I don’t go around calling people losers for fun.Maybe learn to read the room.There has been no meanness or vitriol in this thread.
Advice on “black tie optional” wedding attire
- Thread starter Got GSPs
- Start date
This board needs an enema.
Way too much vitriol lately. This was a pretty simple question from a well known poster. Have a little fun, there's no need to get mean or anal retentive. In the words of the great Sgt. Hulka:
Direct your hate inward.
Speaking of European cruises. You ever done the European river cruises? There are a few we have looked at, however have never pulled trigger to date.
I’ve never done one. I think the onboard amenities for dining and entertainment are much more limited. Many people like them though. My last European trip was land based - Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria. My cruises have been in the Mediterranean, Norway, Canary Islands, and a Transatlantic Crossing from England to Florida. It’s all good - whatever you enjoy.
You think calling people you don't know a loser is "adult"? I never insulted your mother, its an expression that implies that even your mother can see the kind of person you are.
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I don’t want to ever go anywhere that a tuxedo is appropriate. I will never wear one, so buying one don’t make any sense.
Also, once you have had the honor of wearing Marine Corps Evening Dress uniform, a tux is a step down and sort of just ho hum.
You will be invited to a wedding or two in your day. Maybe a work function or charity event.
After the 3rd time of renting one in your life you will wish you had bought one.
I’d say that you’re making a big assumption there…I’ve never been to a black tie event in my life, and wouldn’t be surprised if I never do. If I bought a tuxedo, it would simply gather dust in my closet.
Likewise. I’ve rented a tux once. (Other than being part of a bridal party.)
I’m 54 years old and moderately successful. I have never been invited to a work function or charity event that required tuxedos. Thi is because I don’t work in a glamours industry (medical device quality) and the charities I support are local, not fabulous. From my experience when being part of a wedding party, everyone is required to rent the same exact tuxedo. I will make this vow, if I’m ever awarded the Nobel prize or Kennedy medal, I will buy a tuxedo.
He likes to post and then argue. It’s beyond weird
If I get an opportunity tomorrow to visit the Wayback Machine(ie archives) on the “old board” I can probably generate a dozen of similar examples.
The first one I remember was him asking about wedding ties for his own wedding.
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I asked for specific advice on making a non tuxedo suit work. I found the responses focused on this to be very helpful. The ones that try to convince me to buy a tuxedo, not so much.
Wife…What color should I paint this room?He likes to post and then argue. It’s beyond weird
If I get an opportunity tomorrow to visit the Wayback Machine(ie archives) on the “old board” I can probably generate a dozen of similar examples.
The first one I remember was him asking about wedding ties for his own wedding.
Me..Blue
Wife…I don’t like blue. I’m thinking red.
Me.. I think I’ll go and work in the yard.
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Well it’s pretty simple really. If you don’t want to wear a tuxedo you should buy a solid black suit and wear a white dress shirt and a black tie or bow tie. You’ll be fine and you won’t stand out. Keep it subdued.
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I believe you have just created a very deep rabbit hole to explore….
Mens' suits are one of the more complicated garments to purchase. Unlike casual clothing, it is doubtful that you will pick a suit off the rack and have it fit you perfectly. In addition to fit, you also want to choose the right colors and patterns. So, before you go to the store, get an idea of what you are looking for with the fit and style of your next suit. Read on for a few tips on how to buy a suit:
Suits are investments and designed to last, so you don’t want to end up with an entire closet of purple velvet or red plaid suits
WOW Nit,
I believe you have just created a very deep rabbit hole to explore….
Mens' suits are one of the more complicated garments to purchase. Unlike casual clothing, it is doubtful that you will pick a suit off the rack and have it fit you perfectly. In addition to fit, you also want to choose the right colors and patterns. So, before you go to the store, get an idea of what you are looking for with the fit and style of your next suit. Read on for a few tips on how to buy a suit:
Choosing your suit fabric
The most popular and versatile suit fabric is wool. Wool has the uncanny ability to keep you cool in summer, warm in winter and always looking sharp. It also breathes well, holds its shape and resists wrinkling in normal daily wear. You’ll find quality wool used in designer suits. There are other fabrics to choose from when buying a suit, depending on the occasion:- Linen suits are lightweight and casual. You will find this type of suit at summer weddings or in tropical climates. The downside to linen is that it wrinkles easily.
- Polyester suits are a cheaper alternative to wool; however, any suit made with polyester tends to be cheap in appearance. It also doesn’t breathe well, which can make these suits uncomfortable to wear.
Finding a comfortable suit jacket
There are many styles of suit jackets available that caters to different builds, sizes and styles. Here are just some of your choices when you buy a suit:- Single-breasted suits, as opposed to double-breasted, are more common. They feature a single row of buttons down the front. Double-breasted suits feature two rows of buttons. Double-breasted jackets are wider and more formal. This fashionable look and can be worn on any frame, but they visually flatter tall thin men.
