Tailored Trends

When it comes to dressing for a formal affair, you want to find a look that highlights your unique personality and amplifies your best assets.

For the men, it’s a simple choice of a suit or a tuxedo for a formal event. If you plan to attend a summer wedding, especially if it is an outdoor event, go with lightweight fabrics that are breathable like cotton and linen. Neutral colors are standard; err on the lighter shades for a fresh look.

Sneakers with suits are also a trend among the guys who want a sophisticated, yet laid-back look. The key is to respect the suit and keep it minimal, whether it’s a classic low-top, suede slip-on, or leather sneaker. Don’t be afraid to go for a bold color pop if that’s your personality.

In the world of suit accessories, good news for the guys, if you do choose a suit to wear for a summer soiree, the tie is optional.

Tuxedos have gone through many phases over the years, and thankfully, men’s formal wear has returned to a classic look with a modern twist.

No matter your build, the tailored tuxedo is the look the to have this season. Depending on your style preference, you may opt for the traditional black tuxedo or opt for a gray, blue or maroon jacket this season with matching pants.

“The tailored look is in, and blue and gray are perfect for weddings and everyday formal,” says Nick Schembra of Flowers and Home in Bryant. “Vests are usually the same color as the jacket. Customers want the color match, tone on tone look. It elevates the look of the piece.”

As for tuxedo accessories, it’s out with cummerbunds and in with suspenders, shiny or dress shoes and bow ties. If you’ve never mastered the art of tying a bow tie never fear, most of them now arrive to the customer pre-tied. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can learn to tie your own.

Tips for a Top-Notch Fit

• A properly fitting shirt should rest one inch below the wrist bone.
• Your suit or tuxedo jacket sleeve should hit the wrist bone.
• With your arms hanging comfortably at your sides and your fingers curled in, the bottom of your jacket should rest on your fingertips.
• The waistband should be worn even with your navel.

For the ladies, whether you are flaunting a floor-length gown at a gala or celebrating your special day walking down the aisle, every woman wants to feel like she’s walking the red carpet.

Women’s formal wear this season provides a host of options no matter your preference. With a focus on the silhouette, many dresses are featuring a fitted bodice with an A-line skirt or a mermaid-style fit.

From flirty florals, shimmering sequins or shiny satin, women have an array of choices when it comes to finding the perfect gown or cocktail dress. You may choose to stand out in a gown covered in sequins or go for a simple, yet sophisticated look of a jewel-tone satin gown. You can choose to rock a gown with or without sleeves or you may find a happy medium with the hot, off-the-shoulder trend this season.

The hottest accessory for any dress is pockets. Conveniently holding your lipstick and phone, pockets provide women the freedom to leave the bulky clutch at home.

Wedding dresses for the 2017 season have something for every bride, but there is something new for the non-traditional bride –  color. Champagne, rose as well as pops of color are trending. David Tutera’s collection with Mon Cheri Bridals features a gorgeous satin, a-line dress in white, ivory and light green/blue color.

“When it comes to wedding dresses, lace and a low back was trending a year ago,” says Michelle Litterst owner of Rendezvous Formal Wear in Benton. “Coming out this fall, we’ll see more satin, ballgown styles. A nod to trends five or ten years ago, with a-princess-on-your-wedding-day kind of look.

Degrees of Dress Codes

• Cocktail – above-the-knee dress and high heels. Go for playful yet appropriate with cutouts, embellishments, or interesting colors.
• Semi-Formal – between cocktail and black tie. At or above-the-knee is standard, but no shorter than two inches above the knee.
• Black Tie – while more lenient for women than men, a floor-length dress or gown is befitting of the occasion. Stay elegant with a simple and feminine silhouette.

Formal wear doesn’t have to be stuffy. The class and beauty that exudes from stylish high fashion is something that we can all appreciate. Step out, step up, and truly dress to the nines.