"festive" attire?

dedalus275 · Jun 10, 2008

I've just received an invite to an event where the attire has been designated "festive." I've got some questions about what entails... As it's a summertime party the rules may be a little more creatively inclined, but this event is at an art museum rather than a private party (which suggests a bit more formality might be in order).

I did search for "festive" here on the forum but most variations were on "festive black tie". Perhaps the same answers are valid? While I'm sure I'd look great in a tux at this event, I don't own one and suspect I'd be amongst a minority if I wore one here -- though I've not been to an event at this particular museum before, and I might be wrong.

I'm debating between, I suppose, a few options: a tux, or at least a black suit with black tie; something more outdoor-dinner-party-ish (Madras blazer?); or dressing semiformally.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Brad · Jun 10, 2008

I thought the title was "Festivus" attire.

Tomasso · Jun 10, 2008

Originally Posted by Brad

I thought the title was "Festivus" attire.

But, wouldn't the Puffy Shirt work for either occasion?

Brad · Jun 10, 2008

^Maybe, but it's in pretty stark contrast to the solemity of the holiday:

unpainted huffheinz · Jun 10, 2008

Originally Posted by dedalus275

As it's a summertime party the rules may be a little more creatively inclined, but this event is at an art museum rather than a private party (which suggests a bit more formality might be in order).

Which museum?

bigbjorn · Jun 10, 2008

If the event is held after 6pm, I would interpret "festive" attire to mean a tuxedo for gentlemen.

dedalus275 · Jun 10, 2008

the event is at the MoMA (New York).
it does indeed start after 6.

Concordia · Jun 10, 2008

"Festive" is often used by weaselly committees that know some of their big donors hate black tie, but won't commit their event to being either formal or informal.

Realistically, it means what you'd wear on a really nice, not too serious night out. Black tie is, almost by definition, not expected in this case.

If you have a question, call one of the organizers and ask what was worn last year.

LabelKing · Jun 10, 2008

This is the perfect occasion to wear one of those fancy dinner jackets that were popular in the '60s.

unpainted huffheinz · Jun 10, 2008

Originally Posted by dedalus275

the event is at the MoMA (New York).
it does indeed start after 6.

Expensive but not necessarily well tailored suit or jacket and fancy shirt from the 'hip' section of Barney's will be what most of the men will wear. That cotton Paul Smith blazer with a zillion buttons on the sleeve will be out in force. There will be a few folks from the Mediterranean who will be oddly dressed but look good, and some unfortunate Americans who attempt to emulate them but look bad. Perhaps sleep in your outfit and put on a fresh shirt as you head out the door. Do not under any circumstance attempt to dress like you think artists dress.

AndrewRogers · Jun 10, 2008

Originally Posted by Concordia

"Festive" is often used by weaselly committees that know some of their big donors hate black tie, but won't commit their event to being either formal or informal.

Realistically, it means what you'd wear on a really nice, not too serious night out. Black tie is, almost by definition, not expected in this case.

If you have a question, call one of the organizers and ask what was worn last year.

I was invited to a bit of a do in Sweden earlier this year and this is the term they used and what they expected. The fact ten-pin bowling was involved later ruled out black tie, anyway!

chorse123 · Nov 16, 2009

Bumping up an old thread. Curious for opinions. I'm going to an event this week, or more accurately, the after party and am a little perplexed. The event is black tie. The after party is "festive attire." Do I wear my tux or something else? Most of my suits and sportcoats are more weekend/casual/country so I don't have an obvious option there.

imatlas · Nov 16, 2009

Originally Posted by chorse123

Bumping up an old thread. Curious for opinions. I'm going to an event this week, or more accurately, the after party and am a little perplexed. The event is black tie. The after party is "festive attire." Do I wear my tux or something else? Most of my suits and sportcoats are more weekend/casual/country so I don't have an obvious option there.

I take it you don't have any velvet or brocade DJs? If not, how about your tux with a colorful bowtie and square pairing?

FlaneurNYC · Nov 16, 2009

I think your DJ/tux would be fine. Most people will assume you also attended the event.

dedalus275 · Nov 16, 2009

Concordia and unpainted h were correct vis-a-vis the dress/vibe at the event I attended. I was dressed more stylishly than many of my younger cohorts in a classic blue blazer, white shirt, colorfully patterned slim (but not skinny) tie, decent summerweight dress pants and some AE shoes. almost no one wore a suit, save the people who would wear a slim suit to any gallery opening.

in essence, it seems a way to signal 'stylish' without requiring suit and tie.

as for your event, I'm sure many will keep their tux on from the event proper, which gives you an excuse to wear a tux - I think you should take it.

"festive" attire?

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