Bow tie with 5 button waistcoat?

[Blaidd]

Just a thought. A white dress jacket, black waistcoat,or cummerbund, in the tropics ......”Red Sea rig” ......was an effective alternative in the past, but apart from James Bond, I am not at all sure if many civilians wear it these days.

Still worn extensively in the military messes for black tie events. For formal Regimental dinner nights, Serving members exchange their normal barathea mess jackets for a lighter white (cotton) version. (I agree though that in civilian circles, their occurrence is less prevalent).

[FossilHunter]

Yep, colored jackets fit right in with that retro 70's look that is so popular.

I have to point out that, even though other colors have fallen out of fashion, tuxedos in midnight blue have always been considered an acceptable alternative to black.

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic...ic_Tuxedos.htm

While black is the norm, midnight blue is also a classic. This extremely dark hue of navy blue achieved its popularity in the 1930s due to its ability to retain its richness under artificial light whereas black fabric is generally more reflective and can sometimes give off a greenish or grayish cast, particularly if the cloth is not brand new. For this reason midnight blue is frequently described as being "blacker than black" although "richer than black" would be a more accurate definition. Similarly, midnight blue has the upper hand at parties that start prior to sunset because black has a tendency to appear dull and lifeless in daylight. Sadly, such a garment is rarely offered in the ready-to-wear world and usually has to be obtained on a made-to-measure basis.

Even with contemporary style.

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Contemp...mp_Tuxedos.htm

Jacket Fabric

The Rules:

-black wool is the norm

-midnight blue is equally correct