I’d do that special suit you’d wear when you have look even more natty I’d suggest a pocket square or
an important meeting. Even though it’s a party do tie or both. And no, tennis shoes are not an option.
not let your guard down. You should still wear a tie
and your shoes should be clean and polished. And
remember, a party that your boss is attending is even CoCktAIL ChIC:
more important than work. It may be a festive occa- Consider Cocktail Chic to be the slightly more dressed
sion but don’t over-imbibe! up cousin of Smart Casual. It feels the same but takes
it up a notch. Instead of jeans with a blazer do slacks
sMArt CAsuAL: or a full suit. Cocktail parties are about elegance
Smart Casual can be tricky. You must employ this and celebration. The suit should be dark; navy, gray
on a case-by-case basis. It’s really about mimicking or black. A tie must always be worn. Shoes must be Marcellas Reynolds is a celebrity fashion stylist and TV host. He
your host and the knowing his/her circle (the other polished and the wearer should be immaculately recently filmed E! Network’s Perfect Catch with Carmen Electra.
invitees). Smart Casual most often means dressed groomed. E-MAIL:
marcellas@ragemonthly.com
november 2009 | RAGE monthly 51
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