We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Thanks again for all the responses - some really useful points and valid info. I certainly won’t be taking Boris Johnson’s lead sartorially or otherwise....
I have managed to borrow a tux jacket, waistcoat, (a brand new, unworn shirt) and bow tie from a family member. All I need now are some matching trousers.
One thing I’ve learned is that even if the jacket has satin lapels it’s not necessary for the trousers to have a matching stripe down the sides. Also, ‘black tie’ doesn’t mean the tie has to be black! The black bow tie I borrowed looks a bit basic so I may purchase a velvet one to add a bit of flair to the outfit. I saw a mannequin in Moss Bros that had a black tuxedo with a navy, velvet bow tie - it looked really smart.
Plenty of good advice already but worth adding that my experience of about 15 black tie events (some weddings, some not) were that at every one a decent proportion (maybe 10-20%) of the male guests just wore black suits with a dark tie.
A dress suit is different in style and many details from an ordinary suit, so if you haven't got one, an ordinary office suit, preferably dark and plain, with an ordinary shirt and tie, is correct. Do not try to wearing an ordinary suit with a bow tie or a dress shirt, it will just look wrong. This is a good reason for avoiding a black office suit.
