First black tie event

[auld argonian]

If you can find a formal wear joint you may just be able to buy the used vest for $10-20...that's about how much they soaked me for one. Then you'll just have it on hand...renting seems to get too costly. You may have to substitute the black satin buttons with the silver ones but Highland Express seems to have a good selection for cheap to reasonable.

Best

AA

[gilmore]

I agree with what Jock Scot said as to what would be correct. However, what is correct and what is appropriate at any event are not always the same thing. If most men will wear argyle jackets and five button vests, I would think seriously about wearing that also, even though it wouldn't be correct.

The safest thing to do is to ask some one for advice who goes to this event regularly.

Having said that, if you are going to wear black bow tie with a wing collar shirt, a three button vest would be consistent.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Formal evening wear (white tie or black tie) requires a low cut, three or four button vest.

Formal day wear (the equivalent of cutaway coat and striped trousers) requires a four-in-hand tie and a high cut, five or six button, vest.

There is only one person who has to be correctly attired at a formal occasion-- you! It doesn't matter how anyone else dresses; as long as you know the basic rules (and follow them) you will be dressed as well, or better, than most.

Flourishes are what set gentlemen apart from the herd-- your buckle shoes and a tiny sprig of Rock Ivy in your lapel will be quite stylish and are certainly flourish enough for any gentleman.

[Cherub]

I would have to agree with McMurdo on the Lapel Pin, there are only two times I would wear one, one is a Professional Association Meeting when I wear the CPA (Canadian Payroll Assoc.) pin or when I'm out of the country then I wear the Flag (Maple Leaf).


Otherwise I just don't care for them although in my travels i've obtained like 20 different ones.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I'll side with the Argyle, but add that you must wear a vest with the formal shirt and bow tie. Also that will mean no dress belt. The clan veggie in the lapel is fine, but no clan crest pin. I will wear my Navy veteran's pin but leave the veggie for the bonnet (which stays with the hat check lassie.)

Spend the rental money on a buying an "experienced" three button vest and a nice corsage for your date. Also she should wear tartan only if she has one of her own.

Have a great time and send us all pics!

[Kerr the Walker]

Not sure where I learned this in my travels, but I was taught that a wing collar was for "white tie" and "black tie" called for a lay-down, point collar.

Personally, I think it'll look sharp either way, but figured I'd throw it out there.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Not sure where I learned this in my travels, but I was taught that a wing collar was for "white tie" and "black tie" called for a lay-down, point collar.

With white tie a wing collar is a "must wear" item. It is optional, however, and perfectly acceptable with black tie.

[beloitpiper]

Ok, so I got my bow tie from the rental place, along with a low waistcoat (unfortunately, 4-button, but it still looks good), and I ordered some square buttons that match the ones on my jacket to replace the black ones already on the waistcoat.

Thanks for your help, guys. I'll be sure to take lots of photos!

[McMurdo]

cool Greg, thanks for the update

[Alan H]

Ok, so I got my bow tie from the rental place, along with a low waistcoat (unfortunately, 4-button, but it still looks good), and I ordered some square buttons that match the ones on my jacket to replace the black ones already on the waistcoat.

Thanks for your help, guys. I'll be sure to take lots of photos!

Try to have fun, too.