by Phyllis Cambria
You may not have the physique of a celebrity stud, but you can show your supermodel style by selecting the right tux to suit your type.
To help you select, whose body does yours most closely resemble?
If too many high carb pasta meals has left you with a bulging belly, choose a long jacket with four more buttons that easily camouflages your stomach. Also stay away from shirt collars that cut tightly into your neck and would exaggerate a double-chin. To downplay your mid-section and play up your height, select dark tones and possibly striped trousers or one with a satin stripe to add length. Further mask a thick waist with a deep neckline vest in a dark color.
If pumping iron has helped you develop wide shoulders, a thick neck, muscular arms, and broad chest, you may not want additional padding to add to your physique. The clean lines of a shawl collar will provide you a slender silhouette.
Rejoice in your "GQ" shape. You can wear almost any style that suits your tastes. Beef up your bulk, if you choose, by wearing a double-breasted coat, padded shoulders, pleated shirt and cummerbund.
Avoid looking even more slight by paying special care to finding a tux or suit that's perfectly tailored, proportioned and not too large. You can add length to your look by selecting monochromatic materials for your jacket and pants and selecting slacks with a satin stripe. Avoid cummerbunds. While they will add bulk, they also will "cut you in half."
Like James Gandolfini types, a shawl collar tuxedo will give Nathan Lane body-doubles a leaner look. Get extra padding on your shoulders to create the look of a thinner waist. Plain shirts, long ties and deep V-necked vests will help you have a leaner look as well. Opt for dark, monochromatic hues to give the illusion of height. Avoid cummerbunds and make sure your jacket is large enough to button at the waist.
Forget fashion or trendy designs. Work with your body type's best style and soon you'll shine like a star.
Phyllis Cambria is a nationally-recognized, award-winning party planning expert, event marketing expert, author and sought-after speaker. Her lively and useful seminars and her ingenious and easy-to-follow advice in books, magazines, newspapers and on TV, radio and websites have charmed and informed audiences everywhere.