Spring & Summer

7 Styling Tips to Nail the Tuxedo Trend

What do you wear on a fancy night when you are bored of the routine cocktail dress? A “Luxe Tux” is an elegant, sexy option this spring.

The Tuxedo trend, first dubbed Le Smoking, was first introduced by Yves St. Laurent in the ’60s. It’s a dramatic, sensual look that isn’t for everyone, but it can be stunning on the right woman (a woman with a little Marlene Dietrich in her, LOL).

Many over 40 stars have turned up on the red carpet in tuxes, inspiring style-conscious women everywhere to try this look. Here are some tips on how to Nail the Tuxedo Trend.

Julia Roberts tuxedo dressing

1. Wear the Jacket Alone

The sexiest way to wear the Tuxedo Look is to wear the jacket alone with its deep V, maybe even some cleavage showing. It plays out that fantasy of sexy you in your big strong man’s elegant, oversized evening jacket, wearing nothing underneath.

Elizabeth McGovern tuxedo dress

2. A Vest Can Be Sexy Too

The other way you style it is by wearing a sexy button-up vest. It’s also very alluring because let’s face it; vests are meant to be worn with stiff white shirts, not alone against soft, bare, feminine skin. It’s a hot surprise.

Beverly Johnson tuxedo style

3. Wear Pants with a Feminine Blouse

If you prefer to wear just the tuxedo pants, without the jacket, then a feminine blouse is the way to do it. Something satin or silk is beautiful. Your top can have lace or ruffles. It can be loose or draped, even a peplum, whatever suits your personality.

The key is to have that contrast the difference between the straight, masculine solid lines of the tux and the soft, round, feminine curves of your body. That’s what is so sexy.

4.   High Heels are a Must

Killer pointy-heeled pumps or strappy high sandals are the way to go when you wear the tuxedo look. Laura’s shoes, which were super comfortable and edgy, were a Zara find and well priced at under $80.

5. Carry a Clutch or Sleek Handbag 

Accessories can make or break an outfit like this. Keep the look elegant with a structured clutch or boxy bag. A soft, swishy bag would ruin the formality and drama of the eye.

Glen Close Tuxedo Trend

6. Keep Hair & Make-Up Sophisticated

With a tux, the best way to look polished is to go with a classic dash of red on your lips, or you can wear a glossy nude. Forget girly pink and peach lips and avoid dark mauve and brown shades on the lips, which always look harsh after 40 no matter what you wear. Hair should be

7.   Some Jewelry is Fine

Gorgeous, shiny jewelry worn with this masculine look is gender-bending so long as you have a touch of it. Try a big sparkly ring or gold necklace. A bit of bling warms things up and makes you shine, but too busy jewelry will detract from the look.

These are all Celebrities. Can an everyday gal over 40 wear this look?

white tuxedo suit

Recently I was at a charity concert performance and ran into personal shopper Laura Paletta who looked on-trend in her menswear tuxedo. Laura’s outfit is an excellent example of combining high-end designer pieces with more everyday, affordable brands. She nailed this look. 

Laura says: “My lambskin leather pants are Victoria Beckham; they are a great staple piece in my wardrobe. The vest and jacket are the latest Eco-friendly collection from H&M called “conscious” and are made from recycled materials. The jacket retails for $129.00, and the vest was $39.00!

I was trying to channel the Yves Saint Laurent “le smoking” look without breaking the bank and being more environmentally conscious. I love the androgynous look with a little sexy and loads of style and comfort.”

Great job, Laura! Now, over to you. Do you think you’d ever try the tuxedo look?

 

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3 thoughts on “7 Styling Tips to Nail the Tuxedo Trend

  1. I love how Jennifer Aniston paired her tuxedo with long, gold necklaces. It does add a bit of glam to a typically masculine look. I’ve been looking for a nice pair of women’s black tuxedo pants to wear to work. I like the loose fit of Jennifer’s pants a lot. I’ll have to search for something similar.

  2. I love this look! I am already thinking ahead to my husband’s Christmas Party. My jacket is black velvet; my pegged pants are teal with a black tuxedo stripe. What are your suggestions for shoes and tops for winter?