Don't Forget These: 7 Essential Tuxedo Accessories Every Man Needs

A great tuxedo gets you halfway there. The accessories are what take you the rest of the way. Whether you're heading to a wedding, a black-tie gala, or your prom, the small details, your bow tie, cufflinks, shoes, and pocket square, are what make people say, "He really pulled this look together." If you're spending good money on a sharp suit, don't let mismatched accessories let you down. Here are the 7 essentials every man needs to wear a tuxedo with confidence.

Quick Checklist

1. The Bow Tie

The bow tie is the soul of any tuxedo. Without it, you're really just wearing a fancy suit. A classic black silk or satin bow tie is the safest, most timeless option, and it pairs beautifully with nearly any classic men's tuxedo style you choose.

• Self-tie bow ties look more authentic and earn you style points.
• Pre-tied options work fine if you want a quick, neat finish.
• Match the fabric to your tuxedo lapel: satin lapel = satin bow tie.

Color Tip

Black is the safe bet, but deep burgundy, navy, or even a midnight green can work for weddings and proms. If you're going with a richer look like a velvet jacket, a textured bow tie ties the whole outfit together.

2. A Crisp Dress Shirt

A tuxedo shirt isn't just any white shirt. It's usually pleated, bib-front, or with a Marcella weave, and it's designed to hold studs and cufflinks properly. A well-fitted dress shirt instantly improves how the entire outfit sits on your frame.

• Stick to white for traditional black-tie events.
• Wing-tip collars for the most formal look, turndown collars for modern weddings.
• Make sure the cuffs are French cuffs if you want to wear cufflinks.

3. Cufflinks and Shirt Studs

Small, but they make a real difference. Cufflinks and matching shirt studs replace ordinary buttons and bring a refined, finished feel to your sleeves and chest. Silver, mother-of-pearl, and onyx are the classic choices.

• Silver or steel: Sleek, modern, easy to match.
• Mother-of-pearl: Elegant and traditional.
• Onyx (black): Best for true black-tie formality.

If you're attending a vintage-themed event, look at 1920s-inspired men's suits and styling to draw inspiration for art-deco cufflink designs.

4. Cummerbund or Waistcoat

This is the part most guys forget, and it's the part that separates a thrown-together look from a truly polished one. You should never see your shirt where the trouser meets the jacket. Either a cummerbund or a waistcoat (vest) covers that gap.

• Cummerbund: Classic, lightweight, traditional, pleats face up.
• Waistcoat: Slightly more modern, great for weddings and three-piece looks.

If you're shopping for wedding tuxedos and suits with matching waistcoats, choosing a three-piece set saves you the matching headache entirely.

5. Pocket Square

A pocket square is the easiest way to add personality to your tuxedo without breaking the rules. White silk or linen is the timeless choice, but if your event allows it, a soft burgundy, blush, or navy can lift the entire outfit.

• Presidential fold (flat): Best for traditional black-tie.
• Puff fold: Soft, relaxed, great for weddings.
• Two-point or crown fold: A bit dressier, bit more personality.

Avoid matching your pocket square exactly to your bow tie. Complementary, not identical, is the look you want.

6. Dress Shoes

Great shoes are non-negotiable. Even a perfect tuxedo falls flat with the wrong footwear. Stick to black, polished, and minimal.

• Patent leather oxfords: The gold standard for black-tie.
• Plain-toe oxfords: A more relaxed but still elegant alternative.
• Velvet loafers: A bold modern pick, perfect with a men's velvet tuxedo for festive occasions.

Whatever you pick, make sure they're freshly polished. Scuffed shoes ruin the whole effort.

7. Suspenders or a Belt

Tuxedo trousers traditionally don't have belt loops, which is exactly why suspenders (braces) exist. They keep your trousers sitting cleanly without bunching, and they hide neatly under your jacket and waistcoat.

• Suspenders: The traditional, more comfortable choice for long events.
• Belt: Only if your trousers have loops, and only thin and black.

If you're putting together a look for prom, browsing prom suits and tuxedos for young men can give you styling ideas that mix tradition with a more youthful edge.

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FAQs

Do I really need a cummerbund if I'm wearing a jacket all night?

Technically you can skip it, but the moment you unbutton your jacket on the dance floor, the gap shows. A waistcoat is the best alternative if a cummerbund feels too traditional.

Can I wear a regular black tie instead of a bow tie?

Yes, especially for modern weddings and prom. A long necktie pairs well with most classic men's formal suits, though a true black-tie dress code calls for a bow tie.

What color shoes should I wear with a navy or burgundy tuxedo?

Black still works in 90% of cases. Dark brown can work with navy in less formal settings, but for a wedding or gala, stay with black.

How do I avoid looking overdressed?

The trick is restraint. Pick a focal point (like a colored bow tie or velvet jacket) and keep everything else simple and classic.

Final Word

A tuxedo only works as well as the details you pair with it. Get the bow tie, shirt, cufflinks, pocket square, and shoes right, and you'll look and feel completely put-together, the kind of confidence people notice the second you walk in.

If you're starting from scratch or upgrading your formal wardrobe, take your time choosing a tuxedo that fits well and feels right, then build the accessories around it. The right combination doesn't just complete an outfit, it changes how you carry yourself for the entire evening.