anon311
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- Joined
- Jul 17, 2009
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- 11
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I'm in my mid-twenties and in a few months will attend the first of what will probably be a series of weddings. This one's "black tie optional," but I figure I might as well just bite the bullet now and assemble a reasonable black tie wardrobe to wear for the next few years. As a student I'm on a somewhat tight budget, but I've also bought enough $75 shoes that come unglued in 6 months that I realize that low-cost upfront doesn't always mean low-cost in the long run.
After reading a dozen or so pages of that long black tie thread and perusing www.blacktieguide.com, I have a few specific questions:
1) Bow tie: I'll buy a black self-tie and figure out how to tie it. What's a reasonable price to spend on one? http://www.blacktieguide.com/Buying/Buying_Retailers.htm says $27 as an example of an inexpensive one, does that sound reasonable? Any recommendations?
2) Shirt & Cummerbund: I'm lumping these two together because it seems that one may depend on the other. I like the look of bib-front more than pleated shirts. If I go with the former, does that tip the scale in favor of maybe skipping a cummerbund (which I would otherwise prefer over a waistcoat)? I've read on here that there seems to be some disagreement about the extent to which a waist covering is optional. If, as people seem to say, one is to keep a SB tuxedo buttoned the entire time, is omitting the waist covering still considered particularly improper? Either way, could you all recommend some shirts and cummerbunds and offer price points? I feel like, if anything, it makes sense to spend more on a well-fitting shirt and then cut back a bit on the cummerbund, if I must get it, since nobody will really see it.
3) Suspenders: If the pants don't sag, are these required? Even if I don't take my jacket off?
4) Shoes: Given my budget, it makes the most sense to get whatever's most versatile. Pumps are out, and patent leather probably is too. How about a plain toe calfskin shoe like this: http://www.shoebuy.com/allen-edmonds-kenilworth/481049/1017190 ? I've seen lots of people talking about buying shoes on eBay. Why aren't more people concerned about 1) authenticity and 2) the inability to return something that doesn't fit?
My goal for all of the above is to spend somewhere on the order of $500. Thankfully, I don't need to buy a jacket or pants because my dad gave me one of his and, somewhat miraculously, it fits very well.
Thanks all for your help! This forum is an awesome resource.
After reading a dozen or so pages of that long black tie thread and perusing www.blacktieguide.com, I have a few specific questions:
1) Bow tie: I'll buy a black self-tie and figure out how to tie it. What's a reasonable price to spend on one? http://www.blacktieguide.com/Buying/Buying_Retailers.htm says $27 as an example of an inexpensive one, does that sound reasonable? Any recommendations?
2) Shirt & Cummerbund: I'm lumping these two together because it seems that one may depend on the other. I like the look of bib-front more than pleated shirts. If I go with the former, does that tip the scale in favor of maybe skipping a cummerbund (which I would otherwise prefer over a waistcoat)? I've read on here that there seems to be some disagreement about the extent to which a waist covering is optional. If, as people seem to say, one is to keep a SB tuxedo buttoned the entire time, is omitting the waist covering still considered particularly improper? Either way, could you all recommend some shirts and cummerbunds and offer price points? I feel like, if anything, it makes sense to spend more on a well-fitting shirt and then cut back a bit on the cummerbund, if I must get it, since nobody will really see it.
3) Suspenders: If the pants don't sag, are these required? Even if I don't take my jacket off?
4) Shoes: Given my budget, it makes the most sense to get whatever's most versatile. Pumps are out, and patent leather probably is too. How about a plain toe calfskin shoe like this: http://www.shoebuy.com/allen-edmonds-kenilworth/481049/1017190 ? I've seen lots of people talking about buying shoes on eBay. Why aren't more people concerned about 1) authenticity and 2) the inability to return something that doesn't fit?
My goal for all of the above is to spend somewhere on the order of $500. Thankfully, I don't need to buy a jacket or pants because my dad gave me one of his and, somewhat miraculously, it fits very well.
Thanks all for your help! This forum is an awesome resource.