Black Tie

[EmbroJames]

So, I spend most of my days taking photos, working on websites, building bikes, traveling, riding... nothing that entails dressing well. Having said that, I do enjoy the art of looking the part and I spend an inordinate amount of time and money preening for events where dress is important. Said another way, I love a good suit and own a few that I wear all too infrequently.

That's the preamble to my issue. The wife and I are attending a black tie wedding for a dear friend on New Years. It's going to be great and I'm beginning to stress the details. I own a tux but it is really old and from a time when I weighed a lot more than I do now - it's ill-fitting and I don't want to get another. I also don't like the idea of renting.

I DO own a very nice and well-tailored black wool suit, with black vest, good dress shirt and classic bow tie. So... acceptable to wear for this event? Anything I can do to make this work?

[roseyscot]

If it's not acceptable, then I need something else too. Most important is not to look better than the kyler. He would never forgive that.

[echelon_john]

if you're within 25 pounds consider finding somebody to alter the tux. might be tough given the time of year, but as long as it's in decent shape and you liked it to begin with, no reason not to suck it in.

[chasea]

Wear the suit and the bowtie.

[chasea]

if you're within 25 pounds consider finding somebody to alter the tux. might be tough given the time of year, but as long as it's in decent shape and you liked it to begin with, no reason not to suck it in.

Suits can be tailored for about 15 pounds of weight loss. Over that, treat yo self.

[vertical_doug]

James,

It depends on the wording. If the invitation says 'Black Tie', then show up in a black tie or send regrets. If the wording is 'Black Tie Requested' then your black suit may suffice, but you also have to think about who else is attending. Why be the odd man out? Besides, dress is courtesy to the couple.

Assume the couple is putting tremendous effort into making it an exceptional evening. Respect their wishes and dress appropriately.

Douglas

[caleb]

Wear the suit and the bowtie.

Yeah, I don't think black tie really requires a tuxedo anymore.

[EmbroJames]

I know, Rosey... carnal sin.
The suit is nice and it fits well; the tux I own is kind of shitty and old. Main problem with the weight is the type: Tux was fitted when I was a swimmer, so my shoulders and upper body were huge at the time relative to my current cyclist physique, which is quite the opposite.

[echelon_john]

i smell new tux

[chasea]

The well-fitting suit or a new tux. The old tux will make you look like an asshole, and your hosts will think you're mocking them. No one will miss the satin stripe on your pants.

[echelon_john]

Chase--Where would you recommend going for a tux for a guy who's not at the top of the bell curve (6'6") and doesn't want to spend a ton on something that will get worn <5 times/year?

[roseyscot]

James,

It depends on the wording. If the invitation says 'Black Tie', then show up in a black tie or send regrets. If the wording is 'Black Tie Requested' then your black suit may suffice, but you also have to think about who else is attending. Why be the odd man out? Besides, dress is courtesy to the couple.

Assume the couple is putting tremendous effort into making it an exceptional evening. Respect their wishes and dress appropriately.

Douglas

Knowing the audience, even if James wore the ill fitting tux, he'd still be ahead of most of the crowd. I'm going black suite, black tie.

[jerk]

Just wear the black suit. Buy a new tuxedo shirt and fuck the bow tie. Wear a regular tie.

[EmbroJames]

Like one of those tuxedo t-shirts? You have one I can borrow???

[christian]

A lounge suit is not a dinner suit (tuxedo in the US). If the invitation states "black tie," the expectation is you'll be in a dinner suit - faced lapels and bow tie of the same fabric, satin striped trouser, vest or cummerbund, semi-formal shirt with studs. Patent bals or opera slippers. I prefer turn-down to wing collars, but that's really your only opportunity to express a preference. Rent or borrow proper attire if you don't want to buy.

And for f*cks sake don't wear a long tie with a dinner suit. You're not some shitty actor at the oscars.

[jerk]

Like one of those tuxedo t-shirts? You have one I can borrow???

I do lowbrow better than most. I do highbrows better than most....but alas, no I do not have a tuxedo pro Ted tshirt.

James- you can do an edgy black shirt appropriate look with a black suit, a tuxedo shirt and a black tie. Leacethe vest and the Paul Simon Jr. Senator from Minnesota bow tie at home. Oh! And wear really, really expensive shoes.

[RIHans]

Suits can be tailored for about 15 pounds of weight loss. Over that, treat yo self.

A good tailor will fix you up.

A sharp tie, and buy some good shoes, a good look.
Get a haircut.

[EmbroJames]

Truth. I do need a haircut.

[Ben]

If you're worrying about the propriety of the suit on a message board full of strangers who can't see you and who are likely in their underwear, how much more so among your social circle, who will all be wearing dinner suits. Don't wear the black tie for them - wear it so you won't be thinking about what you're wearing. That was one of the primary reasons the dinner suit came into being, after all: so men wouldn't have to worry about the propriety of their dress.

Spending other people's money is fun.

[chasea]

You could just call them and ask.