Cover (Photo: Drew Rae/Pexels.com)
(Photo: Drew Rae/Pexels.com)
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When you’re dressing to impress, the little things matter
Dressing up for the biggest Tatler event of the year is no easy task—and when you’re competing with Asia’s Most Stylish listers, you’ll want your best foot forward. While many would think men’s fashion is somewhat easy to pull off—put on a shirt, pants, and jacket and make sure they all match—there are plenty of ways to elevate your outfit through accessories. From pocket squares and cufflinks to lapel pins and dress watches, this guide has all you need to look your best at Tatler Ball.
In case you missed it: Tatler Philippines celebrates Asia’s Most Stylish 2023 at Greenbelt 5
Cufflinks
Cufflinks, jewellery pieces that are both functional and ornamental, are the quintessential icons for formal wear. Cufflinks are about flaunting your style, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, mechanisms and styles. But for the ball, maybe don’t wear a silk knot or fabric cufflinks. While they’re lightweight and more accessible to wear, they don’t carry the unique flair studs offer.
Above Dior CD Diamond Cufflinks (Photo: DIOR)
Dior CD Diamond Cufflinks (Photo: DIOR)
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To steal the show, check out Dior’s CD Diamond Cufflinks. It features fifteen white crystals in gold-finish brass with an iconic look that completes any formal wear.
Watch
Above Rolex Perpetual 1908
Rolex Perpetual 1908
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Black tie events require a certain standard of elegance, and men are expected to come in their best tuxedos—so leave the sports watch at home. You want something that accents your whole outfit, not something that steals the show. So, your best bet? A classy dress watch. The golden rule for dress watches is simplicity. You don’t need to worry about practicality or accurate timekeeping—in this (sporadic) case, less is more.
If you don’t know what to wear, Rolex’s Perpetual 1908 is a timeless classic that balances functionality and aesthetics.
Lapel Pin
Above Bernie Lapel Pin Gold (Photo: Amami)
Bernie Lapel Pin Gold (Photo: Amami)
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A subtle yet effective way of expressing yourself, lapel pins reflect your personality. A general rule of thumb is to match the pin with the rest of your accessories, so be sure to plan—don’t just put anything on for the sake of having one. Having the correct size is also crucial: too big, and it’ll look silly. It's too small, and it’ll go unnoticed. The pin’s goal is to elevate your look, not draw attention from you.
Amami Filipino Jewellery offers handmade lapel pins that perfectly complement any tuxedo to enhance your look.
Pocket Square
An essential pillar of formal wear etiquette, pocket squares may look simple at first glance. But once you dive deeper, you’ll find hundreds of combinations, pairings, rules of thumb, and more. For instance, it’s crucial not to overdo the patterns of your outfit. If your pocket square is patterned, ensure your shirt and coat are plain. When in doubt, a white square can never go wrong.
Above Louis Vuitton Dual Pocket Square
Louis Vuitton Dual Pocket Square
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Want to go loud yet discreet? Louis Vuitton’s Dual Pocket Square accomplishes just that.
Ties
If you’re still unsure if you should wear a tie for the ball, this is your sign to go for it. Consider experimenting with different styles of tying your knot—pro tip: the double four-in-hand knot works best for formal events. But if you’re unsure what to do, the entire Windsor is every ‘gentleman’s ol’ reliable’.
Bow ties, on the other hand, are perfect for the ball. But don’t just settle for a clip-on. Self-tie bow ties command respect and display your elegance in the room. The semi-butterfly or straight end are excellent picks if you don’t know what style to choose. Just make sure they match your coat and pants.
Above Cassandre Narrow Tie in Silk Jacquard (Photo: Yves Saint Laurent)
Above Bow Tie In Black Velvet (Photo: Yves Saint Laurent)
Cassandre Narrow Tie in Silk Jacquard (Photo: Yves Saint Laurent)
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Yves Saint Laurent offers a wide variety in their collection if you need ties.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
