Waistcoat + Tuxedo in Detail

My previous posts have just scratched the surface on the details of my black tie outfit... please enjoy the close up and detailed pictures that I have taken in abundance for this post! I've tried to hit all the details here so that everything is explained.

Two things to note: the colors are a bit off on some pictures due to the lighting. I attempted to color-correct them, but I may not have completely succeeded. I suppose you'll just have to invite me to something so that you can see this in person! lol Secondly, as usual, you may click to enlarge the pictures.

Enjoy!

The outfit as a whole.

No outfit is complete without the right shoes! (better picture later)

Closer picture of waistcoat at MCDCC Spring Ball event.

You can tell my bow tie was not pre-tied... I probably should have tied it again, but it seemed to be ok at the event... that said, I think it's pretty good as I think I remember having tied it while driving!

Closer picture of the waistcoat in context.

I love the way the three buttons look... it adds a sense of completeness and visual interest to the outfit as a whole and the waistcoat in particular. Additionally, each of these buttons is actually mother of pearl, NOT plastic. As evidence, I'll note that each individual button was $2, so $6 for the set here.

Here's what the waistcoat looks like without the tuxedo jacket on.

And the back closure... previously I only posted the in-progress shot... this is a better view of what it looks like.

Right-side view of waistcoat and braces.

Right-side view of waistcoat and braces.

All mother of pearl... button for waistcoat and links/stud set on shirt! :)

Close up view of the lower part of the waistcoat without the jacket on.

I'm thinking of adding tabs to the inside of the waistcoat and the shirt to attach them to the trousers so that when I sit the material doesn't bunch up and come out of the trousers/rise up.

Clearer picture of the shoes... these have been the appropriate mens formal shoes for about 200 years. They are called court shoes or dress pumps (not to be confused with women's shoes of the same name! The reason for the naming is they do actually have similar origins to the women's shoe, although were never designed for women... these have a very short heel, similar to any other men's shoe). Additionally, I'm wearing silk hose (socks) with them for an authentic classic formal look.

Inside the waistcoat detail.

This is how the waistcoat hangs when open.

I'm wearing braces! The braces were actually rather difficult to locate, being that they are authentic formal braces and have button holes, NOT clips.

Notice the front attachment as per proper formal braces.

I believe these are actually silk tabs. They are very different from normal braces, which use leather tabs. 

And it's not called silk formal hose for no reason... I didn't realize initially how transparent it was! The interesting thing, is that you don't notice the transparency unless you're up close or using the right lighting (a camera flash, for example). The benefit of silk, is that the socks give a matte appearance that isn't shiny and doesn't attract attention, which works nicely against the shoes and trousers.

This post is part of a series:

Part 1 (sewing)

Finished outfit (preview)

Part 2 (sewing)