In the days of yore, it was easy to tell the difference between a tux and a suit.
IfFrank Sinatrawas wearing it, it was a tuxedo.
Everything else wasjust a suit.
via premierecouture.blogspot.com
The more casual something looks, the less likely it is to be a tuxedo.
If youd feel out of place wearing it anywhere other than a gala, odds are its a tux.
Satin-Free Tuxedos
While all thumbs are fingers, not all fingers are thumbs.
Though every suit that bears satin is a tuxedo, not every tuxedo bears satin.
A suit almost always has flaps for the pockets.
Colors
Going along with the formality of a tuxedo is keeping thecolors simple.
A tuxedo is black, almost exclusively, and is meant to be worn with a black bow tie.
Any pocket squares should be white.
Black is formal, and white is generally formal.
Notched lapels are too informal.
If it’s crucial that you keep them up, suspenders are to be expected.
Different rules apply to each, so heres the ins and outs of donning either one.
Anywhere that is expressly formal, such as formal dinners, formal ceremonies, or weddings.
Certain parties will also be marked as formal, which shall almost certainly be stated on the invitation.
They also use french cuffs which require cufflinks.
Shoes
A tuxedo is to be worn with black patent leather shoes or slippers that shine.
If going to a white-tie event, white shoes can be worn if the tuxedo is entirely white.
A bow tie can be worn with a suit, but then you should be using a patterned tie.
Suits are more commonly worn with standard straight ties.
Even then, it should remain around your neck.
These can also be patterned, but only extremely sparingly.
