Suiting Trends for 2012: Sleek and Panache 

Bewildered by your choice of suit? Finding the perfect suit doesn’t have to be a complicated endeavour. For 2012, the trends for men’s suits are classical or masculine. It’s all about wearing cuts that exude confidence and compliment the male physique.

The classical style is all about ease and elegance. A good classical suit will incorporate the best elements from peak eras like the 30s or 60s, and apply them to the modern silhouette. You will be looking for a classic V shape—or rather, a suit that broadens the shoulders, slims the waist and is finished with a slim (not skinny!) trouser. For some men, masculine will mean sleek and clean cut with minimal flourishes, while for others it will be lots of panache that only a certain attitude can pull off well. Let your own style influence how you choose to dress this classical suit shape.

Single-breasted is the on-trend look of the moment, and it’s also a style of suit that will unlikely ever fall out of fashion. Two distinct single-breasted cuts have emerged for the 2012 season.

The Sleek Cut, Don Draper Style

The first single-breasted suit is the 30s/60s era cut, which has a sleek cut with slimmer waist and a more understated look. This is the suit for the cool chap who likes to sport a toned-down elegance.

This  suit is impeccably made, never casual, and exudes an air of sleek masculinity and a quiet restraint. To give you a visual of the perfectly cut 1960s suit, think Mad Men’s Don Draper with a trimmer waist. If sleek style is your preference then make sure that your suit has slim- to medium-sized notched lapels, an upper button positioned around your navel and a breast pocket that accommodates nothing more than a pocket square.

The Panache Cut, Tom Ford Style

The panache cut describes a suit that comes with more overt details or flourish. The suit is cut for a gent who is comfortable wearing some flourish that the average Joe might lack in finesse to pull off. The panache cut is influenced by the 30s/60s and 70s with a classic V silhouette, but with a wider peaked collar and upper pocket cut for a handkerchief. The cut is meant for dressing up rather than toning down. Along with the single breasted suit comes a modern version of the double breasted suit.

The boxy cut—which was originally intended to hide a plump figure—is out, and being replaced by a more sleek style designed to accent and heighten the masculine V shape body. What should you look for in a double breasted suit? For 2012, it’s all about a cut that broadens the shoulders and slims the waist. With double breasted suits you want to figure in to the overall affect of the panache with peaked lapels and a breast pocket cut to fit a pocket handkerchief.

Colour and Pattern: The Final Touch

Blue and grey are considered both classic and safe for business attire. Within this range of colours you could also choose navy blue, charcoal or light grey, which tend to be the most popular choices. For some added flair, you can add a brown, bronze, beige, tan or light blue to your wardrobe. Consider your skin colour and tone when choosing a suit. Tan looks great on a darker or Mediterranean skin while blue is ideally suited to those with a lighter complexion.

If you don’t want a suit in a solid colour, there are a few classic suit patterns that are perfect companions to these classical trends. Pattern is a great way to add some panache or introduce something different into your wardrobe. the most favoured patterns for 2012 are the Pin Stripe, Rope Stripe, Glen Plaid, Damier, Harris and Herringbone. And remember, you can work cloth patterns into single components like a sport coat, blazer and trousers rather than choosing one overall suit pattern.

Whatever style of you choose, play it smart and keep it sleek!

A Gentleman’s Guide to Black Tie Rentals

There is a myth out there that a suit is as good as a tuxedo. When it comes to a black-tie events this couldn’t be further from the truth. If this were true, then black-tie only events would have gone out of style ages ago. There is good reason that black-tie affairs are associated with milestone events such as formal weddings, graduations, James Bond parties or gala events. The formal dress code reflects the distinction and prestige of these celebrated occasions, whether by invitation or tradition.

While thoughts of wearing a tuxedo might be intimidating for some, the ritual of dressing up in formal attire can set an elegant tone to your evening while elevating your anticipation for the event. If finding a suitable tux to rent makes you feel a bit uneasy, just start with the basics: a black tux, white shirt and black bow tie. There’s nothing offbeat or risky about this outfit, and that’s okay. You can’t go wrong opting for a classic.

Whether you choose a classic or go with something edgier, sliding into a well-cut tuxedo with all its garment parts will endow you with a gentlemanly persona. Go ahead and accompany the dressing ritual with a good glass of scotch or a traditional martini. Elegance with a dash of worldly charm is what wearing a good tuxedo is all about.

But before you get all James Bond on us, there are a few significant differences between a tuxedo and suit that are essential for you to know.

Tuxedos embody the refined minimalism that elevates evening wear above wearing a simple suit. A clever layering of the garment’s different parts is what gives this classic attire its elegance and charm. Unlike a suit, a tuxedo is adorned with satin lapels, satin covered buttons and satin stripes (now satin piping) down the pant legs. Pocket trims might also be covered in satin. Black tuxedos are typically tailored from wool, while vests, cummerbunds, bow ties and pocket squares are generally made of satin and most of them shouldn’t be worn with suits. It’s these satin trimmings that make a tuxedo the only choice for formal affairs.

The dinner jacket is the foundation of the black-tie ensemble. The model, style and facings that you choose for the jacket will set the tone for the remaining attire. As a general rule, the jacket should be single-breasted, but the double-breasted tux is definitely making a comeback. Whichever style you choose will be dependant on the look you are trying to achieve and how the cut fits with your body type. When it comes to lapels, the current trend evokes old Hollywood glamour with a wider format, but for the classic look a shawl collar is the way to go. Trousers should always be plain, not patterned.

The shirt should be white and ruffle-free – any colour or excess embellishment should be avoided.  Formal shirts may or may not have pleats on the front of the shirt, and they will never offer a pocket on the front like a suit shirt does. Most dress shirts require cufflinks and here is another part of the attire where can add some subtle spark or a hint of colour. To finish off your look, don a pair of black patent leather lace-up shoes and slide across that dance floor in Fred Astaire style.

If wearing a tuxedo seems a too minimal or restrained, think again. The elegant simplicity of black tie attire will bring out your essential additions with flair and style. A single flower in the lapel becomes a brilliant accent, while a coloured cummerbund suddenly makes a bold fashion statement.

Most importantly, your suave attire will mean that you and your date will together become the centre of attention. Come rent a tux, and then navigate that formal event with an air of grace and elegance.

Yes, Mark Twain, clothes DO make the man

Looking for the perfect suit to fit that special occasion?  A formal or semi-formal event is every man’s opportunity to look stylish and polished in classic or contemporary attire. Not only does a suit impress those around you, but it also has a way of increasing your own confidence. Whether you are investing in a tuxedo or tailored suit, buying or opting for a rental, Black & Lee will arrange for an outfit to sharpen your image.

Tuxedos generally feature satin trimmings and unique lapel designs, and are designed for formal occasions such as weddings and black tie dinners, whereas suits are more muted. But whichever you choose, knowing how to wear it will give you that gentlemanly edge.
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River Rock Bridal Convention Center Feb 26 – 12-4:30

Come see us at the River Rock and ask for Kyle.

Black & Lee attended the Edmonton Bridal Fair  and the Calgary Bridal Show this past few months.  The events were extremely popular with over 1000 and over 2000 brides and grooms visiting the Black & Lee booth. We were there to relieve some of the stress of preparing for the big day. Our knowledgeable staff were there to answer questions and present ideas for the special occasion. Our booth was active with excited brides and grooms viewing the newest of Black & Lee styles including men’s tuxedos and suits, including colored accessories for the big day. Visit www.blackandlee.com for details and see our online catalog today.