Anyone who’s been watching the red carpet recently will have noticed that the tuxedo jacket has made something of a comeback. The jacket will give your summer wardrobe an instant update and it’s a favourite with many celebrities such as Liv Tyler, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and, of course, Kate Moss.
Simple, elegant and timeless, the tuxedo has long been regarded as the pinnacle of formal attire for men and it has been an evening wear staple for decades. On men the tuxedo signifies strait-laced conservatism, but worn by a woman, it shouts decadence and individuality. But fashion’s love affair with the classic tuxedo is nothing new.
The silver screen icon Marlene Dietrich first caught the attention of the fashion world in a daring tuxedo way back in the 1930s. The trend was later championed by Yves Saint Laurent when, in 1966, he created a tuxedo jacket for women; back then the look was seen as dangerously anti establishment. Now, the look is so popular that sales of tuxedos at Liberty in London have shot up by 25 per cent in the past six months, with summer tuxes by Lanvin, Antonio Berardi, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent simply flying off the rails.
Today, the man-tailored suit - usually a jacket with lapel and trousers with a tonal-fabric stripe down the leg - can be sophisticated and super-sexy. Just look at Angelina Jolie, who wears them regularly on the red carpet. If you can’t quite stretch your budget to one of the designer creations don't despair; practically every high-street label from Pennys to Per Una at Marks & Spencer has come up with versions of the tailored tuxedo this season.
The best of the bunch? H&M’s tux, in royal blue, €59.95, comes pretty close and certainly makes a great investment buy. Remember, keeping things simple works best with the starkness of a black suit - but a slick of red lipstick, a jewelled clutch bag or the flash of a diamond earring will give you that dressed-up feminine edge.
The way to wear the tuxedo this time around? Show some skin, add some stilettos - and ditch the cigar.
