The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

Dinner jacket.



ImTheGroom said:

A tailor can shorten a jacket multiple ways.  I would also have him remove the pocket flaps, but if you're unsure of that, you can tuck them into the pockets rather than removing them altogether.  I would go to Blair Shapera downtown; he did all of my alterations for my wedding, and made my dad's outfit for the ceremony.  He's class and quality all the way.

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I can tuck the pockets in and they look great. I've worked with Blair before, but too far from home. I have a local guy that's pretty good

ImTheGroom said:

I'm hosting a black tie optional Christmas party for the first time this year. I'm trying to think of something to add to my rig to give it a Christmassey feel. I think a pocket square is the most likely candidate. I am thinking of red silk, or maybe something patterned, even a red & green plaid. Plaid might be a bit loud, but it is not an ultra formal event, and there is a Christmas theme, so it might be fun.

Any other ideas?

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I tried various tweaks to BT for a Christmas party last year, but when I looked in the mirror I found them too jarring to actually wear. I settled for an old pair of Christmas-themed suspenders from Traflgar. But if you're looking for Christmas-themed pocket squares, you might want to look at what Beau Ties Ltd of Vermont has. (I actually sometimes think that I'm just wearing suits as an excuse to wear some of their PSs, which seems a bit pathetic.)

a small red carnation.

I hate the way people commercialize holidays to take away from their real meaning, e.g., green and red color "schemes" for Christmas. If I were you, I would do something more authentic and get one of those plastic baby Jesus toys that people bake into King Cakes and hang it from your lapel.

Siwash said:

I can tuck the pockets in and they look great. I've worked with Blair before, but too far from home. I have a local guy that's pretty good

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For something as complex as shortening a jacket, I'd make the trek to Smithe St to see Blair. Why not call and make an appointment on Monday before the SF meet up at Six Acres.

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. Suspenders are an idea I had not thought of. Looking for something less expensive than a new jacket or vest, but not bad suggestions.

Quick question, I am getting married next spring in the Caribbean. The ceremony will likely be after 6:00 but in the off chance that it is not; is a white dinner jacket appropriate before 6:00 or since it's a dinner jacket it's evening wear (even if less formal) and should only be worn after 6:00 or sundown.

In the mean time I still haven't decided between a midnight blue tuxedo or a white dinner jacket. I think the white dinner jacket could be quiet sharp but less usable as most of the black tie events I go to are in the winter (NYC).

One more question, are white dinner jackets worn with satin/grosgrain striped trousers? I'm going to assume yes.

StephenB said:

Quick question, I am getting married next spring in the Caribbean. The ceremony will likely be after 6:00 but in the off chance that it is not; is a white dinner jacket appropriate before 6:00 or since it's a dinner jacket it's evening wear (even if less formal) and should only be worn after 6:00 or sundown.

In the mean time I still haven't decided between a midnight blue tuxedo or a white dinner jacket. I think the white dinner jacket could be quiet sharp but less usable as most of the black tie events I go to are in the winter (NYC).

One more question, are white dinner jackets worn with satin/grosgrain striped trousers? I'm going to assume yes.

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Satin grosgrain is fine. Make sure you have a textured black bow tie to match the facing. It is no less or more correct to wear a white DJ before 6 than a midnight blue or black one. I would buy the midnight blue, and, if you have the extra cash, get the white DJ in addition. The trousers will serve double duty with both DJ's.

In summertime sunlight, the white dj will look better than black for sure. Forget the time, it's the sunlight that matters most in this Caribbean setting.



Veremund said:

In summertime sunlight, the white dj will look better than black do sure. Forget the time, it's the sunlight that matters most in this Caribbean setting.

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Agreed

Agreed, the time on the clock doesn't matter. Even in the big city, a 6pm event might start in very bright light if it's summer time.

Regarding white (or off white, beacuse stark white would be awful), I think the tradition was that you could wear it year round in warm weather resort settings or on ships, etc. It was considered inappropriate "in town." So, Nice, yes, Paris, no. And not really the best option for (say) a cold weather vacation spot like a mountain lodge. Capri, yes, Zermatt, no.

In the US, I would never wear one in NY at any time of year. In LA, I would in spring or summer. Assuming I had one, which I don't, and since I have no use for one, I don't expect ever to get one.

So what about this, for your Christmas BT event?

Elegant & classic with tux coat on, and a fantastic surprise if your jacket just happens to come off...
Santa loves this gift, but it could be an "FMTM"!

www.ThRedHeads.com

(*From Me, To Me)

osmartist1 said:

So what about this, for your Christmas BT event?

Elegant & classic with tux coat on, and a fantastic surprise if your jacket just happens to come off...
Santa loves this gift, but it could be an "FMTM"!

www.ThRedHeads.com

(*From Me, To Me)

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D'oh! That plaid one is just too good to pass up.



lwmarti said:

D'oh! That plaid one is just too good to pass up. 

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