This and This? (Black Tie Optional)

[Samuel Smith]

Context: Attending a 100 year anniversary for a local hospital here in town this weekend. I am joining the President, Managing Principal, and, my direct boss, the Studio Principal of my firm to this event. They have made it clear that they are not wearing a tuxedo but rather Black Suits. My options are black suit (meh) or this:



it has all black detailing (stitching, buttons, etc) that I think I can pull it off with some nice shiny shoes and black knit tie. Is this to aggressive?

second and more important question: can my fiance wear her black dress if I am wearing this?? or do I need to stick to black suit. Cheers.

 

[msulinski]

I hate black tie optional. It is so vague that it causes confusion, hence this thread.

If you are going the suit route, it should be dark. That one looks too light. Consult the Black Tie Guide for more information:
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Etiquette/Etiquette_BlackTie_Codes.htm

 

[cptjeff]

Black tie optional means that you can wear a tuxedo, or a conservative suit. That would fit as the latter. A black knit tie should be okay, though it may be pushing it a little.

And yes, your fiance can wear a black dress. You don't have to match as if you were at a prom.

 

[Samuel Smith]

I hate black tie optional. It is so vague that it causes confusion, hence this thread.

If you are going the suit route, it should be dark. That one looks too light. Consult the Black Tie Guide for more information:
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Etiquette/Etiquette_BlackTie_Codes.htm

it is quite, light. More towards Royal Blue than Navy in the spectrum.

Black tie optional means that you can wear a tuxedo, or a conservative suit. That would fit as the latter. A black knit tie should be okay, though it may be pushing it a little.
And yes, your fiance can wear a black dress. You don't have to match as if you were at a prom.

Perhaps I will go with the silk weave black tie then rather than the knit.

thanks guys

 

[sborg]

The darker the suit, the better.

 

[Macallan]

If you have a black suit - wear it, with a knit or silk-weave tie
If you do not have a black suit - wear the darkest suit you have with the darkest conservative tie you have