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Black tie event but no tux

post #1 of 14
9/27/11 at 10:47pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I've been invited to a black tie event and do not own a tux. This is a business setting. I won't be able to get one before the event. I own a black 3 piece suit and a black tie and am planning to wear this with a white shirt. My question is if I should wear the vest? Also, yes or no to a white pocket square?

Thanks
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post #2 of 14
9/28/11 at 4:32am
'Black tie' means tuxedo, unless it specifically states something like 'black tie optional'. There is no room for interpretation.

Basically, you're screwed.
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post #3 of 14
9/28/11 at 5:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by crosstheline View Post

Hi,

I've been invited to a black tie event and do not own a tux. This is a business setting. I won't be able to get one before the event. I own a black 3 piece suit and a black tie and am planning to wear this with a white shirt. My question is if I should wear the vest? Also, yes or no to a white pocket square?

Thanks

Do NOT do that^^. It ain't black tie!
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post #4 of 14
9/28/11 at 6:05am
I think you are better off renting a tux than trying to pass off a business suit as a tux. Especially if this is a business function; you don't want to have the fact you did not attire yourself appropriately hurt your career. There are people here who will tell you that renting a tux is as horrible as killing Bambi's mother, but I can guarantee you that at least 70% of the men at the function will be in a rental. You will do best to rent from a specialist, i.e. not The Men's Wearhouse. Sometimes a good tailor will rent tuxedos, and they will do a better job fitting it to you than the average mall tux shop. Get something classic; stay away from the tutti-frutti prom/ groomsmen get-ups.

If you insist on going with the suit, then definitely wear the vest to dress it up a bit beyond the business context. And be sure to wear French cuffs and the shiniest shoes you have.
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post #5 of 14
9/28/11 at 6:13am
Rent one, mate. It's obvious when someone is trying to pass off their suit as a dinner jacket.
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post #6 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:20am
If you have no other choice -- black suit, no vest, no belt, and a black satin bow tie. The bow tie will make the outfit tuxedo-ish.
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post #7 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by skefferz View Post

If you have no other choice -- black suit, no vest, and a black satin bow tie. The bow tie will make the outfit tuxedo-ish.

-1

Everybody else in this thread is right, especially SM. Unless it says "black tie optional," rent a tuxedo or do not go.

If it does say "black tie optional," don't go in a faux DJ. Half a tuxedo really is much worse than none. Wear your best dark gray or dark blue suit (not black!) -- preferably without pinstripes -- and a sober FIH tie.
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post #8 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:39am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the input.

Maybe some more info will help.

This event is for business professionals and generally students like me aren't invited. Only reason is cause I know the organizer. In past years students that were invited were not wearing tuxes.

On my specific invitation it says black tie preferred, but I don't know what it says on the other invitations.

I know black tie means tux, but it will be almost impossible for me to rent one because of my proportions (extremely skinny and long arms/legs). I had to get all my suits custom made. So I know I'm not dressing the proper way, but I'm trying to find the best work around.

So back to vest or not?

Thanks
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post #9 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:41am
Here is one way to get around it.

http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2010/04/appropriate-compromise.html#links
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post #10 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by crosstheline View Post

Thanks for the input.


I know black tie means tux, but it will be almost impossible for me to rent one because of my proportions (extremely skinny and long arms/legs). I had to get all my suits custom made. So I know I'm not dressing the proper way, but I'm trying to find the best work around.



Thanks

A good tuxedo rental place can mix and match pants and jacket for you...that will not be the problem. If being invited as a student is a privilege, then do not let the person who extended the invitation down by showing up without proper attire.
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post #11 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:48am
In the case of "Black Tie Preferred" you can get away without wearing a tux. So do not go for a pseudo-tux. Wear your most elegant and sober regular suit, double breasted, if you've got it.
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post #12 of 14
9/28/11 at 11:52am
If that is what it is going to be, then I say do the whole three-piece if it looks good on you. Maybe with a silver long tie instead of a black one so you can be "Dressy Evening" instead of "Tuxedo Impersonation." And then definitely use a white pocket square and a French cuff shirt to dress it up a bit.
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post #13 of 14
9/28/11 at 1:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum View Post

....
Basically, you're screwed.

+1; not much to add.
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post #14 of 14
9/28/11 at 2:01pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by scurvyfreedman View Post

Here is one way to get around it.
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2010/04/appropriate-compromise.html#links


Given the circumstances the OP has clarified, this may be the best advice on this thread. To quote directly:

 

"better a lounge suit with black tie accessories than Hollywood's four in hand neckties worn with dinner clothes"

 

I guess you would have to have suit that both well-fitted and said quality whilst being relatively inconspicuous. If you have your suits made for you anyway, this is more likely to be true, I would hope.

 

 

 

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