They can instantly dress up a basic look, and have a flattering elongating effect. Our top pick for the best overall black jeans for men is the Mott & Bow Jay Jeans.

The Black Tie Wedding (a.k.a. Formal or Black Tie Optional): Brioni silk-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket, $6,400; Todd Snyder peak lapel tuxedo jacket, $868; Banana Republic "Lanza" tuxedo jacket, $480.

White-tie rules for women are less strict and similar to those for black tie, however the chief requirement is a full-length ball gown or dress.

NEW YORK (AP) — Growing up on the south side of Chicago, the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley was given the message early on: What one wore as a Black man mattered. Wesley’s pastor father… ...