I need help fast!

[DustyMan]

On the 20th I have to attend an end of the year party for my fiancé’s workplace. I am a greasy mechanic, and a fashion/style rube. I have this cheap tweed blazer that I’ll need to try to have altered if there’s time because I believe it’s too tight (had it since before I lost my boyish figure). I would love advice on what pants and shoes to wear. I only have a pair of brown loafers and black oxford cap toe shoes, so I think I’ll need to buy shoes for the occasion. I have a maroon dress shirt or a plain white one. I plan to match her dress with a bow tie (clip ons are all I have) and pocket square. I don’t know what color dress she is going to wear though. I don’t want to look like a dork that tried to get dressed up and is clueless (I am), and I want to look sharp. I hate events where I hardly know anyone, and want to feel confident. Enlighten me, gentlemen.

 

[mhip]

A sport coat with elbow patches really isn't going to lend itself to a bowtie, I'd scratch that idea.
Hard to really tell the color of that.
When you take it in for tailoring, bend the tailor's ear about shirt and slacks.
Mine sells them both, maybe yours will too.
As for shoes, when in doubt wear the darker pair.

 

[DustyMan]

A sport coat with elbow patches really isn't going to lend itself to a bowtie, I'd scratch that idea.
Hard to really tell the color of that.
When you take it in for tailoring, bend the tailor's ear about shirt and slacks.
Mine sells them both, maybe yours will too.
As for shoes, when in doubt wear the darker pair.

Oh God, I wore that coat with a bow tie on stage at my grandfather’s funeral. 😑 This is why I need help! Thank you for the advice.

 

[mhip]

Oh God, I wore that coat with a bow tie on stage at my grandfather’s funeral. 😑 This is why I need help! Thank you for the advice.

Don't sweat it, funerals are a different deal.
I don't know the level of function you're going to, but other than black tie, every event I've been to has had someone show up in jeans. So if you at least wear some chinos or decent trousers with that jacket and a button down shirt, you'll be ahead of the game.
If you need it quick and cheap and are near a mall, visit a Uniqlo.

Fit is king, whatever they turn out to be, get the trousers hemmed.

 

[DustyMan]

Don't sweat it, funerals are a different deal.
I don't know the level of function you're going to, but other than black tie, every event I've been to has had someone show up in jeans. So if you at least wear some chinos or decent trousers with that jacket and a button down shirt, you'll be ahead of the game.
If you need it quick and cheap and are near a mall, visit a Uniqlo.

Fit is king, whatever they turn out to be, get the trousers hemmed.

I appreciate it. The invitation says coat and tie. There’s not a Uniqlo near me, but tomorrow I’m going to hit the mall and call the tailor. I think I’ll look for some black chinos, and a different pair of shoes.

 

[William Kazak]

Is their something wrong with your black cap toe shoes? They are classics. I would not bother to match colors with your lady. No bow tie, please. Get yourself a new blazer. Wool trousers to go with that. How about a suit and a tie?

 

[DustyMan]

Is their something wrong with your black cap toe shoes? They are classics. I would not bother to match colors with your lady. No bow tie, please. Get yourself a new blazer. Wool trousers to go with that. How about a suit and a tie?

No, they’re in good condition. I saw multiple people in another thread saying they should only be worn with a suit. I’ve been wanting a blue suit for some time now. I guess this would be a good excuse to pull the trigger, but budget is limited. I could only spend about $200 right now.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

I wouldn't get black chinos.

I'd consider some charcoal wool trousers to dress the jacket up or tan or olive chinos for something a bit more casual.

I'd go for the white shirt along with a sober (navy blue?) necktie (not a bowtie).

Black oxfords will work with wool trousers. The loafers might be better if you opt for chinos.

 

[mhip]

No, they’re in good condition. I saw multiple people in another thread saying they should only be worn with a suit. I’ve been wanting a blue suit for some time now. I guess this would be a good excuse to pull the trigger, but budget is limited. I could only spend about $200 right now.

This is about as cheap as you'll ever find a suit that you won't regret buying. Italian fabric, plus they're sold as separates, so you can dial in your waist size on the pants easier.

Signature Italian Nailhead Suit Jacket | Banana Republic

Shop Banana Republic's Signature Italian Nailhead Suit Jacket: A textile mastery, our designers spent three years engineering the perfect fit, crafted here in a luxurious wool fabric in a nailhead texture from Italy's renowned Reda Mill. Finished with signature pickstitch details and specially...

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Signature Italian Nailhead Suit Pant | Banana Republic

Shop Banana Republic's Signature Italian Nailhead Suit Pant: Legendary workwear. Three years of research went into perfecting the fit for these tapered pants, crafted here in a luxurious wool fabric in a nailhead texture from Italy's renowned Reda Mill. With enhanced stretch for movement and...

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