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Black tie — the hub

My black tie party trick.

Every gentleman at the wedding wore the same tuxedo shirt. Same black studs. Same everything. Start with the staple, then make it yours.

Brian in a tan corduroy Brunello Cucinelli tuxedo
01 — the staple

Start with SuitSupply.

SuitSupply is a great workhorse. The tux and the shirt everyone has. They're the base, not the look. Mine are Brunello or Ralph Lauren Purple Label.

02 — add the studs

Swap the black studs.

A vintage set: platinum, abalone or Mikimoto pearls.

All the studs
03 — add the brooch

Pin a brooch on it.

Art Deco filigree platinum on a man's lapel. Mine came from The RealReal, under $1K.

Every brooch I'd wear
04 — upgrade the tux

No one does a tux like Brunello.

Corduroy. Felted wool. Velvet. Fabrics nobody else puts on black tie. Same classic silhouette, totally different texture, and that's the whole point. That's tan corduroy Brunello up top. New with tags on eBay for about a fifth of retail, and over $500 eBay authenticates it.

Shop Brunello tuxes

FAQ

Is buying Brunello Cucinelli on eBay safe?

Over $500, eBay authenticates it.

Can men wear a brooch with a tuxedo?

Yes. Make it platinum and Art Deco.

Affiliate links: I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Not sponsored. Listings sell fast, and prices change.