Houston’s Leading Tailor B. Kreps Breaks Down How to Be the Best-Dressed Man for the Upcoming Gala Season

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With summer starting to fade into the rearview mirror, gala season is upon Houston once again. It’s time to break out your dancing shoes and ensure your wardrobe is ready. Houston’s leading tailor, B. Kreps, is here to break down how to be the best-dressed of gala season this year. After all, it’s not a title you’re given; it’s a title you earn.

About B. Kreps

The small yet mighty team of B. Kreps consists of three tailors with two shops across the city. Brian Kreps, Joshua Burts, and Dinora Chavarria have decades of experience between them and have been helping Houstonians turn heads with their wardrobes for years. The bespoke clothier offers custom suits, tuxedos, sport coats, shirts, trousers, casual wear, and denim for both men and women. They also offer a curated selection of ready-to-wear apparel, footwear, and accessories. Houstonians clamor to make an appointment at either of their two Houston showrooms (The Heights/Sawyer Yards and Downtown Tunnel Loop) to ensure they are outfitted by the best of the best.

For B. Kreps, it’s all about the client relationships. Their clientele consists of discerning gentlemen and ladies in Greater Houston seeking high-quality custom garments. From professionals building business and formal wardrobes (think for the courtroom or boardroom) to those looking for black-tie and wedding attire, they see it all. But, at the end of the day, B. Kreps emphasizes long-term relationships. It all comes full circle when they have clients bringing their sons for their first suits or spouses stopping by the showroom. And, it’s hard not to love Magic, the showroom dog.

The B. Kreps Difference

So, what makes them so alluring? It all starts with their signature and distinctive measuring process, which ensures your clothing moves with you instead of fights you. 

Every commission begins by fitting the client into a try-on garment (rather than by using a tape measure), such as a template jacket and trousers in a client’s approximate size. This allows them to assess 35+ fit points on one’s body, including 15 posture-specific data points (shoulder slope, seat balance, forward head carriage, uneven hips) that a measuring tape alone can’t capture. According to Brian, a tape measure can’t tell you how a garment actually drapes on a living, moving body. The first fitting (about 45 to 60 minutes) is done in person at a Houston showroom where they create the pattern and also conduct fabric/detail selection. For denim, they capture up to 20 measurements, and for shirts they can capture up to 15 adjustments. It’s an incredibly dynamic process. 

All suits are then cut and sewn in Amsterdam. According to Brian, “chasing the best work means going where the best work is done.”  He calls their atelier in Amsterdam hands-down best in class, pairing exacting construction standards with sewing skill built over generations. After the garment is made in Amsterdam and returns to Houston, a second fitting fine-tunes silhouette and drape, with in-house tailors making final refinements.

The Do’s of Gala Dressing for Men

So, now that you’ve seen how the magic is made, let’s get down to it as the B. Kreps team lets you in on their secrets of making the best-dressed list.

They say that for men, dressing for a gala is all about striking a balance between elegance and comfort. Classic tuxedos are always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to add a touch of personality with a patterned bow tie or a colorful pocket square. Stepping out wearing a dinner jacket made from an artistic and expressive fabric by Carnet, Scabal, Dormeuil, Loro Piana or Zegna makes the statement that it truly is a gala and a season for celebrations.

If that seems overwhelming, don’t fear. The team says to always start with the basics. Make sure your suit fits well and is tailored to your frame, as a sharp silhouette goes a long way. Polished dress shoes and subtle accessories, such as cufflinks or a stylish watch, complete the look. Remember, Houston’s fall weather can vary, so consider lightweight fabrics and layers if you’ll be indoors and outdoors. 

If you want to be on the trendier side of things, the team is seeing a growing emphasis on relaxed fits and comfortable fabrics, such as wide-leg trousers and oversized shirts. They describe it as a step back to the elegance of the 50s, as opposed to the counterculture/anti-establishment of the 60s. Alongside this, they’re seeing the traditionally resonant colors of fall being muted to softer, yet luxurious and novel palettes. This trend started finding its way into Spring ’26 hues and is now dominant in the Fall ’26 fabrics. 

Above all, wear it like you mean it. Confidence is the one accessory that can’t be tailored.

Fashion Fails Men Make

Now, onto the “don’ts.” It’s easy to make fashion fails. We all do it. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

Wearing Clothes That Don’t Fit

Kreps says they instruct their clients that the time of “High, Tight and Skinny” is thankfully over, but the other extreme is still extreme. Baggy shirts or shapeless pants can throw off your whole look. Aim for well-fitted clothing that flatters your shape, and consider visiting their tailors for adjustments.

Ignoring the Occasion

Showing up in casual wear to a formal event (or vice versa) can make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Always check the dress code and dress accordingly. If you have questions like, “What is Black Tie?” give B. Kreps a call or drop by the store.

Too Many Loud Colors or Patterns

Wearing clashing patterns or too many bold colors can be overwhelming. Stick to one statement piece and balance with neutrals for a polished look.

Worn-Out Shoes

Shoes are often noticed first. Scuffed, dirty, or old shoes can ruin an outfit. Invest in a few quality pairs and keep them clean and well-maintained.

Neglecting Grooming

Even the sharpest outfit can’t compensate for poor grooming. Pay attention to your hair, nails, and facial hair to complete your look.

Over-Accessorizing

Too many rings, bracelets, or flashy watches can look cluttered. Choose one or two subtle accessories to complement your style.

With B. Kreps, it’s simply hard to look anything other than your best.