In a time pickle.... Tuxedo alternative? - Page 2

You asked for what's appropriate, not what the least worst option is. Vox's observation is correct. In many if not most groups, nobody will notice if you wear a black or midnight suit and dress it up right. But that probably depends a lot on your exact suit and your exact accessories as much. Your "midnight" suit may look more navy than you think.

All that said, if forced to pick, it's a no-brainier: wear the suit. Hell, if possible, you could have your tailor add silk facings and mahe it legit.

You sound, forgive me, kind of annoyed with the whole thing. "Apparently, I'm going to a 'ball'," and "it's not really an important event, at least not for me" and such. But you are there at your girlfriend's invitation, yes? I should think that would make it important. Hell, a night where you both get to dress up and go out -- for an SF member, at least, this is typically called fun. So I think if some of the responses are less than helpful it might be because you really sound like you don't care all that much. <shrugs>

 

As for the rest of the accoutrement, you can probably be fine with a regular white spread collar shirt, button cuffs if you must. But get it dry-cleaned and starched for heaven's sake. Have you considered your shoes? The least adorned and most formal black shoes you have, and polish them well first. A cummerbund or waistcoat is usually considered necessary. I don't like cummerbunds; will wear a waistcoat or skip it completely.

 

I like Gieves generally, but would feel a bit of a clown in something so blue, especially with black lapels.

 

~ H
 

Superfluous, you stated 'apparently you are going to a ball'. Have you any way to contact the person who extended the invitation to you? If so, why not just ask them directly for their input? I am sure they would be happy to clarify any concerns you have.

Dear Superfluous, I hope you're a much nicer guy in real life than you are coming across in this thread--too snooty to use a rental tux (I'm sure there must be some reasonably decent ones out there) or buy an inexpensive one (Some of the JAB tuxes are quite correct sartorially and presumably could be altered to a good fit), yet too cheap to buy a quality tux. So, you want us to give some validation to a third-rate, sub-tux ensemble?

Okay, go with your midnight blue suit and a black necktie (I would recommend a regular necktie over a bowtie in this situation)--you may fit right in, or you may look like a yokel, depending on the crowd you're with at the ball.

Another option you might consider is thrifting a quality tux. There are usually some pretty good ones to be had. In any event, I would suggest at least wearing a French cuff shirt.

Just my $.02.

I'd wear the velvet jacket, but with tuxedo pants (or at least black) and a bow tie. And you really should have one nice, French cuff, turndown-collar, white shirt. That's pretty damn close to Black Tie attire.

I have a full BT set-up, but when I feel like changing it up, I wear my dark petrol blue velvet jacket instead of the dinner jacket. The depth and richness of dark velvet always looks good in dim, evening lighting.
Edited by becnal - 2/4/13 at 2:08am

Velvet won't make you stand out. It's perfectly correct. But suit yourself.

Just a tip: try not to read emotion into our posts. We are offering our opinions, and yes, they may sound harsh if they are not what you want to hear.

Just a point for future personal and professional development: All such events are places to meet and network with people. Your next job could come from someone you casually meet. This is why many of us here were suggesting you take steps to be correct. -- So people remember you and not the outfit you have on. Wear what you like, but accept that you run the risk of not quite fitting in. And when you do get that tux, you'll find events that you can wear it to. even if it is on a night out with your girlfriend.

This event is obviously important to your girlfriend, go and mingle and have a good time.

Reading between the lines a bit here, I think the issue stems from the assumed superiority of a SF member. We spend so much time studying what is "correct" or "quality" or "tasteful" that we form the opinion that we must be to-the-nines at all times. This is the type of thinking that leads to threads about wearing cashmere to the gym.

In reality there are very few here that are prepared to be SF-approved (whatever that even means these days) at all times. Most of us either lack the money, time, experience or taste to be perfect at all times, ready for the Sartorialist to tug on our pant leg asking for a close-up. This thread is a perfect illustration of that.

When in a pinch you need to realize that you can't have your cake and eat it too. You can do something properly, quickly or inexpensively. Pick two.

There's simply no way to cover all your bases. But, to be honest, there's also a great deal of over-thinking here. You're seeking the perfect fix that will meet applause from whnay's taste thread, your bank account and the guests in attendance. To be honest I think you need to worry about the last two far more than being the definition of perfectly dressed. Use this as a learning experience, sure. Have a tux in the back of your mind when you shop and keep an eye out. But don't torture yourself to meet some absurd standard when you know you have none of the tools necessary to meet it.
Edited by bourbonbasted - 2/5/13 at 2:01pm

 

I'm not really sure why you wouldn't be comfortable in a "cheap" tuxedo. The Joseph A. Bank and Suit Supply (assuming you close the vents) are both cheap and sartorially correct. There is no reason to feel uncomfortable in either. You would just want to get a few alterations done to make sure they fit, and you should be good.

+1

No one thinks that they will work hence not giving you the support you are really asking for. Your existying options are not suitable, you have been given several suggestions all of which you dismiss without good reason.