The State of Black Tie: Your Observations - Page 70

Originally Posted by mordecai 

This may have been addressed in the thread, but besides pumps and patent leather, anyone have good recommendations for shoes to wear with a tux?

Originally Posted by musicmax 

Black velvet slippers, sometimes called "Prince Albert Slippers" are a historically-proper alternative to pumps and patent oxfords. There's a famous picture of Cary Grant, sitting cross-legged in a tux with black penny loafers, several pages back in this thread - search for Cary Grant and you'll find it. A well-polished black plain captoe (i.e. AE Park Avenue) or wholecut would likely suffice as well.

Originally Posted by EriQ009 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that velvet slippers with formal attire are appropriate only when the event is at one's own home. As in, you are the host and the party is at your house.

Originally Posted by mafoofan 

Well, I cannot speak to other's social circumstances, but I will say that there's no way this makes universal sense. Of the dozen or so weddings I've been to over the past few years, most have been at night, and in no instance did anyone wear black tie unless instructed to.

Originally Posted by EriQ009 

Whereas men used to don black tie or white-tie simply because it was after 6, one now seemingly requires particular occasion or strict commandment.

Originally Posted by EriQ009 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that velvet slippers with formal attire are appropriate only when the event is at one's own home. As in, you are the host and the party is at your house.

Originally Posted by musicmax 


That is the preferred environment; I read an "I don't care if I break the rules" air in the OP's query. The robustness of the slipper's sole will dictate its suitability to domestic or public use.

Originally Posted by Butler 

Perhaps you are thinking of the velvet smoking jacket (and not the velvet dinner ditto), which is only accepted in one's home or club - the Albert slipper, with the above proviso, is ok outside these locations.

Footwear

The classic alternative in black-tie footwear is the elegant evening slipper. Also known as the Prince Albert slipper, this soigné accent is made of velvet with leather soles and features a grosgrain bow or a motif or the wearer’s initials embroidered in gold. These slippers share the same dark colors as the smoking jacket with which they make a perfect pairing. Like the smoking jacket, they are appropriate only for private occasions.

Formal hose can have a clock design that is either self-colored or of a contrasting color to match another accessory. However, the latter option should be used with discretion.

Originally Posted by Moloch38 




Did anyone notice President Obama's "White Tie"?  Two-Button, Notched Lapel, Cumberbund? The list goes on.

Originally Posted by mafoofan 

Who can say what Obama is attempting do in that getup?

Originally Posted by Butler 

Correct form (to-day):

You specify the correct dress code for the occasion (day/night etc.) and include a voucher to the local rental place for a free rental (of course the rental place are instructed to only supply correct attire, in case of guests potential requests for coloured bows etc.)

One includes the cost in the overall wedding budget.