Need fast help on going to a formal w/o formalwear available

[DGP]

I am traveling, and just found out I have to go to a black and white party. I have with me only a suit, no formawear. It is a navy Dolce and Gabana with white chalk stripes. It's plenty dark. Here is the real question: I have a white shirt, do I wear a tie? I can either wear the maroon or gold tie I brought, or just go with open collar and first button. I am 22, and the event is geared towards students. Unfortunately, as I said, I am traveling, and have no access to a tux. Which will look less out of place? Also, to go without a tie, I have no problem with the "too cool for school" look, and usually pull it off pretty well, I'm just wondering if that is going wayyyy too far here.

 

[Edward Appleby]

Stylistically, "too cool for school" is, I think, a far better option than half-assed formal. However, as you said, that may be just too far. Is this the sort of thing where half of the people are going to show up in suits or egregiously bad formalwear anyway?

 

[j]

Wear a tie, and if you find out you shouldn't have, you can take it off and put it in your pocket.

 

[DGP]

Originally Posted by Edward Appleby

Stylistically, "too cool for school" is, I think, a far better option than half-assed formal. However, as you said, that may be just too far. Is this the sort of thing where half of the people are going to show up in suits or egregiously bad formalwear anyway?


It's at UPenn, and it's a charity. I imagine that most people will have a crappy tux, or a rental, or a black suit. I am not attending a formal ball with the Queen, lol.

 

[whoopee]

Aha. No "tux" should be fine here, but do wear a dark tie if you can. Students here generally have the decency to, for such events. Like J said, you can always tuck it into your pocket. If you need to borrow a tie for the night, let me know, I may be able to help.

 

[Vaclav]

If you wear a white tie,on the shirt white it will be invisible.

So, you have a tie, but maybe some don't think so.

This solution, it's the perfect 1.