While most black tie events seem to fall into the cooler months, don’t pack up your formal attire (and especially your cummerbund sets!) just yet. Summer still holds promise for exciting festivities that will keep your social calendar full and your style sharp.
We have style tips for several ways to dress the part for your summer weddings, galas, and getaways.
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Spring weddings provide you with the perfect occasion to showcase your sharp, manly fashion style - whether you're dressing for a blissful outdoor ceremony, afternoon nuptials, or a formal evening event.
Though Spring wedding attire thrives off of bright, beautiful colors and playful patterns, an important part of dressing for the occasion is to keep in mind the exact type of wedding you're invited to. We have several dashing outfit ideas to help you decide what to wear to a Spring wedding.
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Throughout the ages, gentlemen have expressed their appreciation for a classic, refined look with traditional menswear accessories. Often though, neckties have also signaled their belonging to a specific military regiment, private school or club.
Many of the more traditional styles - such as regimental neckties and Ivy school ties - have an interesting backstory.
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Is there a dress code for the Kentucky Derby?
While there is not a handwritten dress code stating what a gentleman can and cannot wear to the derby, there is an unspoken understanding as to what is appropriate derby attire. The Kentucky Derby is the perfect opportunity for a gentleman to dress to the nines and show off his brightest and most dashing clothing. Kentucky Derby style is all about vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns and fabrics, so don’t be afraid to dabble in pastels or bold accessories. One of our favorite horse racing bow ties is our Yellow Keiger Pine Bow Tie because it incorporates some key elements of derby fashion, a lively pattern and a vivid color. Often, most derby goers are dressed in a combination of a statement jacket or pants, a complementary dress shirt, and of course, a derby day bow tie and hat.
What is suitable Kentucky Derby men’s attire?
One of the best ways to dress for the Kentucky Derby is to channel the elements of spring, simply because derby style is centered around the best of spring fashion. When dressing for the Kentucky Derby, balance is important in order to select pieces that are fresh and fun, but also polished and appropriate. Bright pants in colors like pink, light blue, or a soft yellow are well-favored, while coordinating a dress shirt that features a lighthearted pattern or design is also a key part of the ensemble. The core of a gentleman’s derby attire is the jacket, and while a timeless navy jacket is always appropriate, fabrics like seersucker or a jacket featuring an energetic pattern are also justified choices for the fun-filled day. Lastly, a gentleman should select his favorite loafers, but leave his socks at home, and accessorize with his very best race hat and derby day bow tie. If you are a regular at the Kentucky Derby, or are familiar with the event, then you would know that the Mint Julep is the drink of choice throughout the weekend, and our Mint Julep Bow Tie is also our bow of choice for the derby. A bow tie is the center of an ensemble, and for the Kentucky Derby, a gentleman’s bow tie of choice should feature a striking pattern and beautiful colors.
Derby day is all about wearing clothing that expresses your unique personality, as well as your sophisticated sense of style. Our Spring 2019 Collection features brightly colored bow ties and pocket squares that are perfect for your derby attire. Some standouts from the Spring Collection include our Pink Harris Paisley and Pink King Stripes bow ties. Pair your bright bow of choice with a dapper pocket square, like our Pink Avalon Pocket Square, and you will be looking race day ready. No matter what bow tie you select for the big day, always remember to wear your derby attire with confidence and poise.
Pink King Stripes Bow Tie, $65
Pink Avalon Pocket Square, $60
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One of the most iconic events of the school year is right around the corner; a night to make memories that will last a lifetime with your closest high school friends. Can you guess what event is the highlight of the school year? If you guessed prom...then you would be correct! Prom night is the perfect excuse to dress your very best as you dance the night away. Whether you’re going for a classic prom look, or you want to incorporate the theme for the evening into your attire, the same question always arises for a gentleman, tie or bow tie for prom? Below are some helpful tips and suggestions to help you look sharp and feel confident as you prepare for an evening of excitement and fun.
Is a bow tie suitable prom attire?
A bow tie is a great choice for prom, and it is definitely an appropriate accessory for such a formal occasion. Bow ties have the power to enhance a gentleman’s ensemble, and overall, a bow tie reflects a sharp style that can tie an entire look together. Most proms abide by a strict dress code, simply because it is a special night to dress up and celebrate amongst friends, but that doesn’t mean that a gentleman cannot reflect his own personal style. Instead, the dress code is in place in order to express the formality of the event. In fact, a prom bow tie is actually the perfect accessory for showcasing your own unique taste. While many believe that a customary black bow tie is the only acceptable fit for a traditional tuxedo, that is simply not the case. For example, our Black/Blue Legacy Paisley Bow Tie is an all silk bow that features an elegant paisley design and bold blues, but it is still formal enough to be worn with a tuxedo. Color and pattern are an excellent way to incorporate creative flare while still being appropriately dressed for the occasion.
Black/Blue Legacy Paisley Bow Tie, $70
Is a bow tie more formal than a tie?
The great “bow tie or tie for prom” debate can be settled in one way, simply depending on how formal your prom is. A bow tie for prom takes a gentleman’s look to a higher level of sophistication, while wearing a tie for prom makes your tuxedo appear to look more like a regular suit. When dressing for a formal event, like prom, it is important for a gentleman to never arrive underdressed, so always pay close attention to the details of the event that you are planning to attend.
What are the best colors and patterns for a prom bow tie?
