The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[Andy57]

Because black and midnight are much closer than black & orange.

It’s like black pants with a navy blazer: it’s better with some contrast or the same. @Andy57, what color bow tie do you wear with your Chinese new year jacket?

The red one? I've worn black and I've worn red (especially for Valentine's Day). I also have a couple that have a black and red design, and I've used one of those, too.

 

[DorianGreen]

Because black and midnight are much closer than black & orange.

It’s like black pants with a navy blazer: it’s better with some contrast or the same. @Andy57, what color bow tie do you wear with your Chinese new year jacket?

Yes, infact you also need midnight blue shoes.

 

[The Chai]

Definitely not a fit pic...

 

[dukeaw]

All, I have a question about the intersection of Black Tie formality and Jewish law. My fiancee and I are having a very traditional black tie wedding in NYC. My tuxedo is a very traditional single breasted peak lapel from Paolo Martorano. We are chosing the kippah we will offer to our guests.

The two questions are about material and color. I have the opportunity to offer a kippot in either Linen or Silk, amongst many choices. The wedding is in June, so I am going to avoid suede, velvet, nylon, etc.

Secondly, what colors are appropriate? I asked to do black, but my fiancee prefers silver. Are they both appropriate?

 

[Nick Charles]

Going back to the original subject of this thread. I was lucky enough to attend a prize dinner earlier this week at a university in NYC and, because I read this thread too much, took note of what was being worn.

Looking over the crowd of two to three hundred, I had two surprises. The first was how properly dressed the men were. With the exception of one gentlemen at a rear table in a navy suit and tie, everyone was wearing proper black tie. There were some either lacking pocket squares or were unaware that theirs had slipped back in the chest pocket. There were different levels of quality in cut and fabric, but it was clear that the vast majority of the dinner suits were not rentals. Some even fit better than mine because hot chocolate is too good on a cold day. As far as footwear, seating was tight, so I was unable to peek under the tables for a closer inspection. I can say for certain that the majority of shoes were not patent. The weather was a little sketchy that night, so that was forgivable, imho. No boutenirs were spotted and the studs and cufflinks stayed primarily in the black and silver range, though the 40 and below men were often without. Cumberbunds were worn by well over half the attendees also mainly by the over 40. The two prize winners themselves wore black vests with a subtle pattern detectable in the spotlight. Pleated shirts with turned down collars were universal except for one of the prize winners who had wingtip. Overall, enough men were properly attired enough to give the event the pleasant, desired effect.

The second surprise for me was how the women were dressed. Only about a fifth were wearing what I'd consider real black tie attire. Obviously no one was wearing casual attire, about a quarter of the ladies looked like they were wearing what they had left the office with. About half, looked like they had done some dressing up but not the level/type that you would traditionally wear for black tie. This made the 20% or so of the women who did dress up stick out and recieve compliments.

I was wearing a basic midnight blue, mohair tux with silk/satin facing lapels with double vents (please don't kick me off the thread!). I'm always back-and-forth on this but chose to wear the black satin bow tie vs. the midnight blue. Matching silver and onyx cufflinks and studs. Patent leather loafers with a velvet band so as not to be full opera pumps (which I personally reserve for white tie). Midnight blue cumberbund to match lapels, white suspenders, knee-length black silk socks and no watch. I think I hit everything.

That's about it. The event was nicely done and a good time was had by all, which is what really counts in the end. The world's so casual that I don't hear men complaining about having to wear a penguin suit, like they used to. All the gentlemen were legitimately excited about it.

Take from this what you will. Am still waiting on pictures from the event and will post if there are any good ones.

 

[Pascal1980]

All, I have a question about the intersection of Black Tie formality and Jewish law. My fiancee and I are having a very traditional black tie wedding in NYC. My tuxedo is a very traditional single breasted peak lapel from Paolo Martorano. We are chosing the kippah we will offer to our guests.

The two questions are about material and color. I have the opportunity to offer a kippot in either Linen or Silk, amongst many choices. The wedding is in June, so I am going to avoid suede, velvet, nylon, etc.

Secondly, what colors are appropriate? I asked to do black, but my fiancee prefers silver. Are they both appropriate?

