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Wearing slim fit Polo to an outdoor evening housewarming event in June: faux pas?

Farmgate

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One of my co-workers has invited me to a housewarming party, in mid-June, and mentioned that the dress code was "casua" and that part of the party will be in the backyard, where they are cooking sea food on the massive grill.

I know some of the big wigs and their wives will be there, and we'll see everything from khaki shorts, penny loafers and dress oxfords, to tee shirts and jeans.

Initially I planned to wear a slim-fit Navy Polo with slim khaki chinos and brown loafers, and now I'm thinking that such a look is a tad too casual and common.

I want to wear something cool, fun and sporty, yet at the same time, classic, and well-fitting.

Basically, what should I wear? I don't want to wear shorts . Besides the polo shirt look, my second option is to replace the polo shirt with a short sleeve button-down navy or black shirt, untucked with slim wheat chinos and drivers, but I am not enthusiastic about this arrangement.

What should I opt for? I am over 47, slim, 5'8 155 lbs.

Thanks very much in advance for your time and advice. I value everyone's opinion.
 

12345Michael54321

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Basically, you've been invited to what amounts to a co-worker's backyard barbecue. You've got to keep it casual, because going sort of dressy to a backyard barbecue, where most everyone else will likely be dressed pretty casually, just because some big wigs might show up, is not a good thing. Your chinos are fine. Your brown loafers are fine. You wanna wear "something cool, fun and sporty, yet at the same time, classic, and well-fitting?" Replace the polo shirt with a short sleeve madras shirt. It'll be cool. It's fun. It's sporty. It's classic practically to the point of retro. If you shop around, you'll surely be able to find one that fits you well (since plenty of places sell nice short sleeve madras shirts). And a colorful madras shirt is just a little different. Few, if any, other men at the party will be sporting madras, yet it's utterly appropriate for a summertime backyard party. It's not likely to be very expensive. And you can get plenty of summertime use out of a madras shirt. If you wear socks with your loafers (I do, but I know that some men don't), wear something bright. I was tempted to tell you to wear brick red chinos, but then I figured you might find red pants and a madras shirt to be too much. Bring your sunglasses. (I prefer Ray Ban Clubmasters, with tortoise frames, but to each his own.) BTW, why did you start 2 nearly identical threads on this? The other one's http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=244696 -- Michael
 

jrd617

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Originally Posted by 12345Michael54321
Replace the polo shirt with a short sleeve madras shirt.

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12345Michael54321

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So I'm guessing you're not a big fan of the madras shirt, jrd617?

Okay, I still think it works at a backyard barbecue, but if Farmgate shares your opinion, there's no reason to forgo wearing the brick red pants.

BTW Farmgate, just out of curiosity, where is this party being held? I mean, like, in which state, or at least geographic region of the country. Because I could see maybe offering a different suggestion for a backyard party in central Kansas than for one in south Florida or coastal Maine.
--
Michael
 

Farmgate

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Originally Posted by 12345Michael54321
So I'm guessing you're not a big fan of the madras shirt, jrd617?

Okay, I still think it works at a backyard barbecue, but if Farmgate shares your opinion, there's no reason to forgo wearing the brick red pants.

BTW Farmgate, just out of curiosity, where is this party being held? I mean, like, in which state, or at least geographic region of the country. Because I could see maybe offering a different suggestion for a backyard party in central Kansas than for one in south Florida or coastal Maine.
--
Michael


Party is held in NC. Temperature about 85. Thanks for everything.
 

tweedtie

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I would go for chinos, loafers, and a white long sleeve shirt with sleeves rolled a bit up. Obvioussly sunglasses, I love tortoise ones, my choice went for persol 649.
If you smoke don't forget a cigar!
If it's hot why not a Panama?
 

The Pastoral Utopian

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The Madras cotton shirt is an excellent option for the event you describe. I'd go with a patterned short sleeve cotton or linen shirt - something that isn't so vulnerable to staining. In my opinion, being overly "fitted" in a relaxed, off site setting is not good, but you have more of a sense of the nature of your own culture. The slacks and shoes are fine. I personally like suede shoes.
 

12345Michael54321

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Originally Posted by tweedtie
If you smoke don't forget a cigar!
Actually, given modern American attitudes toward smoking, I'd never assume that smoking would be appreciated at a party - not even one which will take place partially outdoors.

So if I smoked, I'd make sure to leave the cigars (or cigarettes, or pipe) at home. So as to avoid the risk of lighting up without thinking, or the temptation to smoke just on after convincing myself that since I was outdoors nobody would think anything of it.

I'm not telling people they can't smoke. If you want to smoke in your home, so be it. I am suggesting that in the US, circa 2010, smoking at social gatherings is more likely to hurt your "image," than to help it. And since the OP seems sufficiently concerned with the image he will convey as to ask for advice on his choice of clothing, unless he's certain smoking a cigar will be a net positive, he should leave the cigars at home.

And no, the fact that the party takes place in NC (traditionally, tobacco country) doesn't change that.
--
Michael
 

SirGrotius

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If you're trim wear the polo shirt. If you're wearing a dressier shirt with sleeves rolled up it looks like you're getting down to business, but you don't want to be so obvious about it.
 

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