Black tie - breaking the rules

[Kent]

I just attended the Wagner opera festival in Bayreuth ... and finally got out my tuxedo (or dinner jacket), which I hadn't worn in years. It felt good! So, I wore my own tuxedo (not a rental) and of course tied my own bowtie (no clip-on), and wore a tuxedo shirt, so I guess I avoided the most egregious rule-breaching.

However, the opera started at 4 p.m. and included two breaks between acts. After Act I, my wife and I went through the nearby park area for a little walk and some fresh air. There I was, walking around outside in a tuxedo before sunset (and even shortly before 6 p.m.). My wife wondered how much time we had before we needed to be back for Act 2 and I was able to quickly check my wristwatch (yes, I had a slim dress watch on) and tell her. She liked how I looked and appreciated that I could tell her the time.

No tuxedo before 6 p.m.? No, no on the wristwatch? Hah, I'd do it again! Really, what's the deal with rules like these? Are they on the level of nonsense like "a gentleman never unfurls his umbrella"?

 

[Father Style]

Being at ease is a big part of dressing well. Many of the rules of black tie are in place because it makes the wearer look objectively better. However the “no watch” rule and the “must be after six” rule are ones that no reasonable person follows with rigidity. I wear a watch every time I wear my tux. I’ll also wear a tux even if the event starts before 6 if it’s in the general vicinity of an evening start time. If one is too rigid with the rules then they’re not at ease (and probably not enjoying themselves).

FatherStyle.com

 

[Mute]

If you know the rules and the reasons behind them, you'll also know when it's quite alright to bend or even break them. Hope you enjoyed your night at the opera.

 

[Quirk]

Not wearing a watch is simply impractical. But preferably one that is understated and elegant, I suppose.

 

[Kent]

Yes, we had a great time at the opera!
I'm glad to hear that you guys also wear watches with a tuxedo.

I might have been stretching things with the watch a bit... Nomos Ludwig, so a small, thin hand-winder with Roman numerals, but ... on a plain black Perlon strap. This was probably bending the rules once again. However, Perlon is really about as thin as it gets.