Questions and Answers -- General Attire

[Yeps]

This worked really well in Hats, and I think it could work really well here to have a localized place to ask questions which would get short answers.

I have a quick question, what would you consider Cocktail Attire? I know this can range from suits to tuxes, and I am curious what you would consider the standard, both in modern times and in the golden era?

I am asking because I will likely be going to an event which said "Cocktail Attire Requested" whatever that means.

 

[fluteplayer07]

Where can I find a metal collar pin for less than $100?

I've always believed black and brown in an ensemble to be faux pax... So are light tan dress gloves with a black topcoat a no-no?

Can a white or ivory silk dress scarf be worn with more than just evening wear without being seen as overly pretentious? A suit and topcoat, or even dress trousers and a button down shirt?

 

[Edward_Lindey]

What is proper hat wear in an airport?

What do you do with your hat upon entering the water closet?

Edward

 

[Hap Hapablap]

Where, other than eBay, can I go about finding a leather pocket watch strap, worn in the jacket breast pocket? For instance, does any niche specialist make these new?

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

I, too, live and work in the metro DC area, where "business casual" is on display every day in it's shabby worst. If the sponsor of the party is an embassy, I would go with black tie, if it is a business, I think the invitation is trying to flag that "business casual" is not what's expected, and you ought to show up in a suit, wearing a tie.

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

An air port is a public place. Wear your hat until you are asked to put it in a plastic tray and run it through the X-ray machine.
As for toilets, I have only two hands and they are both usually involved in the matter for which I entered, so I wear my hat.

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

Since I don't feel that black-and-brown is a categorical no-no, you may not value my opinion on your question, but I would wear the glove and coat combination you described.

As for the scarf, wear it. If you are wearing a suit, tie, topcoat, and fedora would anyone think that the scarf was the proverbial straw? Now, I probably wouldn't wear a top hat on the subway, but a scarf isn't going to get you any stares that the aforementioned outfit would on its own.

 

[Tomasso]

"Cocktail Attire Requested" whatever that means.

That's a vague and vexing term these days. What used to be strictly suit and tie (I don't think it was ever Formal/Semi Formal) now seems to be open to individual interpretation by both host and guest. Generally, I'm in the If in doubt, overdress camp but of course one could always contact the host for clarification.

 

[Yeps]

I, too, live and work in the metro DC area, where "business casual" is on display every day in it's shabby worst. If the sponsor of the party is an embassy, I would go with black tie, if it is a business, I think the invitation is trying to flag that "business casual" is not what's expected, and you ought to show up in a suit, wearing a tie.

That's a vague and vexing term these days. What used to be strictly suit and tie (I don't think it was ever Formal/Semi Formal) now seems to be open to individual interpretation by both host and guest. Generally, I'm in the If in doubt, overdress camp but of course one could always contact the host for clarification.

Thanks, assuming I go, I will wear one of my favorite suits, but not a tux. Thanks.

*I say assuming I go, because it kinda depends on the gal at this point.

 

[The Good]

I am just curious, so I'll raise the question here. What do you think of pleated pants? How is one supposed to wear these at their best? Is a higher rise desirable to the medium rise you typically see in stores? I own three pleated chinos, but I was considering ordering one or two more without pleats, which is a part of the reason I ask here.

 

[scottyrocks]

I think that how one looks in pleats is more of a function of how, um, 'wide' one is. A very thin person would probably look better in medium rise, as high rise would further exaggerate the legs, unless thats what you want.

 

[kyboots]

I agree with Scotty. If you are young and thin then flat fronts. If you are a little older and especially a little bigger then pleated. I have a 34 inch waste but with my age I need pleats to smooth things out better. No one frowns on personal preference, but if you got the body ( male or female ) show it off. I pleat mine! John

 

[Yeps]

I thing pleats work best in high rise pants, and they just look off when the pants are at the hips. They allow for the pants to expand a little, which is great because the hips are generally wider than the waist, but there is not really anything wider below the hips, so if one wears the waistband there, there is nothing for it to need to pleats to expand over.

 

[Widebrim]

As stated, pleats help out heavier men, but even a lighter gent can look good with them. I agree that if you do go with pleats, don't do it with a lower waist line.

 

[Tomasso]

Pleated trousers (either forward or reverse) can work for most any physique but they really need to be fitted at your natural waist or higher. Flat fronts can be worn lower.

 

[The Good]

Alright, I went ahead and ordered the flat-front versions. Thanks for the advice. I thought I'd give flat-fronts a try, as I have been wearing pleats (mid-rise) for almost a year. Even my pleated pants are rather slim fit though, and tapered legged. In general, I have been gradually moving towards a slimmer look to accommodate my weight loss.

I suppose I should ask now if this green (with a hint of brown and grey) tweed jacket is versatile enough to go with the following colors; tan, silverbelly, and light grey?

To me it looks as if it can be worn with any of those hat colors. What do you think? Versatile enough? Versatility is very important as I have a limited budget for clothing.

 

[epr25]

Help Me Date This Shirt

Hi I found this shirt today. Sorry for the bad phone photos. I am thinking 50's 60's? but I am not that versed in men's tags to date by. The material is an odd woven jersey not polyester or anything 70'sish

 

[Undertow]

That's a vague and vexing term these days. What used to be strictly suit and tie (I don't think it was ever Formal/Semi Formal) now seems to be open to individual interpretation by both host and guest. Generally, I'm in the If in doubt, overdress camp but of course one could always contact the host for clarification.

Isn't that the truth. Anymore that could run the line of kahki's and button down to "tuxedo". I think you could play it safe with a midnight blue two piece, white button down with point collar, gold metals and black leathers. You'll appear conservative and sharp, but not entirely overdressed. (although I realize my answer was late and last to the others - so if this event has already taken place, please tell us how it went )

 

[Yeps]

(although I realize my answer was late and last to the others - so if this event has already taken place, please tell us how it went )

I was a bit behind schedule and didn't end up going, on account of being to late and not asking the young lady I was planning on taking.

 

[Yeps]

I suppose I should ask now if this green (with a hint of brown and grey) tweed jacket is versatile enough to go with the following colors; tan, silverbelly, and light grey?

To me it looks as if it can be worn with any of those hat colors. What do you think? Versatile enough? Versatility is very important as I have a limited budget for clothing.

I think that could definitely be worn with just about anything. I think a slightly darker jacket would be slightly more versatile, but that fits your criteria well. I would be careful of gray pants with it though.