The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[NeedForTweed123]



Toning the ruffles down, imo, would certainly help. I also might explore a turndown collar.  I'm not saying that's necessarily better, just that I'd try to draw or photoshop it or something to see.  I wonder if it might make the shirt stand out just a bit less.  I guess that depends on the popularity of wing collars at the events you attend.  My thinking is that the ruffles could then be the only part of the shirt making a statement, rather than having the collar announce the shirt, and then the ruffles pipe it in.

Yeah I wouldn't replicate that exact shirt. I just wanted to take the shirt body elements and apply them to a tuxedo shirt to create an interesting yet stylish alternative to the usual tuxedo shirt.

 

[TimelesStyle]



to create an interesting yet stylish alternative to the usual tuxedo shirt.

The last person to do this successfully was the person who introduced pleats in lieu of a marcella bib. Many have tried in the intervening decades and trust us, it doesn't work.

I would assume anyone who showed up at a black tie event in a ruffled shirt was doing so as an attempt at humor; trust us, it's not a stylish look. It's really quite ugly and, in fact, truly detracts from the angular simplicity which makes black tie so elegant in the first place.

 

[LabelKing]

http://www.styleforum.net/t/47269/charvet-ruffled-formal-shirt

 

[NeedForTweed123]



http://www.styleforum.net/t/47269/charvet-ruffled-formal-shirt

This is more of what I had in mind. It seems that everyone is averse to the idea. I understand the desire for traditionalism when it comes to black tie, and I would normally never think about getting creative with it, but I still think a stiff front with small ruffles on the sides can look interesting and elegant. I also understand the very negative connotations that come with ruffles thanks to the 70's. I don't know, it seems that I'm in the wrong on this one. Must just be a personal difference with the majority against me lol.

 

[culverwood]



You see them at the old school European bespoke shirtmakers. I saw one at Charvet a few visits ago that was just finished for some Count or Prince. It was beautiful. They get worn mostly by the older gents at private affairs, though I have spotted them in the wild on the backs of various rockers and fashion types. Personally, I don't see a problem with them.

I suspect the ones you saw were for some sort of ceremonial use or livery.

On the other hand I wonder if the 70's style ruffle will ever return. Those were the days - big velvet lapels and bows and coloured ruffled shirts.

 

[LabelKing]



This is more of what I had in mind. It seems that everyone is averse to the idea. I understand the desire for traditionalism when it comes to black tie, and I would normally never think about getting creative with it, but I still think a stiff front with small ruffles on the sides can look interesting and elegant. I also understand the very negative connotations that come with ruffles thanks to the 70's. I don't know, it seems that I'm in the wrong on this one. Must just be a personal difference with the majority against me lol.

I have a light blue silk one that was made by Turnbull & Asser. I wear it with a black mohair 2x1 double breasted tuxedo by Edward Sexton.

 

[NeedForTweed123]



I have a light blue silk one that was made by Turnbull & Asser. I wear it with a black mohair 2x1 double breasted tuxedo by Edward Sexton.

And what is the general reaction to this? (also that is not a jab or meant sarcastically)

 

[TimelesStyle]

I think the bigger question is what kind of events he wears it to. It's one thing to just wear to cocktail parties which don't specify a dress code and another to use for true black tie functions.

 

[culverwood]

Have you seen LabelKing?

 

[Tried and True]



Have you seen LabelKing?

I'm not sure........

Wait, is this the guy?

I keed, I keed, I'm a big fan of LK.

 

[culverwood]

Not quite.

 

[NeedForTweed123]



I think the bigger question is what kind of events he wears it to. It's one thing to just wear to cocktail parties which don't specify a dress code and another to use for true black tie functions.

Then what about a shirt in this style for non black tie events?

 

[nyarkies]

No?

 

[Lensmaster]

I remember seeing pictures from the early 60's of white shirts with very small ruffles, two rows spaced out on either side. Not something I would wear but with an otherwise traditional tux it might be interesting, as long as you weren't wearing it to a very traditional event. And you have to be ready to be noticed.

 

[ImTheGroom]

I remember seeing pictures from the early 60's of white shirts with very small ruffles, two rows spaced out on either side. Not something I would wear but with an otherwise traditional tux it might be interesting, as long as you weren't wearing it to a very traditional event. And you have to be ready to be noticed.

Some of these make appearances in Mad Men at an awards ceremony.