Honestly, if there are no definitiv religious prescriptions, and I doubt that the Talmud or Bible has a special chapter on Black Tie, chose whatever you like. How about a kippah in black with silver ornamentation or so in silk? Silk is probably more comfortable and more elegant in summer.

To be honest, I am a secular European and go easy on religious matters.

Enjoy your day and best regards

Pascal

 

[DorianGreen]

Massura, Munich.

 

[classicalthunde]

All, I have a question about the intersection of Black Tie formality and Jewish law. My fiancee and I are having a very traditional black tie wedding in NYC. My tuxedo is a very traditional single breasted peak lapel from Paolo Martorano. We are chosing the kippah we will offer to our guests.

The two questions are about material and color. I have the opportunity to offer a kippot in either Linen or Silk, amongst many choices. The wedding is in June, so I am going to avoid suede, velvet, nylon, etc.

Secondly, what colors are appropriate? I asked to do black, but my fiancee prefers silver. Are they both appropriate?

Gentile here (so take any input here with a grain of salt). I'd opt for silk and black, this way it would match the facings and the bow ties.

Linen always strikes me as a less formal fabric. Plus, probably a not a major concern, but I would also worry about its wrinkling/rumpling characteristic.

Personally, I'd avoid silver since nothing in a black tie rig is silver really. I imagine you could do white to coordinate with the shirts, but I think this might be a bit visually distracting since most people have darker hair

 

[SpallaPerfetta]

All, I have a question about the intersection of Black Tie formality and Jewish law. My fiancee and I are having a very traditional black tie wedding in NYC. My tuxedo is a very traditional single breasted peak lapel from Paolo Martorano. We are chosing the kippah we will offer to our guests.

The two questions are about material and color. I have the opportunity to offer a kippot in either Linen or Silk, amongst many choices. The wedding is in June, so I am going to avoid suede, velvet, nylon, etc.

Secondly, what colors are appropriate? I asked to do black, but my fiancee prefers silver. Are they both appropriate?

Mazel tov!

 

[Cause Moe]

Sartorially, a kippah is an accessory, so it's appopriate for it to coordinate with the suit and the other accessories. Traditionally, accessories for Black Tie, including the black tie itself, are black silk. But pockets squares and boutonnières (also accessories) for Black Tie are typically white.

Sartorially, either black or white silk would suit these traditional norms. Theologically, you might consult a rabbi.

 

[DorianGreen]

A lovely pair of trousers in Fox Brothers Cocktail Barathea made by Holly Robins.

 

[classless]

It seems there are two distinct types of black tie events. First, the ceremonial functions (that traditionally would have been white tie), and second, dinners and parties where the purpose of the event is less serious.

The state of dress for awards and ceremonies is in pretty good shape imo. There's a correct way to dress and people generally do their best to follow it out of respect.

The party functions are where I get confused. Some are black tie optional and I've even seen dinner jackets with tie optional specified. The blackwatch and velvet jacket and slippers above are perfect here. Maybe we need a new term and standard for this type of thing.

 

[hpreston]

It seems there are two distinct types of black tie events. First, the ceremonial functions (that traditionally would have been white tie), and second, dinners and parties where the purpose of the event is less serious.

The state of dress for awards and ceremonies is in pretty good shape imo. There's a correct way to dress and people generally do their best to follow it out of respect.

The party functions are where I get confused. Some are black tie optional and I've even seen dinner jackets with tie optional specified. The blackwatch and velvet jacket and slippers above are perfect here. Maybe we need a new term and standard for this type of thing.

I've seen both Creative Black Tie, and Festive Black Tie used for these sort of events. Do those terms work?

 

[symphvaria]

Creative Black Tie sounds like it's inviting someone to attend with a castle on their head. Festive Black Tie seems more true to black tie's origins as party clothes.

 

[classless]

I've seen both Creative Black Tie, and Festive Black Tie used for these sort of events. Do those terms work?

Those could work if that's what the hosts are going for. Maybe just keep 'semi-formal', which actually means black tie. Thinking about the OP, it seems like we still need a separate code for less formal black tie events.