Black Tie

[EmbroJames]

So, I spend most of my days taking photos, working on websites, building bikes, traveling, riding... nothing that entails dressing well. Having said that, I do enjoy the art of looking the part and I spend an inordinate amount of time and money preening for events where dress is important. Said another way, I love a good suit and own a few that I wear all too infrequently.

That's the preamble to my issue. The wife and I are attending a black tie wedding for a dear friend on New Years. It's going to be great and I'm beginning to stress the details. I own a tux but it is really old and from a time when I weighed a lot more than I do now - it's ill-fitting and I don't want to get another. I also don't like the idea of renting.

I DO own a very nice and well-tailored black wool suit, with black vest, good dress shirt and classic bow tie. So... acceptable to wear for this event? Anything I can do to make this work?

[roseyscot]

If it's not acceptable, then I need something else too. Most important is not to look better than the kyler. He would never forgive that.

[echelon_john]

if you're within 25 pounds consider finding somebody to alter the tux. might be tough given the time of year, but as long as it's in decent shape and you liked it to begin with, no reason not to suck it in.

[chasea]

Wear the suit and the bowtie.

[caleb]

Wear the suit and the bowtie.

Yeah, I don't think black tie really requires a tuxedo anymore.

[RickM]

Yeah, I don't think black tie really requires a tuxedo anymore.

Only amongst the same people who wear jeans to church or sweatpants in public.

[chasea]

if you're within 25 pounds consider finding somebody to alter the tux. might be tough given the time of year, but as long as it's in decent shape and you liked it to begin with, no reason not to suck it in.

Suits can be tailored for about 15 pounds of weight loss. Over that, treat yo self.

[vertical_doug]

James,

It depends on the wording. If the invitation says 'Black Tie', then show up in a black tie or send regrets. If the wording is 'Black Tie Requested' then your black suit may suffice, but you also have to think about who else is attending. Why be the odd man out? Besides, dress is courtesy to the couple.

Assume the couple is putting tremendous effort into making it an exceptional evening. Respect their wishes and dress appropriately.

Douglas

[roseyscot]

James,

It depends on the wording. If the invitation says 'Black Tie', then show up in a black tie or send regrets. If the wording is 'Black Tie Requested' then your black suit may suffice, but you also have to think about who else is attending. Why be the odd man out? Besides, dress is courtesy to the couple.

Assume the couple is putting tremendous effort into making it an exceptional evening. Respect their wishes and dress appropriately.

Douglas

Knowing the audience, even if James wore the ill fitting tux, he'd still be ahead of most of the crowd. I'm going black suite, black tie.

[EmbroJames]

I know, Rosey... carnal sin.
The suit is nice and it fits well; the tux I own is kind of shitty and old. Main problem with the weight is the type: Tux was fitted when I was a swimmer, so my shoulders and upper body were huge at the time relative to my current cyclist physique, which is quite the opposite.

[echelon_john]

i smell new tux

[RIHans]

Suits can be tailored for about 15 pounds of weight loss. Over that, treat yo self.

A good tailor will fix you up.

A sharp tie, and buy some good shoes, a good look.
Get a haircut.

[EmbroJames]

Truth. I do need a haircut.