The tuxedo emerges as a highly versatile signature piece for New Years Eve. This night always puts a big spotlight on black-tie fashion, but earlier this year formalwear already received plenty of attention. Seriously - menswear was more exciting than restaurant industry this year, with designers showing a wide array of formal pieces in iconoclastic combinations. But you need to know your stuff; anyone can dress up in a designer tuxedo yet still not have it. There are a few simple style rules to follow when it comes to any black tie event: Keep it black and don't stray too far from the classics.

Burberry Prorsum
A ruffled shirt paired with a black cummerbund, and the tuxedo jacket emerges as a highly versatile signature piece for New Years Eve - one that can be dressed up or down, during daylight hours or at night. With a stiff notched collar, the jacket, part of a three-piece tuxedo from Burberry Prorsum, once again proves this brand's superiority in fashion innovation. With modest faux flapped pockets on the front and a cropped front, this design shimmers to the tune of a slimmer '60s Italian cut.
Tuxedo, $2,890, by Burberry Prorsum.

Gucci
The Tuxedo is at once one of the most ubiquitous garments in the men's fashion spectrum and also one of the most difficult to pull off perfectly. This tux by Gucci. Worn by Matthew McConaughey at the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards (at least he has his shirt on) is a jaw-dropping $5,150. But as far as formalwear goes, it doesn't get much better. Consider it a long-term investment, and with its construction and finish full-length in the back, Gucci holds its own against tuxedos twice as expensive.
Tuxedo, $5,150, by Gucci.

DKNY
Skimp on your New Year's Eve outfit and it will show. But you don't have to break the bank. At $890.00, this DKNY-designed tux has a roomy skirt, the section of a suit jacket that hangs below the waist, to make working the floor as freely as though you were wearing a T-shirt and jeans. This 3 Button DKNY takes look and modernizes it with clean lines, unexpected details and an urban sensibility. The looks are flexible enough to dress up or down allowing you to personalize and create your own sense of style.
Tuxedo, $890, by DKNY.

Dsquared2
Dsquared2 - as well as Tommy Hilfiger, Brioni, Paul Smith, Zegna, Brooks Brothers, Elie Tahari, Missoni, Kenneth Cole and Rag & Bone - submitted tuxedo patterns for President-elect Barack Obama to potentially wear for his Inauguration Night festivities (In the end, Obama chose a Hart Schaffner Marx single-button, notch-lapel tux). But the Dsquared2 is a killer tux nonetheless. A bit more club-wear than Obama-wear, but this rendition of a tux jacket is a genuine party hero. This single-breasted jacket is a gorgeous piece of evening-wear in lightweight 62% cotton to give sheen. Though this is off-the-rack (as apposed to inauguration night material) this sleek design shows the boys still push their little envelope.
Tuxedo Jacket, $1,450, by Dolce & Gabbana.

Versace
While the trend for many black-tie events these days has been to individualize tuxes with colorful ties, printed cummerbunds or even jeans, the Versace tux isn't the one to play around with. The look you want is classic evening formality, and this tux cuts a wide swath, and a big coat. The Versace cut is almost 1” longer than standard. Aslo, the shoulder is wider, armhole larger, and chest a bit fuller than typical. If you’re slight in the shoulders relative to the rest of your body, this may not be the best fit for you. If you are, however, you can't go wrong with Versace.
Tuxedo, $3,390, by Versace.

Armani
The right tuxedo is the one that speaks your language, feels like a second skin, and lets you be the best you can be. Welcome to Georgio Armani's world of deeply personalized luxury, reinvented for the modern man. Sticking with the Armani signature, the look is very low-key, nothing too bold. The Armani is designed for a very fit man. Exacting tailoring provides a stunning profile, along with a higher and smaller armhole. One-button front entry and satin stripe down leg. Completely together. To have “that look”, “that style”, which telegraphs class and sophistication the way mere words can never approach.
Tuxedo, $2,890, by Armani.

Tom Ford
Mr. Fashion Right Now may have designed Bond's tuxedo, which was the perfect symbol for sophistication and untold wealth, but while that works in the movies, it's a bit more difficult for the real life set. But, if you're willing to drop three big ones on a tux, Tom Ford really does make a great tux that's relaxed and still has a slimmer shape to it to keep you from looking remotely frumpy. Single-breasted with a notched collar and satin trim, sleeves with four-button cuffs, this signature jacket has a peak lapel with distinctive satin buttons
$4,700