A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO EVENING DRESS

INTRODUCTION  A Timeless Appeal Story of the Guide Using the Guide ●  BASICS  A Proper Education Attire: Defining Black Tie Etiquette: Black-Tie Tradition Etiquette: Dress Codes Etiquette: Black-Tie Codes ●  HISTORY  History's Relevance 19th Century Origins Edwardian Era (1900s, '10s) Jazz Age (1920s) Classic Age (1930s) Post War ('40s, '50s) Jet Age ('50s, '60s) Peacock Revolution ('60s, '70s) Classic Revival I (Late '70s) Classic Revival II (1980s) Dress-Down Days (1990s) ●  CLASSIC BLACK TIE  The Gold Standard Defining Classic Black Tie Classic Jackets Classic Trousers Classic Waist Coverings Classic Shirts Classic Neckwear Classic Footwear Classic Accessories Classic Outerwear Warm-Weather Black Tie Classic Alternatives ●  CONTEMPORARY BLACK TIE  Proceed with Caution Contemporary Jackets Contemporary Trousers Contemporary Waist Coverings Contemporary Shirts Contemporary Neckwear Contemporary Footwear Contemporary Accessories Contemporary Personalization ●  WHITE_TIE  Introduction Defining White Tie Full-Dress Waistcoat Full-Dress Shirt ●  BUYING  Introduction Major Retailers Supplemental Retailers Custom Tailoring White Tie Investments ●  STYLE   Men's Wear 101  Suit Style  Proper Fit  Wear & Care  Tying a Bow Tie  Folding a Pocket Square ●  VINTAGE  Research in Progress Vintage Etiquette & Tradition Vintage Wedding Etiquette Vintage Attire Retro Tuxedos ●  SUPPLEMENTAL  Glossary  Orders, Decorations & Medals  Ladies' Black Tie  Black Tie Versus Tuxedo  Morning Dress (Formal Day Wear)  Formalwear Myths & Merits  Red Carpet Black Tie  Military Formal Attire  Scottish Formal Attire  Clerical Formal Attire  Formalwear Hall of Shame  Bibliography  Search

 

Proceed with Caution Contemporary Jackets Contemporary Trousers Contemporary Waist Coverings Contemporary Shirts Contemporary Neckwear Contemporary Footwear Contemporary Accessories Contemporary Personalization	Contemporary Accessories     • Pocket Square   The Basic Rules: white linen   Silk pocket squares have become increasingly popular since the 1990s although traditionalists find that their comparative lack of body and excess of shininess make them inferior alternatives.  Regardless of the choice of fabric, the decorative touch of a pocket square is more welcome than ever now that boutonnieres are rarely seen outside of a wedding.  For suggestions on using your handkerchief to add a touch of color to black tie, see Contemporary Personalization.	ALTERNATIVES Silk pocket square.
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