Cummerbund and Necktie?

[sancho panza]

I will be attending a few black tie dinners over a short period soon. I have only done black tie a couple of times and have done SB, Cummerbund, Bowtie. Nothing controversial.
However, I'd maybe like to substitute the bowtie with a black silk knitted tie and am unsure as to whether I can/should wear a cummerbund with this. I am not a fan of wearing a vest.

Your thoughts appreciated please?

 

[MrDaniels]

Unless you want to look like a Flamenco dancer, I would say no. Also, I don't think a knit tie is a good choice for formalwear.

 

[sancho panza]

Originally Posted by MrDaniels

Unless you want to look like a Flamenco dancer, I would say no. Also, I don't think a knit tie is a good choice for formalwear.

enough said.

cheers

 

[AlexE]

Don't do the necktie at a black tie event.

 

[Matt S]

Originally Posted by AlexE

Don't do the necktie at a black tie event.

+1. If it's black tie and you're not a famous person in the entertainment industry, a black bowtie is necessary.

 

[Mac]

Even if you are a famous person in the entertainment industry, it still looks ****.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by Mac

Even if you are a famous person in the entertainment industry, it still looks ****.

And even if you don't mind looking like ****, a knit tie is way too casual.

 

[Mac]

No doubt!

Wear the bow tie. You'll look better—especially if you tie it yourself.

 

[guest]

did you read the latest stuff on the gq website? they advocate not wearing a cummerbund. =( looks kinda weird IMO.

 

[Mac]

Don't listen to GQ—they are all first class twats.

 

[Orsini]

This also is of the Devil.

 

[1337dub]



Don't listen to GQ—they are all first class twats.

+1

 

[fashionsnob]

Please keep it classic, meaning black tux, black bow tie (self tied please), white dress shirt, and patent leather dress shoes. Unless your invitation reads "black tie optional" stick to the classics!
If you think that "Black Tie" is boring, then you might be surprised to find out that there are in fact lots of small sartorial choices you can make to differentiate your formal look.

Good examples are:
1. double-breasted tuxedo (take a look at Tom Hanks' DB tuxedo at the last 2012 Oscars for example: http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/the-best-dressed-men-of-the-2012-oscars/tom-hanks-oscars/)
2. Different Bow Tie Styles
3. Waistcoat or Cummerbund (but please don't do both at the same time)
4. Different shirt collars
5. Other Accessories: Opera Scarf, Cufflinks, Pocket Squares, etc

If you want to go in more detail, have a look at BlackTieGuide.com

Cheers,

H

 

[Kira]

I remember reading a GQ article, and they advocated wearing a suit jacket as a blazer!! This is when I stopped taking the magazine seriously. Now, I read it just to see the horrible clothing they advertise.