Mens Accessories: What Is Hot Now - For Weddings - For The Groomsman

August 9th, 2004

Mens Accessories: What is Hot Now - For Weddings - for The Groomsman

Your mission on your big day isn´t impossible; it´s simply to look your best. A well-fitting tux is a given. It´s how you accessorize that will make the most of your outfit. To help you pump up your style quotient, we tracked down the hot trends in tux and suit accessories.

MINIMAL COLOR
Stick with more subdued, sophisticated color arrangements. Try going with the same hue for both your shirt and tie. A tone-on-tone combo not only takes the guesswork out of coordinating, but will also give you a very glam look. All black -- black tux, tie, and shirt -- is popular. Navy-on-navy is big, as is a chocolate tie and shirt. Christopher Sulavik, author of The Indispensable Guide to Classic Men´s Clothing, offers one general guideline to keep in mind when pairing tints of the same color: the tie is usually darker than the shirt.

If you plan to wear a vest, black and silver are the two most popular choices. Silver (and gold) ties and vests are still red hot, but expect more pastels and light blues to trickle down from other men´s clothing trends.

ILLUSTRIOUS TIES
If you´re seeking a cutting-edge look, the bow tie should be left buried in your closet behind that pile of dirty laundry. Ties, especially those with a high-sheen, are definitely a more modern approach to neckwear. Popularized by Hollywood-types at tony award ceremonies like the Oscars, four-in-hand satin ties in lustrous, solid colors paired with a dressy shirt will definitely add some punch to your ensemble.

TURNED DOWN COLLARS
The truly updated outfit forgoes the wing collar and replaces it with the more modern turndown variety. The pros, with their current penchant for neckties and matching same-colored shirts, would definitely put you in a fancy turndown-collar shirt.

TONED DOWN VESTS
Skip the cummerbund. Though these classic garments will never go out of style, the fashion forward will decide on a vest instead. Full-back, solid-colored vests are the current choice of grooms and groomsmen, the benefit being that if you and your men plan on cranking up the heat and removing your jackets at the reception, you will still have a finished look. Do without loud, busy patterns and select a toned-down style, such as a monochromatic vest two different hues of the same color. Or better yet, go with a solid color.

WELL-HEELED SHOES
Grooms are taking the aisle walk in thick-soled leather shoes similar to what´s seen on the streets. Forget slip-on loafers; instead, chose a chunkier black lace-up style. "If you´re looking for a classic patent leather, update the shape with a square toe," suggests Kenneth Cole. "It´s modern and simple yet sophisticated enough to be worn with any tuxedo." If you go with a heavier shoe, you´ll need pants that are cut a bit wider at the bottom for a more balanced look.

SILVER JEWELS
In tuxedo terms, jewelry means cuff links and shirt studs. Silver links are more popular today than gold, and are often set with black onyx. These small, fashionable costume pieces are made with a variety of different stones -- from onyx to mother of pearl -- and add just the right finishing touch to your wedding day ensemble.

Article from TheKnot.com