Reader Question: Sunglasses With a Tux?

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by megan | on March 12th, 2012 | 9 comments

So later this wear I’ll be part of my cousin’s wedding party. We’re wearing traditional black tuxedos with bow ties, which I am excited about because I have usually worn a colored vest or something, but that is besides the point. It will be an outdoor wedding in central California, in the middle of summer. With all that sun I was wondering what sunglasses would work best with a black tux – ray ban aviators, wayfarers or should I not wear any sunglasses at all?

First of all, it is not beside the point at all that you’re excited to be wearing a tux the way it’s meant to be worn – without any silly “We’re from Michigan, so let’s wear Spartan-colored cummerbunds!” shenanigans. And sure, I’ve gotten in trouble for outing myself as a long tie sympathizer, but the point is, yes, a tux with a bow tie is fantastic. Not-at-all-boringly, traditionally, classily fantastic.

Now on to your question – sunglasses with a tux? I mean, I wouldn’t wear them during the ceremony if you can help it, but sure, of course you can bust out some shades at the reception to fend off any unattractive “squinting into the sun” pictures later.

The shades that look best with formalwear are the ones that look best the rest of the time too. Honest to God, if a guy never wore another pair of wraparound “sport” sunglasses, it would be too soon for us ladies. Same with anything too small, or too big, for your face.

One caution: Aviators might be a bit too casual for the occasion. Unless you’re Brad Pitt, I’d leave them at home.

Here are some great options to pair with your tux…and the rest of the time too:

Persol 714s

Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Ray-Ban Clubmasters
**Y’know what’s funny about these? I recommended Clubmasters about six months ago, and made a big to-do about how guys shouldn’t be too scared off by such a “fashion-forward” style, and now I look at these and I’m like, what was I worried about? Either men’s fashion has pushed these shades hard in the last half a year, or I just trust you guys more not to dismiss my suggestions out of hand. Maybe a little of both?