A tuxedo for every occasion

Ten ways to wear the pantsuit, day and night

One component of the recent Celine show in Paris that I found comforting (understandable and replicable within the context of my wardrobe) and practically inspiring (replicable but not boring) included the tuxedo-style looks featuring impactful accessories —

The baseline ingredients are simple, with a cape like this, a crisp tuxedo shirt and black satin, front-pleat trousers. The belt is where it goes wow (but also, mind the toe rings!!)

Heavy duty tux jacket, skinny pants, cowboy-coded chelsea boots

A cape like this styled over a rich white button down (French cuff optional but probably helpful) or a pair of suede cowboy-coded Chelsea boots (these are the Michelin standard — with an electric scarf notwithstanding) styled with slim pants (probably not as slim) and a black blazer (tuxedo lapels do make a difference!) is a template that is easy make work with minimal effort.

And given the simplicity of the look’s input and the maximum impact of its outcome, it also creates more mental space for the wearer (that’s us!) to accessorize thoughtfully.

The tuxedo to wear to work

This is the jacket, from Argent, that I am wearing throughout (in a size 4) styled over a silk button down shirt (here’s a great alt from The Outnet by Vince; or I’d recommend something like this to go wilder; something like this to remain in loose tux theme), Aflalo’s ‘Bradum’ pants, a green croc belt with an embellished, western buckle (the task order here is to choose the most unusual, ornamental belt you have), French sandals and a wood hat (Kallmeyer’s seems easier to wear)

Another great tuxedo jacket is this one, charcoal grey and $595 from Theory. Here is an example of another belt that could work (or…vintage Chico’s, anyone!?), and here’s the same bag in blue suede

Lately, it feels good to be dressed thoughtfully — that is, dressed like I made a conscious choice to slow down and find time to think about how I put myself together. I forgot that in fury of having a baby, it’s remarkably easy, almost natural, to dismiss yourself. Cancel the runs and dinners with friends and just disappear into the garbage can you’re hovering over as you eat child scraps with the sink running behind you, stains all over shirt, baby crawling up ankle. It’s maddening, but worth it

If only because on the flip side of your baby crawling up your ankle, there you, too, get to crawl into her tiny world of subtle wonders and act as spirit guide, reminding yourself as you lead the way that the burgundy mums lining the street truly are as magical as you’re making it seem.

But anyway, there is no easier template for looking thoughtful than settling on a simple uniform and using it as the playground to let yourself run wild. 9 more ways to wear a tux, broken down by occasion —

The tuxedo to wear to work (pt. 2)

Argent jacket; if you prefer a cropped blazer, there is this from Isabel Marant (on sale). Callas Milano pants, Prada boots (Tecovas’ make a good case too, but I also defer back to these from Re/done), Dries van Noten scarf bag (saw one hanging out on TRR last weekend, here’s another one on Poshmark)

A lot going on inside the blazer: a fine knit polo (Serena Bute) styled under a blue button down (Aflalo; there is one left. I love this fitted one from Another Tomorrow), styled under a fair isle vest (Doen, see also: this one from RL). Here is a long strand of pearls. Here is the bracelet.

The tuxedo to wear to test a runway trend

Argent jacket, Khaite tuxedo pants (these from Argent don’t have a cummerbund, but they’re a solid take on a real tux pant; these from Carolina Herrera fit nicely), Gabriela Hearst riding boots (a color might be better — these from Polo are still great. Love the richness of these from Co too); and then I have a silk scarf styled under a black bathing suit top inside of the jacket

It’s an expression inspired by the most recent Hermes show

And works surprisingly well with a bathing suit top, a sports bra, etc.

The tuxedo to wear on the weekend (walking edition)

Christopher Esber sunglasses, All Three polo (waiting for this restock too; and I have recently gotten this polo, which I love), Giuliva Heritage pants, Vibram FiveFinger sneakers

In case you couldn’t see the shoes! The necklaces are from Marisa Klass and me. The bag is By Malene Birger’s — another great opportunity to go hard on accessories. A clutch like this from Dries would have served the look well too.

The tuxedo to wear out (girls night edition, with possible dancing)

You probably won’t need sunglasses but here they are just in case. Jennifer Behr satin headband (kind of looks like a cummerbund), Aflalo bra and pants, Jimmy Choo silver heels (I like these too. Realistically, these are prob the most wearable) and a pop of color in the clutch.

The tuxedo to wear out (mixed sexes, dinner)

The jacket’s styled as a top with pants of the same material from Argent (not tuxedo, but “seasonlessly” wool. I gotta tell you, I love this collarless double breast blazer too); and over the knee riding boots for a sleek lady look. It’s great as a top because of the ‘hourglass’ shape

Khaite sunglasses, Sophie Bille Brahe pearl earrings, here is a choker you could try, or it looks like Anine Bing is doing some fine; the bag is from Rafael Sanchez (got her from Etsy).

The tuxedo for tuxedo wearing

Here she is styled with a lot of gold accessories (Lisi Lerch earrings, Mark Henry bangles, a Lucy Delius necklace) and a vintage fishtail skirt that returns to the newsletter at least once yearly. The shoes are Khaite and the scarf is just a piece of black silk I kept after hemming a dress.

The tuxedo for everyday

Here’s the blazer styled as a top again with a work jacket (Alex Mill mens, sz medium) tied around my waist, specifically rendered in blue to create a primary color effect with the carnelian beads (Le Sundial) and grey leather boots (anyone?)

The tuxedo, plain and simple

Same seasonless wool combo with Khaite boots and sunglasses. If you prefer a proper tuxedo pant, it exists.

Jacket with Aflalo’s ‘Alden’ pants and fish hooks; mixed metallic sandals (old Gucci; new Valentino is a great alt)

And finally, an homage to the late and great Diane Keaton

I shot this before the sad news of Diane Keaton’s death came out this weekend, but on reflection could see the pervasive impact of her style on the broader culture of personal style and in particular on a sort of nerdy, borrowed-from-the-elderly-men aesthetic where the pants are super high rise, there are often hats with brims and the toe of the shoe is thought-through thoroughly.

Soeur bucket hat, Khaite sunglasses, By Malene Birger brooch, Argent jacket, Donni black t-neck with a white crew neck under

Not as literal replica as the red carpet photos of Diane, but the influence is there. (Attersee trousers, Phoebe Philo heels)

Here’s an edit of some good tux jackets, both literal, traditional and not —

From left, the two most classic are: Argent ($695) and Rohe ($1300). Two collarless interpreations are at center with Toteme ($840) and Argent’s collarless ($495). Then there is a Dolce cropped number, in case you’d like to show some skin. (On sale for $2,676)

From left: I love this charcoal grey expression from Theory ($595), then there’s a creative interpretation on a tuxedo jacket in that flat lay collarless number with gold buttons, from Violante Nessi ($990). Maria McManus’ ($1490) silk scarf jacket is under it and then further left you get two sculpted jackets (Roland Mouret, $940 Versace, $2034) that aren’t tuxedo at all but they’re beautiful. I think we might be moving towards easygoing boning.

That’s all from me today. Have a great rest of your week! Signing off yours,

Leandra