Groom Style Tip #7: Mad About Mixing Patterns

A lovely bride recently asked me how to match her navy braces with pink polka dots. As I began to do research on this, I kept asking myself, "Should she go with a patterned tie or a solid tie?" I love to play with patterns and textures so, naturally I went with the former option. But, often times, pattern-on-pattern can end disastrously. So, what's the best way to mix and match? Here are a few tips.

All shirting fabrics available at 9tailors;

Top left: Gucci via Bluefly;
Top Right: Moss;
Bottom left: Armani via Bluefly
Bottom right: Ike Behar via Nordstroms

Rule #1: Mix subtle with subtle

The key here is to pick subtle patterns with other subtle patterns in complementary shades. This might be the easiest look to pull off. Look at the example on the upper left corner. Start off with neutral shades (black, gray, white, etc.). When I mean subtle, I mean small, thin, textured (e.g., gray on gray, black on gray) colors or patterns. In other words, nothing should jump out at you at all.


Rule #2: Mix similar shades and/or tones together

The key here is to pick colors that complement each other in shade or in tone. Look at example 2 on the upper right corner. Start off with your shirt. The shirt is primarily blue with a subtle white checkered pattern on it. Then, go with a tie that picks up the equally vibrant shade of blue. If you are having a hard time figuring out colors, use a color wheel. It's very helpful!


Rule #3: Vary the size of the patterns

The key here is to choose one larger sized pattern with a smaller sized pattern. Same sized patterns might be a little too busy or too crazy for some of you. So, this is a great option for you if you want a cleaner, more streamlined look. The lower left combination is a good example of this. The purple thin stripes in the shirt play off the lavender stripes in the tie. Also, notice how the space in between the stripes are also varied as well. This prevents the look from being too matchy.

Rule #4: Mix two different patterns

The key here is to mix a smaller pattern and a larger pattern. So, if you wear a tie with a larger pattern, then go with a smaller striped pattern shirt and vice versa. See the example on the lower right corner. The paisley in the tie is a much bolder print than the stripes in the shirt. the In this option, the pink of the shirt and the periwinkle in the tie still match.

The above rules will help you avoid making mixing mistakes. Your groom and your groomsmen will look quirky, yet sophisticated!

Need help styling your groom? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Groom Perk #1: Free Customization from Blue Flourish

Our friends at Blue Flourish are giving BB&T readers free customization on all groom's boutonnieres.

Enjoy!



Just got back from my cousin's wedding in Malaysia! More fun groom stuff tomorrow!

Need help styling your groom? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Groom Style Tip #6: Mad about Blue Flourish

The other day I was on one my favorite sites, Etsy, and I discovered one of the most lovely stores ever, Blue Flourish. If you're on Etsy, they are also known as Rationale. Whether flowery or feathery, these one-of-a-kind boutonnieres are crafted with love by head designer and owner, Queenie. Not only are these pieces beautiful, they're quite affordable as well with boutonnieres starting at $4.75 on her Etsy site. Spice up your groom and your wedding party's suits with pretty and perky boutonnieres from Blue Flourish! I'm so excited that I found them!

Here are some sample pieces from Queenie. Love them.

I'm going to be off for a few days. My cousin is getting married this weekend in Malaysia. I'll be back on Monday with more weddings and fun groom's stuff!

Need help with your groom's style? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Groom Style #28: Made in Manhattan

So, I finally got my act together (I've been traveling overseas). And, I'm ready to post this week. A beautiful bride, Sarah*, wrote to me last week about her wedding. She will be marrying her fiance, Robert, in November at a refurbished church turned recording studio turned club/lounge/restaurant called the Providence in Manhattan. Sarah* will be wearing this gorgeous tulle and lace gown from Sottero & Midgley. Their colors, pewter and blue, are based on the couple's birthstones (opal for Robert and Sapphire for Sarah*). From the pictures of Providence and from Sarah's explanation it looks like it will be a vibrant and festive affair! Let's see what he's going to wear.

Suit: Paul Smith; Shirt: Donald Trump via Macy's; Cuff links: ECufflink; Silk Tie: Georgio Armani via Bluefly; Watch: Great Timing; Knit Tie: Nick Bronson; Shoes: Kenneth Cole via Zappos; Blouson: Burberry; Undershirt: Thomas Pink

Sarah* wants to make sure that Robert is comfortable, yet polished. When I read this, I immediately thought of the late Paul Newman. He defines classic, American style with his slim-cut, charcoal suits, dark ties and cuff links. The gray suit is Paul Smith. The gray-striped shirt from Donald Trump. I love the gray striped dress shirt with a white collar - perfect for their semi-formal occassion. There are two tie options: a silk, patterned tie from Georgio Armani and a silk-knit black tie. Either would go well with the pewter and blue colors of their wedding. The opal cufflinks are a nod to Sarah* and Robert's style theme. The shoes are perfect for the casual guy - as this requires very little effort to put on or take off! I also love the modern take on the wing-tip detail. Lastly, Robert can sport the blouson and classic undershirt on his honeymoon - so Paul Newman. All he needs is a pair of jeans and brown loafers!

Don't forget to leave a comment!

E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com if you need help styling your guy.

*Name has been changed.

Sneak Peak: Old Hollywood

Dress Inspiration? Sottero & Midgely lace and tulle gown

Find out what he's going to wear tomorrow.

Need help styling your groom? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Groom Style Tip #5: Mad About Bow Ties

Madras bow ties from J Press

I'm not talking about your straight, and might I add, boring silk bow ties. I'm talking about it's friendlier, more approachable cotton cousin. Maybe it's the return of Americana style that's made me fall in love with the bow tie again? All I know is that the punchy colors of the madras, floral and paisley patterns are perfect for an end-of-summer beach or farm chic wedding.

All bow ties above from Beau Ties Ltd.

Just take a look at the J Press site. All of the madras bow ties are "out of stock." It's not hard to see why the preppy options don't stay on the shelves for very long.

There's another reason to rejoice...Apparently, the bow tie has been so popular that even the LA Times featured a "How To Make A Bow Tie" piece! Click here for the how-to. For those of you who are very crafty, you can make your own bow tie that matches your color and wedding themes. Pick your fabric from a place like, Gorgeous Fabrics, get your sewing machine and presto! A DIY gift for your groomsmen. Brilliant.

Let us know if we can help style your groom. E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

We're in the NYT!

OK. B&BT was mentioned in the New York Times on Sunday! Click here to see a copy of the article if you missed it.

I promise to be back this week with more weddings and more design boards for your groom!

For now, here are some really amazing boutonnieres from Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres. Enjoy!

If you want us to help you style your groom, e-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.