Style crimes: fit vs formality

[Mikael]

Which is worse, going too casual or wearing a suit that's two sizes too big?

Had an event yesterday that called for a suit and tie. However, after having lost 20 pounds, I'm in the process of replacing my entire wardrobe, and consequently didn't have a suit to wear that wouldn't have looked like a tent. Ended up wearing a dark brown odd jacket with some nice twill khakis, blue shirt, navy/gold repp tie, and espresso suede C&J Hallams.

So, yeah, I actually dropped down two notches on the scale of formality (cotton pants & suede shoes instead of wool pants and calf shoes), but the fit was nice.

What do you think, did I make the right call?

FWIW, the first guy I ran into outside the venue was wearing a black suit (not a funeral, mind), no tie, green cotton belt and white driving mocs. So it's not like I was the chump in the room with my outfit.

 

[Balfour]

Depends on the event. I would go for fit every time, unless not wearing a suit would cause offence to those organising the event (e.g. at a funeral). Even then I wouldn't wear a suit two sizes too big - if I found myself without any suits that fitted, and needed to attend such an event, it would be better to buy a serviceable OTR suit to tide me over until the new permanent suits were ready.

 

[Mikael]



it would be better to buy a serviceable OTR suit to tide me over until the new permanent suits were ready.

Arrived at the exact same conclusion myself. Ordered two suits from Suitsupply when I got home from the event.