The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[EriQ009]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that velvet slippers with formal attire are appropriate only when the event is at one's own home. As in, you are the host and the party is at your house.

Black velvet slippers, sometimes called "Prince Albert Slippers" are a historically-proper alternative to pumps and patent oxfords. There's a famous picture of Cary Grant, sitting cross-legged in a tux with black penny loafers, several pages back in this thread - search for Cary Grant and you'll find it. A well-polished black plain captoe (i.e. AE Park Avenue) or wholecut would likely suffice as well.

 

[musicmax]



Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that velvet slippers with formal attire are appropriate only when the event is at one's own home. As in, you are the host and the party is at your house.

That is the preferred environment; I read an "I don't care if I break the rules" air in the OP's query. The robustness of the slipper's sole will dictate its suitability to domestic or public use.

 

[EriQ009]

Just another example of something that was once de rigeur and has since fallen by the wayside. Whereas men used to don black tie or white-tie simply because it was after 6, one now seemingly requires particular occasion or strict commandment.

Well, I cannot speak to other's social circumstances, but I will say that there's no way this makes universal sense. Of the dozen or so weddings I've been to over the past few years, most have been at night, and in no instance did anyone wear black tie unless instructed to.

 

[aravenel]



Whereas men used to don black tie or white-tie simply because it was after 6, one now seemingly requires particular occasion or strict commandment.

 

[unbelragazzo]



Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that velvet slippers with formal attire are appropriate only when the event is at one's own home. As in, you are the host and the party is at your house.

I think even "the rules" allow also for an event at one's club. But it's definitely a casualification, intended for a more familiar environment.

 

[Butler]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that velvet slippers with formal attire are appropriate only when the event is at one's own home. As in, you are the host and the party is at your house.

That is the preferred environment; I read an "I don't care if I break the rules" air in the OP's query. The robustness of the slipper's sole will dictate its suitability to domestic or public use.

Perhaps you are thinking of the velvet smoking jacket (and not the velvet dinner ditto), which is only accepted in one's home or club - the Albert slipper, with the above proviso, is ok outside these locations.

 

[unbelragazzo]



Perhaps you are thinking of the velvet smoking jacket (and not the velvet dinner ditto), which is only accepted in one's home or club - the Albert slipper, with the above proviso, is ok outside these locations.

FWIW, BTG says only for private events:

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Alternatives.htm

Footwear

The classic alternative in black-tie footwear is the elegant evening slipper. Also known as the Prince Albert slipper, this soigné accent is made of velvet with leather soles and features a grosgrain bow or a motif or the wearer’s initials embroidered in gold. These slippers share the same dark colors as the smoking jacket with which they make a perfect pairing. Like the smoking jacket, they are appropriate only for private occasions.

Formal hose can have a clock design that is either self-colored or of a contrasting color to match another accessory. However, the latter option should be used with discretion.

 

[Alcibiades]



Did anyone notice President Obama's "White Tie"? Two-Button, Notched Lapel, Cumberbund? The list goes on.

I don't think Obama is attempting to wear "white tie" here... He is simply wearing a white tie in otherwise basic black tie / "formal" ensemble. I doubt any of the invitations stipulated white tie If you have a tuxedo, you can probably safely wear it to any evening wedding regardless of what the invite says (unless the invite specifically says "no black tie" or something like that). People appreciate tuxedos at social events.

 

[TheFoo]

Who can say what Obama is attempting do in that getup?

 

[unbelragazzo]



Who can say what Obama is attempting do in that getup?

It had a center vent too

 

[recondite]

Correct form (to-day):

You specify the correct dress code for the occasion (day/night etc.) and include a voucher to the local rental place for a free rental (of course the rental place are instructed to only supply correct attire, in case of guests potential requests for coloured bows etc.)

One includes the cost in the overall wedding budget.

Uh, it is not proper form to indicate a dress code on a formal invitation for anything other than a costume ball or the like.

Informally, you can do as you wish however.

Guests should know proper attire based on the time of day. It is a sad testimony about our culture that your guests may not understand what is correct.

 

[MrDaniels]

About ten years ago I was working at a major Park Avenue wedding. It was Black Tie Stipulated. Every male guest was in reasonable to flawless Black Tie. Except there was one male guest brought along as a date, and I hate to say this...but...he was clearly not of the social class of the other people invited. Frankly, he was probably not even close to the social status of most of the waiters. He was wearing a cheap, tan, poorly-fitting three-piece suit and OH BOY did he stand out like a sore thumb and you could just sense how uncomfortable he was.

 

[FlaneurNYC]

^ That guy was one of the presenters at the James Beard Awards last year. But he ditched the vest for that event.

 

[TheFoo]



Uh, it is not proper form to indicate a dress code on a formal invitation for anything other than a costume ball or the like.

Informally, you can do as you wish however.

Guests should know proper attire based on the time of day. It is a sad testimony about our culture that your guests may not understand what is correct.

I don't think this is true in the U.S.

As for Europe? Well, get back to me when you turnaround your socialist decay.

Actually, now that I think about it, the invitation to Rubinacci's 10-year anniversary party at the Italian embassy in London stipulated a dress code. But maybe that was for the benefit of his unruly American clients.

 

[Van Veen]



Uh, it is not proper form to indicate a dress code on a formal invitation for anything other than a costume ball or the like.

Informally, you can do as you wish however.

Guests should know proper attire based on the time of day. It is a sad testimony about our culture that your guests may not understand what is correct.

In the US, the mason jar is the ne plus ultra of wedding decor. This is perfectly acceptable wedding dress:

Spoiler: Warning: Can't be unseen!

It's may be a sad testimony about our culture, but it's the reality. There's no such thing as a standard, cultural dress code anymore except for in business settings. (Can't speak to other cultures.)