As Heather and I plan our wedding, I'm in the midst of choosing a female tuxedo. With menswear inspired trends all the rage, of course, you don't have to attend a formal function or get married yourself to enjoy the fabulous, tailored appeal of female suits and tuxedos, but you should have some fundamental styling tips. You really have to know your body, and believe me, “tailored” is a key aspect in choosing a female tuxedo. Take a look, and feel free to share your own tips – Heather's gonna knock everybody dead in her dress, I've got to live up to her stunning standards!
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1. Get Your Exact Measurements
Probably the most important aspect of choosing a female tuxedo is knowing your exact measurements. Not many women do, yours truly included, but it's so imperative – unless you like the idea of slumping shoulders, long arms, and too-tight trousers. Obviously men's body shapes are much different, so never think you can go out and buy a man's tux. Get your measurements taken, not just your bust and your hips, but also your shoulders and your in-seams. You want your tux to look stunning!
2. Go for a Closer Fit
Because female tuxedos are not like men's tuxedos, you don't want to go for the whole boyfriend blazer look and call it good. There are certain aspects of your tux that especially need to be fitted, namely your hips and your waistline. Feel free to show off your assets, ladies, whether you want to show off your legs or your hourglass figure.
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3. ...but Not Always
That being said, and I promise I'm not contradicting myself, sometimes you want certain piece of your tux a little looser. For instance, I like the idea of a few undone buttons on my shirt and a loosely knotted tie. Knowing your measurements will help you know what looks best on you and what feels right, so only go close when you want to.
4. Don't Resist the Tailored Temptation
All the same, it pays to get a tux tailored to your body. Even if you buy off the rack, you should take it in to have it tailored. It will look so much better, and you'll feel more comfortable in the bargain. Both things are important, so don't skimp, especially if it's for a special occasion.
5. Feel Free to Mix and Match
If you're heading out for a more semi-formal occasion or just dressing up for the fun of it, feel free to mix and match. You can wear a tailored tuxedo jacket with your skinnies, or even a voluminous tuxedo shirt. You can wear your jacket with skirts or dresses and still rock the menswear trend. Remember, again, it all depends on what looks best on you.
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6. Add Feminine Touches
It's a feminine tuxedo, of course it calls for feminine touches – if you want them! If you don't, no problem! Otherwise, statement pieces or timelessly elegant jewelry will do. Think cocktail rings, statement necklaces, or pearls. If you like the idea of a partially unbutton shirt as well, think about a beautifully embellished bustier underneath!
7. Flaunt Your Footwear
The shoes can make the tux, you know. You don't have to wear menswear inspired dress shoes if you don't want to, although Oxfords and brogues are terribly cute. I tend to like platform shoes with a lower heel (because I'm clumsy), but what shoes would you wear with your tux?
As long as you take time to shop around, get your measurements, and play up your strengths, choosing a female tuxedo is easy – and fun! It's a great look for every day or for those formal occasions when you just don't want to wear a dress. Of course, if you generally eschew dresses completely, it's also a sexy go-to choice for evening wear. Have you ever worn a femme tuxedo? How did you pick out yours?
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