The State of Cocktail Attire: Your Observations.

[J011yroger]

What are you and others wearing in the realm of too dressy for work, but not black tie?

Nights on the town?

Fundraisers?

Fancy restaurants?

Weddings?

Cocktail parties?

Holiday parties?

The black tie thread is excellent, and there is no shortage of work clothes threads, I'd love a discussion on what we do to hold up our end of the bargain when she wears the little black dress.

J

 

[Veremund]

Velvet jacket or black suit for nighttime.

 

[J011yroger]

Yea, I kind of wish I started this thread in November. Oh well, hopefully people will post pics and updates.

J

 

[J011yroger]

Often I go out, and want to make very sure that I don't look like I came from a job.

J

 

[poorsod]

For evening events:
Winter variants depending on formality
Navy DB suit, white shirt black knit tie
velvet blue coat, grey flannel pants, striped blue shirt, navy knit tie

Summer variants
Navy tropical wool vs blue mohair suit, white shirt, black knit tie, +/- Montecristi hat

 

[archibaldleach]

I never worry about someone thinking I look like I came from work. People will assume any number of crazy reasons for why you are well dressed even at a event that could call for cocktail attire. My general choice is a suit and tie. For most evening events, I'll wear a white shirt. Occasionally if I am going to something particularly artsy, I'll wear a pink shirt with my suit.

I always try to look nice but be somewhat conscious of what the average person is wearing at larger events. If more than 15% of people are going to be wearing a suit and tie, I will wear one too. If suit and tie is a distinct minority, I'll probably default to a blazer and greys (possibly cream linen trousers in the summer) with a tie. For something smaller and more intimate, it depends on the place we're going. A nicer restaurant will merit a suit or blazer and greys; a more casual restaurant may see me wear an odd jacket (with or without tie) or possibly something even more casual. But some of these things probably go south of cocktail attire which is what this thread is about.

If I see "cocktail" attire is requested, my minimum is a navy blazer and odd trousers with a tie. Unless I foresee the event being very casual, however, I will most likely wear a suit and tie.

 

[J011yroger]

What trousers would one wear with a black velvet blazer?

Midnight, burgundy, or bottle green are easy, but I own two black and a chocolate brown. Usually I wear them with jeans, but that's unsuitable for cocktail attire. The brown I consider too country for cocktail attire regardless.

J

 

[archibaldleach]

^ Possibly light to medium grey for a high amount of contrast between trousers and jacket.

 

[J011yroger]

Cool, I assume a worsted wool? I feel odd wearing flannel at night.

I was thinking light-med gray with a charcoal check might be a sharp look.

I feel like with a lot of my clothes I get stuck in a rut once I find a really good combination, and never can see my way to do anything different when in reality some of my pieces are quite versatile.


I'm trying to break out, and asking advice/looking at other's fits helps a lot.

J

 

[archibaldleach]

^ I don't really love patterned odd trousers personally, but it's your outfit. I don't see any issue with wearing flannel at night either and this is almost always what I do with a navy blazer. Perhaps get something in a worsted flannel instead of a woolen if you are going to be bothered by that.

 

[Gus]

It seems that even my most eclectic friends are enjoying dressing up for parties and cocktails. Birthdays and other celebrations call for more than a nice blazer or dark suit. I've been thinking about getting another velvet jacket, probably in a navy.

Velvet jackets are fun because they seem special, women like to touch them and they certainly aren't mistaken for business apparel . I've always worn them with grey pants and black shoes.

 

[Gauss17]

I want an excuse to get a velvet jacket, but I feel like it would be destined to become one of those "I have it only because I wanted it", not because I would ever have an opportunity to wear it.

 

[Veremund]



What trousers would one wear with a black velvet blazer? Midnight, burgundy, or bottle green are easy...

That's why I ditched my black for bottle green. Love it. Warm too.

 

[J011yroger]



I want an excuse to get a velvet jacket, but I feel like it would be destined to become one of those "I have it only because I wanted it", not because I would ever have an opportunity to wear it.

There is no reason anybody needs one, but if you find one you like, you will find places to wear it.

J

 

[J011yroger]



That's why I ditched my black for bottle green. Love it. Warm too.

Yup, midnight, bottle green, and burgundy are on the list, I'm on the lookout.

I'm like a crazy cat lady of clothing.

J