Le Smokin'

CEBU, Philippines -The tux has always been viewed as tough, structured, dashing, and debonair. For the longest time, this has caused the gender divide especially when it came to black tie events and formal evening galas. And for the longest time, fashion has been trying time and again to incorporate this traditionally masculine staple into a woman's wardrobe.

To the fashion crowd oceans beyond us, the female tux has already received more than a warm welcome. Some call it an apt alternative to the evening gown, some call it sophisticated glamour at its best. More than anything, it's the one show-stopper that's bound to call not just attention but respect to the alpha female who is ready to shake the world and bring the universe to its knees.

Twenty-O-Eight was the year when we first saw the femme tuxedo trend swing by, thanks to a plethora of celebrities who donned the look on the red carpet amidst a stunning array of designer evening gowns.

With the "ber" months just over the horizon and the season for parties on the verge of breaking out, we're about to see the tux make a dashing come back, this time with more flair, more mischief, more sophistication. In many ways, the tux will still be classic but in many more ways, it will be entirely different. It will be a product of an evolution that's nothing short of emancipating to the woman who wishes to break the rules.

Blame it on Yves Saint Laurent for making this hot look incredibly sexy. We've all seen the iconic image of that YSL shoot: that androgynous fixture on a dimly lit Parisian street, hair slicked back, tailored suit over a soft inner shirt, finished up with a neat bow tie.

It's where feminine meets masculine and it's the exact same reason why we're overjoyed to have the feminine tuxedo back. Back in 2008, the tuxedo was a powerful statement that, yes, we women have made it. With its satin sheens and skinny cuts, it was about redefining sexy and bringing to the forefront the woman who wears the pants in the relationship.

This year, the lady's tux is all about that all-important balance between effortless androgyny and structured class. It's all about mixing the tailored pieces and the soft ones, all brought together with a hint of seventies glamour-a key trend this year.

So how exactly do we differentiate the 2008 and 2011 tuxedo trends from each other? Simple. Two thousand eight's tux trend meant jackets with highly accentuated shoulders. In fact, 2008's tux was far too costume-y, involving heels, bow ties, and top hats all in one go. It also involved soft satin ruffle blouses, offering a very Victorian look. Fast forward to 2011, we're seeing a lot of 70s influence with wide, peaked lapels and suits in opulent colors, hence veering away from the traditional black. Think Austin Powers, baby. There's also the option of going all out on the embellishments and glitters, making your tux ultra-luxurious and ultra glam rock.

However, the easiest way to own the look is to simply play with it.  First, invest in a tuxedo shirt to come up with a tuxedo effect even without the classic jacket. Step out of the tux wearing crown and go for pieces in unconventional textures like tweed, satin, wool, and velvet. Lead the eyes down to the legs by focusing on the pants. Go for pants that sport a contrasting stripes or trims down the legs. Wide-leg pants and pants with cummerbunds also keep the statement below the belt. For uniformity, stick to one color from neck to foot and get this, it doesn't necessarily have to be just black or white.   Add ultra masculine touches to the look by sticking with bow ties, suspenders, and chiffon neck ties.

You may also want to mix this trend with the plunging neckline trend by going shirtless underneath for an extra sliver of skin and extra peep of sexiness. Experiment with undershirt options by trying sheer and lace options. Boogy to the beat of the seventies by flaunting high-wasted bell-bottom pants topped with a crisp dinner jacket.

For a more experimental spirit, pair leather brogues with cropped pants for an instant oxford look. 

Complete the look by contrasting bold lips and nails while keeping the hair simple in an up-do or a chic chignon.