The State of Black Tie: Your Observations - Page 80

Originally Posted by msulinski 

This is exactly why I prefer plain-toe balmorals (in calf, as I don't like patent leather). The cap-toe balmoral is so associated with business wear, but I feel the plain-toe does not suffer from this association, and is also sleeker (which is desirable in evening wear). I also think you can get away with wearing them to work if you absolutely had to, unlike patent leather. Wholecuts might be a viable shoe option as well, though a bit less conservative.

Originally Posted by Van Veen 

Are single link cuffs OK on a semi-formal shirt with turndown collar?

Originally Posted by OTM 

Wearing black tie right now:

4x1 shawl
Double pleated
Punch caps
Button up, barrel cuff
White cotton square

All in all, pretty mediocre.

Originally Posted by becnal 

How's that working for you?

Originally Posted by OTM 

Oh, thanks for asking, I am happy I have a somewhat complete rig, but I will most likely go for SB peak next time (or at least something with a higher buttoning point).

Also bought about 15 kilos of fish last night, but that is another story.

Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 

Any chance you own a restaurant?

Originally Posted by EriQ009 

Thanks for sharing, Persephone. I enjoyed the images of white-tie and black tie at the ball.

Originally Posted by OTM 

None at present, but when I do I will frequent it in my new rig!

Originally Posted by TimelesStyle 


Every RL tux available online (Polo and Black Label) uses uncovered buttons:

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13233032&cp=1760781.2531885&ab=ln_men_cs1_formalwear&view=99&parentPage=family

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=16398946&cp=1760781.2531885&ab=ln_men_cs1_formalwear&view=99&parentPage=family

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4488816&cp=1760781.2531885&ab=ln_men_cs1_formalwear&view=99&parentPage=family

I don't remember what the Purple Label tuxedos I've seen in the stores have, but they may have been uncovered buttons as well.

Originally Posted by archibaldleach 


+1. I despise patent leather, so it is either opera pumps (good luck finding those in an 8EEE) or highly shined plain toe balmorals which is what I currently wear. Given how many people show up to black tie events in loafers, bluchers, etc., there's just no way I'd ever feel self-conscious about not having technically proper tux shoes. Everything else about my black tie rig is purely traditional and correct, which is why I don't mind replacing one shiny black shoe with a different shiny black shoe.

I try not to wear them to the office but appreciate that I could if need be.

Originally Posted by Huntsman 

I owned a black/grosgrain RLPL tux for a while, but sold it. It did not have self-faced buttons. I also currently have (and wear) a lovely 1934 Hart, Schaffner & Marx black DJ, an Edward Sexton black DJ, and an RLPL white DJ (just the jacket), and none of them have self-faced buttons. This is fine with me, as I don't particularly like them very much.


Yeah, I despise patent leather also, and can't really see myself in pumps, so I shine up my plain-toes.

Originally Posted by Fred G. Unn 

I was at a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in Palm Beach last night. I was actually surprised at the number of people that had a "correct" black tie outfit, probably close to half. Saw several shawl lapel jackets too. Donald Trump was the emcee and wore black wingtip balmorals and a jacket that was probably an inch too long in the sleeves. I doubt he cared.

But, as a SF member, obviously you did. That's what matters.