No, I do mean subcultures (class may be an additional factor is some cases) but I work in the area of psychological services and for some time in media and most of my contacts and acquaintances and friends are in publishing, journalism and the arts and I have never been to a function or event that required black tie or even a suit. Of course some folks - probably half (usually administrators or business people) - do wear suits to events, like fundraising dinners, openings and launches but they are certainly not compulsory.
The list goes on, but my main take away was that tattoos that may seem hip and edgy at a night club look absolutely atrocious with a formal ball gown!
I agree also that now, more than not, we will not see anyone horse whipped for being totally out of order in what they wear to attend a event that was requesting black tie attendance. I have personally observed individuals that would show up wearing casual attire to a black tie event...they left after a few minutes as I am sure they felt like a fish out of water, but no one took up an issue to them while they were present.One of the important things about black tie events is that, generally speaking, they are not compulsory to attend. Most events that do specify black tie, in my experience at least, have little issue letting people in wearing a dark lounge suit and neck tie because the organisers recognise that most people don't own a dinner suit, and it's always nicer for someone to turn up in a nice lounge suit that they keep for funerals, weddings etc. than a cheap rental dinner suit.
Define casual in this context.I agree also that now, more than not, we will not see anyone horse whipped for being totally out of order in what they wear to attend a event that was requesting black tie attendance. I have personally observed individuals that would show up wearing casual attire to a black tie event...they left after a few minutes as I am sure they felt like a fish out of water, but no one took up an issue to them while they were present.
brown shoes (eek!)