The State of Black Tie: Your Observations - Page 82

I think they're a little too big—but then the lapels, bow tie, and lapel flower are all pretty big too so maybe it all works out.

 

I do like the color.

 

I assumed it was purposeful. I admit to liking them less in role; however. Perhaps I too am distracted by the boldness of the outfit overall -- the flower, I suppose, was on account of the occasion?

My links don't match my studs either.

After the ceremony I pluck one from the ceremony arrangements or from the table centerpieces. I am sure that is bad taste, but no one has ever stopped me or complained (to my face).

Oh, I'd say it depends on the type and size of the flower. Having a tiny cornflower or daisy in your lapel won't make anyone think you're the groom or best man. It's just a festive dash of colour for a special occasion.

Just being well-dressed marks one out as conspicuous most places.

Hmm...just went to an event hosted by my fraternity. The dress code was black tie, although knowing them, I didn't think they knew what they were talking about. But I didn't give a duck and attended in black tie anyway, and as expected, was the only one wearing what could be considered black tie. Not even the guy who set the dress code.

And hopefully he felt silly about not knowing what he's doing. How did the others dress? Are you still in college?

Yes, I'm still in college, in the fraternity. The others mostly wore suits. I might have seen a few odd jackets; wasn't paying much attention, although one guy had a tux, but with a not-white shirt, not-black vest (not a waistcoat), and a patterned not-black bowtie.

Then spread the gospel of proper black tie attire!

Berate them for looking like assholes. That usually works with my friends.

Gentlemen, whats your take on button-up shirts with black-tie? Sometimes or never? How about barrel cuffs?

Currently unsure of sources, but aren't some advocating stiff-fronts only for white-tie?

If I understand button-up shirt to mean a standard white dress shirt, I'd say never. Wear a shirt that takes cufflinks and studs. Either the french cuff or link cuff variety. No barrel cuffs. A tuxedo shirt should be different from a plain white dress shirt.

Are you referring to the marcella style front by "stiff-front?" If so, a shirt in that style is perfectly fine to wear with black tie as is a shirt with tasteful pleats.