- Similarly, two-button jackets are the most classic look. Three-button is more modern while one-button gives you an edgier look. No matter the number of buttons, check that the fabric isn’t tugging and stretching when the jacket is buttoned.
- For a proper fit, your suit jacket should cover your rear and sit flat on your back. Make sure it isn't puckering or pulling.
- The jacket’s sleeves should end at your wrist, and your shirt sleeves should stick out another half an inch to quarter inch. The jacket’s shoulders should fit your shoulders rather than squeeze too tightly or, alternatively, stick out.
- Make sure you can move comfortably in your jacket and that your arms have a wide range of motion.
Choose an appropriate style of pants
After you pay careful attention to the fit of the jacket, don’t overlook the pants. Suit pants wear differently than casual trousers. You want to wear these around your natural waist, not lower, and pay special attention to the hem. Follow this suit advice for trying on pants:- Suit pants should almost always have cuffs. The only exception is on short men; forgoing cuffs can help add the illusion of height. Otherwise, have your tailor add cuffs.
- Go with a slight or medium break. The break refers to the crease formed where the pants hit the top of the shoe, so make sure you’re wearing the shoes you’ll wear with the suit when you get fitted for the break. A medium break will bring the back of the pant leg about halfway down the heel of your shoe while a slight break brings the pant a little higher. There is also a full break, but that causes the pant to really bunch up at the shoe. Full breaks work best on tall men; a slighter break on these men would make their pants appear too short.
- Suit pants should sit at the waist. There is no such thing as "low-rise" suit pants!
Selecting colors and patterns
A suit that’s appropriate for a wedding can be very different from one you’ll wear to work or dinner. If you’re buying your first suit, get a plain navy suit or a navy suit with light pinstripes. This will be your most versatile suit. As you build your suit collection, add gray or black dress suits, then browns and earth tones. You can also include patterns like pinstripes, windowpanes and light plaids in your growing wardrobe. Stay away from fad colors and patterns.Suits are investments and designed to last, so you don’t want to end up with an entire closet of purple velvet or red plaid suits
Why waste the money on a black suit if the suit he has today will do just fine? Seems completely unnecessary to me (then again, as I stated earlier, I have zero experience with black tie events). Personally, I would have felt terrible if someone had felt the need to spend a bunch of $ on new clothes to simply attend my wedding. But maybe that’s just me.
I'm always amazed as to what types of advice that people seek here. If I ever need etiquette advice for a formal affair, I'm sure as hell not going to a sports forum for advice.
For one event? I live in York County, not Manhatten...
If you don't want to rent clothes, and you don't have clothes that meet the dress code, then don't go. It's not a big deal. Why make this about yourself? It's not your day or your party.
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I'm not trying to make this about me. The "optional" in black tie optional means it can be close to black tie. I'm trying very hard so that what I wear is close enough to not ruin the brides big day. Short of buying a tuxedo that I'll wear once in my life, I think im actually being pretty thoughtful. My wife doesn't even care what I wear...
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A black suit will always be appropriate for funerals later on, or any other time you want to be dressed up. For a nice dinner out or a party you can always wear a colorful tie or pocket square to change the look, or a striped or plaid shirt. It’s more versatile than the tuxedo will be for you apparently. Personally I’d still purchase a tuxedo because I prefer being overdressed rather than the reverse but I understand you’re not the tuxedo type, but the black suit works for everyone and you will fit right in.
I am amazed by the hate horse-a$$ being directed towards Got GSP over an innocuous question and topic. We desperately need football so we can direct the hate horse-a$$ where it belongs.
My wife doesn't even care what I wear...
A black suit will always be appropriate for funerals, sooner than later
We can always use the interim period between the BlueWhite game and the season opener pummeling my friend Jay.
Yes, I'm kicking myself for not getting a black suit first. I still have more weight to lose so part of me wants to hold off getting a new black suit.
I know i must be bringing it on myself, somehow, as other threads where people ask OT questions are subject to such hate or scrutiny. I'm annoying in person, I guess, and people just avoid me. Its easier to react harshly on a message board than in person... Maybe I should have a tailgate at the Blue White game and invite all of my haters. I'll give them food and drink and they can criticise me in person.
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He was asking if what he has in his closet today met the bar for “black tie optional”…in what way is he making it about himself? Or is the “optional” part actually code for “don’t show up if you’re not in a tux”?
With some of these replies, you’d think he asked if he could pull off black sweatpants for the event.
You are not going to ruin the bride's day. What you are wearing to the wedding will be about number 1000 on the list of things she is thinking about.
Very, very impressed that you can fit into a suit from over 30 years ago. Personally I have 30 and 40 year old Ties that still fit!
As for wearing a grey suit to a black tie optional event, don't sweat it. As long as you are not in the wedding party or a lot of pictures, I wouldn't worry. Wear your grey suit. In the slight chance you feel out of place, drink heavily. The bride has a lot more to worry about than the color of your suit.
Side note - I own two Tuxedos. Neither one fits. Now I rent. I wear my own shoes.
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