Girlfriend's Work Holiday Party (Black Tie Event)

[KMurphy]

Well to my understanding this is a black-tie optional event (at the Ritz Carlton), and my girlfriend tells me that almost all of her coworkers wear suits. My question is if a dark navy suit would be acceptable, or if I should at the very least wear black? Furthermore, if a navy suit were at all acceptable at this somewhat lax standard black-tie optional event, what shirt/tie combo should I consider?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[MrDaniels]

If you already own a black suit, then this is the perfect occasion to wear it. As far as shirt/ tie goes, wear French cuffs and a solid tie.

 

[KMurphy]

I should have qualified that I don't own a black suit. Just the navy and a charcoal pinstripe. I do not completely object to getting a black suit, but I am in law school and paying enough money so if I can avoid it I will.

 

[a tailor]

the navy should be acceptable, with french cuffs naturally.
the key word is optional. so dont worry.

 

[Colpitts]

Perfect time to buy a Tux.

Black-tie optional?

Please... Wear a tuxedo...

 

[penguin vic]

Originally Posted by Colpitts

Perfect time to buy a Tux.

Black-tie optional?

Please... Wear a tuxedo...

He has dark navy already.

He doesn't want to spend money unnecessarily.

He's still at school.

It's his girlfriend's work holiday party.

Going out and buying a tux is not necessary I say ...

 

[erdawe]

Originally Posted by penguin vic

He has dark navy already.

He doesn't want to spend money unnecessarily.

He's still at school.

It's his girlfriend's work holiday party.

Going out and buying a tux is not necessary I say ...

Agreed, save your money on more important things now, then splurge when you holding down a job (out of school).

 

[Doc4]

Your suit should be fine, with a white French-cuff shirt. Add a white linen pocket square to the suit (if you don't have one there already). The advice about a solid tie is good.

 

[goodlife]

Maybe a white silk pocket square, like one of these from Kent Wang

http://www.kentwang.com/index.php?cP...6a4d379df4d414

For the tie, maybe something like this:

http://www.samhober.com/store/englis...15-p16938.html

Navy suit, white FC shirt, and simple black shoes

 

[Biggskip]

I have a similar delima. Let's say that I have a black suit (I really don't but am considering buying one at a good price). Could you wear a black bow-tie with the suit (regular dress shirt, not a tux shirt)? Or is a black bow-tie strictly reserved for tuxedos and full tails? I guess I could go re-read Manton's post over on the London Lounge, but I'm feeling lazy and hope that my good friends on SF will help me.

Originally Posted by goodlife

Maybe a white silk pocket square, like one of these from Kent Wang http://www.kentwang.com/index.php?cP...6a4d379df4d414
Just picked up one this week. It's a little less formal than white linen in the TV Fold, but I like it a bit better.

 

[goodlife]

When subbing a black suit I think I would go with a regular tie as opposed to the bow. Still had this window open so here's an example.

http://www.samhober.com/store/englis...14-p16942.html

 

[goodlife]

Originally Posted by Biggskip

Just picked up one this week. It's a little less formal than white linen in the TV Fold, but I like it a bit better.
This might be true, but I think it is more appropriate for a social event after dark.

 

[Doc4]

Originally Posted by goodlife

Maybe a white silk pocket square, like one of these from Kent Wang


I like linen since linen is what you'd wear with a DJ, so that'd be a bit of a 'formality upgrade' from silk, to bring the suit closer to the DJ in formality.

Originally Posted by Biggskip

I have a similar delima. Let's say that I have a black suit (I really don't but am considering buying one at a good price). Could you wear a black bow-tie with the suit (regular dress shirt, not a tux shirt)? Or is a black bow-tie strictly reserved for tuxedos and full tails?


A look like that will mark you as "fourth horseman".

Assuming the black suit, I'd go with a 'regular' tie and leave the bowtie stuff alone.

(Or why not get a Tuxedo, and start stylin' and profilin' ... )

 

[dirk diggler]

you can wear a black suit and a bow tie, but not black. Wear something playful in yellow, red, or maybe something in color similar to what your girlfriend plans to wear.

 

[goodlife]

Originally Posted by Doc4

I like linen since linen is what you'd wear with a DJ, so that'd be a bit of a 'formality upgrade' from silk, to bring the suit closer to the DJ in formality.

I know how you got from point a to point b, but I feel like linen has a workday feel, especially with a tv fold. This is an area where I would like to bend the rules. If not silk, maybe a fluff and stuff with white linen. Either way white is the best way to go.