The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[Andy57]

All you farmers can have your fun, but @sarteorial nailed it on the first try.

 

[sarteorial]

I regret to inform you all it is worse than you all thought—the jacket had vents! Remedial education is obviously needed

 

[Andy57]

I regret to inform you all it is worse than you all thought—the jacket had vents! Remedial education is obviously needed

I'll be having words with Edwin.

 

[classicalthunde]

I regret to inform you all it is worse than you all thought—the jacket had vents! Remedial education is obviously needed

 

[Jay C]

Sartre is really a car crash. Vents. Watch. Exposed suspenders. Tux out in the daylight.

What's next?

Open laced derby shoes? Flaps on the pockets?

 

[acconrad]

Long time lurker but first time poster here. Got married a few weeks ago and figured I'd pop in here to show you all the results! We had a black tie optional wedding at a vineyard and actually had 40-50% of the guests show in a dinner jacket/formal wear, which was really fun.

Steed made my tuxedo and I was really pleased with it. It wasn't fully bespoke (I went with the semi-bespoke process) and I actually am looking forward to working with them in the future on future projects. Fabric is wool-mohair and the facings are black grosgrain. Trousers had a very cool double pleat. I had Ascot Chang make a pique bib shirt, bow tie/cummerbund is from Drake's.

Very much fortunate to be in Washington, DC where there are formal events somewhat more frequently than most places, so eager to break this out again!

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MY MAN... nicely done. Congrats

 

[acconrad]

I'm calling that a Flagrant -- 2.

First, underwear/braces being shown to all present.

Second, that tuxedo is being worn while the sun is still out. Suggests a grave violation of the 6 PM rule.

Horror upon horror!

I shudder to think what would have happened on here if Sartre had dispensed with the cummerbund...

The sun is out well past 6pm unless you live in Hawaii my friend

 

[Mute]

And he's wearing a watch!!!

Burn him. He's a witch. He turned me into a newt.

 

[Andy57]

After last week's sartorial nonsense, a return to sanity, just to demonstrate that I can:

The full-length shot is a video frame capture. Jacket & trousers are mohair, the cocktails are French 75s.

 

[hpreston]

Burn him. He's a witch. He turned me into a newt.

How are you typing???

 

[_AMD]

How are you typing???

He's better now.

 

[ZRH1]

re: shoes. I have C&J patent oxfords, but struggle with the look, hence it is the only shoe in my collection that I have not yet shifted to EG. I understand a mirror shine on a regular calf Chelsea I own could be a compromise, but since I am not a shoe-shining champion and on top of that I rarely wear black tie, I would like to do it well. I like opera pumps, but cannot seem to find one that is better done than others.

What do you recommend?

 

[Andy57]

re: shoes. I have C&J patent oxfords, but struggle with the look, hence it is the only shoe in my collection that I have not yet shifted to EG. I understand a mirror shine on a regular calf Chelsea I own could be a compromise, but since I am not a shoe-shining champion and on top of that I rarely wear black tie, I would like to do it well. I like opera pumps, but cannot seem to find one that is better done than others.

What do you recommend?

What is it about the C&J shoes that you don't like?

While I do advocate using a pair of patent oxfords, I'm not an advocate of spending $1500 for a pair of EGs, even though I rarely wear anything else. Besides, EG patent Chelseas are only offered on the 82 last, which I don't care for. I could have them make me a pair on the 202, but then we would be getting close to $2k.

I find that Brooks Brothers sells a decent patent oxford and they go on sale from time to time. They fit reasonably well and last reasonably well and for occasional wear shoes that are still comfortable for an entire evening, they fit the bill. Brooks usually has them for around $325. I've worked my way through 2 or 3 pairs over the last 10-15 years.

As for opera pumps, I'm not sure what your criteria are, so it's difficult to render an opinion.

 

[ValidusLA]

re: shoes. I have C&J patent oxfords, but struggle with the look, hence it is the only shoe in my collection that I have not yet shifted to EG. I understand a mirror shine on a regular calf Chelsea I own could be a compromise, but since I am not a shoe-shining champion and on top of that I rarely wear black tie, I would like to do it well. I like opera pumps, but cannot seem to find one that is better done than others.

What do you recommend?

Bowhill and Elliott makes a very serviceable opera pump.
EG has one I believe.
One day I'd like to get the St Crispins calf opera pump. Very lovely shoe.

 

[symphvaria]

Edward Green does indeed have an opera pump, the Edinburgh.