By Kim Izzo

Every woman needs a tuxedo in their wardrobe arsenal. Don’t take my word for it, listen to the man who created the uber-feminine woman’s tux, French designer Yves Saint Laurent. “For a woman, the tuxedo is an indispensable garment in which she will always feel in style, for it is a stylish garment and a not a fashionable garment. Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

When Yves Saint Laurent designed his iconic “Le Smoking” look in 1966, the idea of a suit as feminine formal attire was controversial. Photographer Helmut Newton captured the androgynous look in a famous black and white photograph of a woman with slicked back hair smoking in a Paris Street wearing the suit. Yves Saint Laurent’s haute couture clients balked and only one tuxedo was sold, however in his newly opened ready-to-wear boutique, Yves Saint Laurent Rives Gauche, it was a hit with the young, hip set of women who wanted to break barriers in fashion as well as in life. Le Smoking is credited with starting the woman’s power suit trend that became all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s and continues to this day.

What does this mean for you? Black tie events during the holidays are as plentiful as gingerbread and mistletoe, but formal occasions happen all year-round, so why not ensure you’re prepared for anything by owning an eternally stylish outfit.

In 2022 women can find a variety of takes on Le Smoking that suits their own tastes and styles from a tuxedo inspired dress, vest, jumpsuit, and even denim. Tuxedos can be any color, but classic black and white are going to be forever buys.

LONG SLEEVE BLAZER DRESS

If you love the idea of a tux, but still want a dress, then this might be for you. The classic tuxedo jacket in dress form makes for an elegant formal party look. The shawl collar has a subtle sheen for added glam. This blazer dress is the right length for heels, or tall boots.

WHBM® TUXEDO EDITOR BLAZER

The tuxedo jacket or "dinner jacket" is the main event when it comes to capturing the look. This stunning black and white WHBM® Tuxedo Editor Blazer has floral appliqué which adds texture, and a black satin covered button as a finishing touch. Perfect to pair with black, white, and denim for any occasion. Style influencer @miamiamine wears it here.

ONE SHOULDER SEQUIN BOW BUSTIER

Okay, this one-shoulder bustier isn't quite the tux trend per se, but when paired with the Tuxedo Stripe Jeans below, it takes up the sexiness a notch, and who doesn't love that? The black sequins add elegant sparkle to denim or pants for a more festive look.

SEQUINNED TUXEDO STRIPE JEANS

Some of us want to live in jeans, and if that's you, we have these party-ready black high-rise straight jeans with a black sequin panel down the legs that evokes the classic tuxedo stripe. Strappy heels ramp up the glam quotient.

TUXEDO VEST

If you don't want a head-to-toe tux vibe, then go for a fitted vest and black pants. We’ve designed this white tuxedo vest with contrasting black shawl collar and buttons, as well as a removable black flower corsage, to pair with black or white pants.

STRAPLESS TUXEDO JUMPSUIT

Jumpsuits are an easy way to look polished and chic. And dress codes for formal parties are no match for this sophisticated strapless jumpsuit with tuxedo details like a satin cummerbund at the waist, and stripe down the leg. The look is so chic that it leaves only one question unanswered... shaken or stirred?

BLACK + WHITE TUXEDO DRESS

Another twist on the blazer dress, this one is classic white with black contrast trim on the collar, faux pockets, and buttons. Made from refined stretch crepe, this blazer inspired sheath dress is as comfortable as it is sophisticated.

STRAPLESS WHITE + BLACK SHEATH DRESS

Get your glam on with this stunning white strapless dress with black bow trim that’s a modern twist on the classic tuxedo. A formal look for holiday