Tuxedos in Sterling Heights

02

Black, midnight navy or ivory

Black is the safe choice for any black-tie event. Midnight navy looks black at night and richer in photos. An ivory dinner jacket with black trousers is the warm-weather and summer-wedding option.

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The full black-tie look

• Tuxedo jacket and trousers with a satin stripe.
• White pleated tuxedo shirt.
• Black satin bow tie.
• Cufflink and stud set.
• Black patent oxfords or patent loafers.

Every piece above is on the floor at Blite. A stylist puts the full look together in one fitting. Not sure what the invitation means? Read the dress code guide.

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Tuxedos by event

• Wedding tuxedos for the groom
• Groomsmen and group fittings
• Prom tuxedos

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A tuxedo fits closer than a suit

A tuxedo is cut to look clean in photos at night. The jacket sits a little closer at the waist, and the trousers have no break or a very slight one, so the satin stripe runs straight to the shoe.

At a tuxedo fitting in our Sterling Heights store, the stylist checks the same points as a suit, then checks that the lapels lie flat and the satin does not ripple when the jacket is buttoned.

07

Bow ties: self-tie or pre-tied

A self-tie bow tie sits a little uneven, which is the point: it shows it was tied by hand. A pre-tied bow tie looks neat all night and is easier for a long event. Both are correct for black tie. Ask a stylist to show you how to tie one before you leave the store.

08

Black, midnight navy or ivory by season

• Black: correct for any black-tie event, any time of year.
• Midnight navy: reads darker than black under evening light and looks rich in photos. A good choice for a winter wedding in Michigan.
• Ivory dinner jacket: the warm-weather option, worn with black tuxedo trousers. Best for summer weddings and evening events outdoors.

09

Buying a tuxedo or wearing a dark suit

If you go to two or more black-tie events a year, a tuxedo of your own fits better and photographs better than anything borrowed. If the invitation says black tie optional, a dark suit is fine. See the dress code guide.

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Tuxedo fittings at Blite in Sterling Heights

Book Tuxedo and evening on our booking page, or walk in during store hours. Bring the date and the dress code. The stylist puts the jacket, trousers, shirt, bow tie, studs and shoes together in one visit at 37742 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, with free parking in front.

12

Patent shoes or polished oxfords

Black patent oxfords or patent loafers are the classic tuxedo shoe. Highly polished plain black oxfords are also correct. Leave brown shoes and anything with a heavy sole for another night. Both patent styles are on the evening wall at Blite in Sterling Heights.

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The groom's tuxedo

A groom often wears the same tuxedo as his groomsmen with one change that marks him out: a peak lapel when they wear notch, a midnight navy jacket when they wear black, or a different bow tie. See wedding suits for the groom and groomsmen.

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Galas, charity dinners and award nights

Black-tie events in Metro Detroit run all year. One well-fitted tuxedo covers every gala, charity dinner and award night. Change the look with the bow tie, the pocket square and the studs, and keep the tuxedo itself classic so it lasts.

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Cummerbund or waistcoat

A tuxedo traditionally covers the waistband, so no shirt shows between the trousers and the jacket. A black cummerbund, pleats facing up, does it with a single-breasted tuxedo. A low-cut evening waistcoat does the same with a little more polish. A double-breasted tuxedo needs neither, because the jacket stays buttoned.

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When to wear a tuxedo

A tuxedo is for evening events where the host asks for black tie: weddings after 5 pm, galas, charity dinners, award nights, formal New Year's Eve parties and prom. It is not for daytime events, business meetings or funerals. If the invitation says black tie optional, a tuxedo is welcome, and a dark suit is fine. If it says cocktail, wear a suit instead.

• Black tie: a tuxedo.
• Black tie optional: a tuxedo or a dark suit.
• Cocktail: a suit.
• Daytime: a suit, never a tuxedo.