Prom fashion is all about dressing your very best and showing off your signature sense of style. When selecting a prom bow tie feel free to experiment with different colors and various patterns. At R. Hanauer, we believe it is important for a gentleman to express himself through his clothing choices; therefore, we offer an array of different colors and styles of bow ties so that a gentleman can find his perfect match. For prom, many young men like to match their formal accessories to the color of their date’s dress, and our vast collection of different bows make it possible to find the ideal bow tie for your prom look. Some of our colorful favorites include the Coral Rishra Linen Bow Tie and the Blue/Black Claiborne Gingham Bow Tie, while some bold patterns that are sure to turn some heads, include our Quicksilver Paisley Bow Tie and our Black/Red Durand Basketweave Bow Tie.
Coral Rishra Linen Bow Tie, $40
Blue/Black Claiborne Gingham Bow Tie, $60
Quicksilver Paisley Bow Tie, $70
Black/Red Durand Basketweave Bow Tie, $70
To summarize:
We would love to see some of your most debonair, formal looks for prom this year. Tag us in your best prom photos wearing your R. Hanauer bow tie, necktie, cummerbund set or pocket square.
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Many gentlemen would consider their bow ties to be a necessary accessory in their wardrobes, mainly because it catches the eye and makes a statement, and it proves to be a focal point for many ensembles. Bow ties are often associated with formal wear; however, it is certainly acceptable to dress down an outfit and still sport your favorite bow. As spring quickly approaches and we welcome warmer weather with open arms, clothing choices become lighter, and more opportunities arise to showcase a more casual side to our style. Below are several ways for any gentleman to wear a bow tie casually, and look his very best:
Often, the words “casual dress” and “jeans” go hand in hand. Many people believe that jeans will instantly “dress down” an ensemble; however, there are ways to pair your prized jeans with your favorite bow tie. For a well-kept look with a more casual feel, try pairing a nice pair of dark wash denim with a lightly colored button down, a choice blazer, and your go-to bow tie. For a more relaxed look, our Blue Malvern Flowers Bow Tie would be worn well with a dark denim, a pale blue button down, and a navy blazer. For a polished look when styling denim with bow ties, avoid jeans with an obvious amount of distress, simply because it will distract from the overall ensemble.
Blue Malvern Flowers Bow Tie, $65
Bow ties are often associated with formal ensembles because they are most commonly accompanied with evening wear, such as a tuxedo or a dress suit. With that being said, bow ties can also be worn with a “normal” shirt for occasions that do not require formal dress code, or for everyday wear. During the spring season, a gentleman is always looking for lighter clothing alternatives that are still sophisticated and stylish. For a casual, spring look, try pairing a statement bow tie, like our Bar Stripes Quad Bow Tie, with a button down and a staple pair of khaki pants. Another great way to style a bow tie with a regular button down is to select a solid colored bow tie, and pair it with a patterned shirt, such as a floral or a plaid.
While jackets often are needed for a more traditional look, there are certainly ways to wear a bow tie without a jacket. For example, try swapping your jacket for a sweater or a basic cardigan. Both options provide a balance within the outfit, but they are often a more lightweight, or casual alternative to your everyday jacket. Another easy way to accessorize a look without a jacket is to add braces to your ensemble. While it is acceptable to wear certain attire without a jacket, the most important thing to take into consideration when styling an outfit is where you will be wearing it. If the location or the specific event calls for a dressier ensemble, then a jacket is a must.
What are the ways you like to wear your bow ties casually? We invite you to share ideas in the comments below.
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With a wedding comes months of planning, finding an exceptional venue, perfecting the guest list, and finalizing details to make certain that such a monumental day is as perfect as possible. While all of these decisions are quite crucial for wedding planning-- who is going to be by your side, and what you are going to wear on your special day both top the list. While it is customary for a bride’s dress to differ from the ones that her bridesmaids are wearing, it is also possible for the groom to stand out amongst his groomsmen. At R. Hanauer, we believe it is essential for a gentleman to feel unique and his most authentic self, especially on his wedding day. Below are several creative ways for the groom to stand out during his nuptials.
Often at weddings, a guest can easily spot the bride in a crowd because she has chosen a dress that is distinctive and special, one that differs from all of the rest. For a groom, it can often feel impossible to find an ensemble that is memorable and unique without being excessive or distracting. Instead of finding an entire outfit to make a statement, it is beneficial for a groom to focus on the finer details of his wedding attire. One way that a groom can stand out from his groomsmen is to sport a customized bow tie. Coordinating the colors or the patterns featured in the groomsmen’s neckwear to the groom’s bow tie still looks sophisticated and uniform without being completely identical. A customized look for the groom showcases his one-of-a-kind style, and it will make him look and feel his very best.
Another way to achieve a distinct look for the groom is to experiment with different accessories. A groom can incorporate different pieces into his ensemble such as a vest or suspenders to make his look more elaborate. The groomsmen can also coordinate their neckwear with the bridesmaids’ dresses, while the groom looks debonair in a timeless white or black bow tie. Perhaps, the bride has chosen specific colors for the wedding and wants the selection to be featured in the wedding party attire. At R. Hanauer, we offer custom styling and design services. A bride and groom can send us a swatch of their wedding colors, and we can select pieces from our current collections that would pair perfectly with the given color scheme, or we can print a custom fabric to achieve a further personalized look.
One way to achieve an unmatched look is to dress the groom in a combo bow tie and have the groomsmen wear bows that feature one design. For instance, if a groom were to select our Black Sherman/Windsor Dots Bow Tie, his groomsmen could wear our Black/White Sherman Striped bow. Some other popular styles include the groomsmen sporting different colored bow ties from the groom’s selection. This allows for the groom to make a lasting impression without appearing to be over the top. Alternating colors and designs in formal wear are both excellent ways for a groom’s style to differ from his groomsmen.
At R. Hanauer, we understand that a gentleman’s wedding day is one of the biggest and most significant moments of his life. Once you’ve found your perfect match, we would be honored to help you tie the knot by finding your perfect wedding accessories.
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