Created as mandatory part of dress code on aristocratic balls, tuxedo is still synonym for flawless elegance...
Name tuxedo came from habit of gentleman on these balls to go smoking in clothes like this. Main reason for that was to keep ladies and their precious outfits away from smell of cigars.
Black color of tuxedo is strictly connecting it for late evening hours and high elegant parties, appearances on red carpet, but tailcoat is no alternative for tuxedo. Today almost no one is wearing tailcoat, and you can see it only in world famous concert halls...
