Black tie?

when is it appropriate to wear a black tie? I mean I just got one on impulse but it looked nice I guess, but now I kinda don't know what's it's appropriate for... it's got some subdued striped thing going on and it looked nice...

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33 Comments
 

At the club and that is probably it. Do note that I am not a stylist nor am I very fashion forward.

Regards

"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant, it's just that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Reagan
 

I wouldn't recommend a black tie for work. Funerals and fancy dinners only.

 

disagree with above, if it is not a "pure black" (just blank, complete, normal black), i think black tie can be great

i have 3-4 that i wear regularly (depending on the suit) i also wore black ties while i was interviewing etc.

however, my black ties always had some subtle texture or something special to it.. can't find links, but think: http://store-us.hugoboss.com/%276-cm-Tie%27-%7C-Slim%2C-Silk-Tonal-Textured-Finish/hbna50249520,en_US,pd.html&cgid=71146#!i%3D15%26color%3D418_Navy%26size%3DUS_PCS_

http://www.dolcegabbana.com/man/collection/dolce-and-gabbana-ss-2014-men-collection-02/

http://www.dolcegabbana.com/man/collection/dolce-and-gabbana-ss-2014-men-collection-05/

from my experience they are as good as any however, keep in mind that you need to combine them well with the suit texture etc.

 

In general, stay away from stark colors - especially blacks (no, this doesn't include shoes). The last thing you want to do is inspire drab feelings in your interviewer - while you don't want to blind them with your tie, a nice burgundy, yellow or blue goes a long way. For a few more tips, check out: http://www.bankonbanking.com/2009/09/09/a-banker%E2%80%99s-outfit-%E2%8…

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I have a notched lapel jacket, but the traditional route is peaked lapel. Wing collar is my shirt preference which is in line with the classic look. Strong preference toward cumberbunds over vests. Vests in my opinion look like something you'd wear to a high school prom. Also, self tie bow ties are a must. The clip-on pretied ones can make the best made tux look cheap.

 

Peaked lapel, marcella shirt, cummerbund and bow tie. Material of the cummerbund and bow tie should match the lapel facing of the jacket, which should be grosgrain silk. Traditional shirt collar for black tie - winged collars are traditionally only for white tie.

 
Best Response

Peaked Lapel is my preference, notched can look good but not traditional. Shawl is equally ok if you have the body for it, slender rather than broad shoulders.

Cummerbund or Vest, Cummerbund is better if you have some girth, vest if you are skinny/in shape. If you are in shape you have the option for either. As SNWH said the material should match from cummerbund to bow tie. 10 points if it is not clip on.*Only wear a bow tie, you are not some smug actor. The real goal is not to have the area below the buttons of the shirt show white. While a vest is traditional, the cummerbund was adopted from India during British Colonial times as a way to reduce perspiration and heat.

Shirt-White with standard collar. Winged is for white tie but nobody's counting it just depends on your face shape. No pleats on the shirt if you are again not skinny or athletic. Eton has some really nice shirts.

Braces/Suspenders- unless the tux has side tabs make sure they are black.

Pants - Actually have them sit on your waist, not your hips. I wear all other pants at my hips including jeans but not my tux.

Socks - Black silk over the calf. You can get pair a brooks brothers for like $20

Shoes - Tradition is patent leather, but a plain oxford(not brogues/derby) with a high shine will suffice and is equal to the patent leather.

*Use a small billfold or card case with your license, 1-2 credit cards and at least 500 in cash. Leave the metrocard at home.

Accessories- Wedding ring if applicable, watch strap should be leather not a rolex daytona or anything like it,

MOST IMPORTANT - Do not take your jacket off for whatever reason. I don't care how hot it is or if your moves are dope on the dance floor. Leave the jacket on for the sake of propriety. This isn't your frat formal and you are not going to roll up your sleeves singin Livin' on a Prayer. You will look that much better in pictures and you will not look like a drunken slob. Ever see a picture of Dean Martin, he was hammered in all of them but you can't tell because he looked like a gentleman.

(edit) Forgot to mention my favorite addition. If you are in the summer or in tropical climates by all means wear that white dinner jacket.

 

My standard setup / rig is a black one button tux with peak lapels, no back vent. Trousers are single pleated, and have a bit higher rise. Shirt is a white and made to use with studs and cufflinks, regular collar. I also have a deep U-style vest for it, but sometimes I just go for cummerbund. The tie is either a self-tied regular black, or black-on-black pattern. Shoes are black patent leather.

I also have some dinner jackets with pattern and some velvet loafers, that I'll use if it's something less formal than strict black tie.

 

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