Burton celebrates 150 years of the tuxedo

Burton, leading British menswear retailer, has revealed several different ways in which the classic tuxedo can be worn. As the Christmas party season approaches, the tux, which is due to celebrate its 150th birthday, can be a key item to own. The tux is best known as a special occasion suit, traditionally worn with a bowtie; however, Burton has found that it's more versatile than one might initially think.

According to Burton, the tux has become a cool, contemporary piece of clothing, and can be worn and styled in a multitude of different ways. For example, the menswear brand has declared that there's no reason why one couldn't wear a tux jacket with a casual t-shirt and a pair of jeans or chinos to form a more relaxed party outfit. Equally, a pair of belted Tux trousers can look just as sharp paired only with a smart shirt, tucked in and buttoned up to the collar. It's important to add well polished formal shoes to any tux or tailored outfit, as scruffy shoes will devalue an otherwise well put together look.

For Burton, the double-breasted silhouette is big news, as it's a new twist on the typically single-breasted tux jacket. Burton's Navy Birdseye Tux is an option for those looking for an easy alternative to black, without stepping too far away from that smart, versatile colour which lends itself to suiting so well.

The dinner suit is often considered an investment that every man should make, as it's the kind of classic suit that can be worn year-in and year-out. Though a mens tuxedo may seem like an extravagant garment, its innate versatility can make it a worthy investment. The dinner suit uses a variety of design details such as peak, shawl and notch lapels, enabling a range of unique tailoring options. Dinner suits also come in a mixture of fabrics, cuts and a grown-up colour palette of navy, slate, grey, charcoal and black. Pocket squares, bow ties and dress shirts with placket details and double cuffs can finish the look with style.

Some of the most unique pieces of tailoring that Burton has revealed are the velvet blazers, which breach the gap between casual and smart dressing, as they're easily dressed up and down. The velvet blazer is something a bit different and can form the basis of a 'desk-to-disco' look.

With any tailored fit suit, especially the tux, accessories are important in creating a unique personal style. People can choose cufflinks, ties and bow ties based on their fashion point of view. It is up to the individual to decide whether to buy accessories as fashion pieces or as investment items. For those favouring bolder, on-trend, statement pieces, specs, braces and pocket squares are very fashion-forward accessories.