Black Tie Event - No Tux

jakeyt · Nov 5, 2010

So my girlfriend's parents are having this black tie event for some people doing this charity donation thing. I only own

- 1 black suit that is now too big for me (I lifted hard weights and stopped so I lost the weight)
- 1 brand new dark navy pinstripe suit, 1 vent
- 1 charcoal grey suit, 2 vents
- white shirts, cuffs
- white shirt with minor check
- light blue shirt
- off color white shirt
- blue tie with geometric design on it
- yellow tie with geometric design on it
- darker gold/black tie with geo design on it
- brown shoes and black shoes

I don't have money to splurge on a tux and never wear one. The last time I wore a suit or anything formal was to my girlfriend's friends wedding. I don't wear one for work ever.

Any thoughts? I was thinking about going out and getting a solid grey tie.

intent · Nov 5, 2010

Don't go.

jakeyt · Nov 5, 2010

Well, they invited me.

landshark · Nov 5, 2010

Your girlfriend's wedding? Are you her mistress?

Mark from Plano · Nov 5, 2010

Originally Posted by jakeyt

So my girlfriend's parents are having this black tie event for some people doing this charity donation thing. I only own

- 1 black suit that is now too big for me (I lifted hard weights and stopped so I lost the weight)
- 1 brand new dark navy pinstripe suit, 1 vent
- 1 charcoal grey suit, 2 vents
- white shirts, cuffs
- white shirt with minor check
- light blue shirt
- off color white shirt
- blue tie with geometric design on it
- yellow tie with geometric design on it
- darker gold/black tie with geo design on it
- brown shoes and black shoes

I don't have money to splurge on a tux and never wear one. The last time I wore a suit or anything formal was to my girlfriend's wedding. I don't wear one for work ever.

Any thoughts? I was thinking about going out and getting a solid grey tie.

Don't sweat it. Go with the charcoal grey suit, and white shirt and black shoes. If you have a couple of extra bucks go buy a formal tie such as a black/white glen plaid. If you're going to go with the ties you have at least give us some pics so we can evaluate. Either way, buy a linen pocket square and fold in a TV fold (you'll find instructions on the web).

Mainly, have fun.

hypostatic · Nov 5, 2010

If it says black tie, don't go unless you're in black tie - you'll otherwise feel uncomfortable all night about everyone staring at you and being the odd one out, even if you aren't.

I strongly suggest you just rent a tux for the night. It's better than nothing! If you don't have too many black tie events, get yourself a black velvet jacket and tuxedo pants, and that way you can still wear the jacket on other occasions.

JLibourel · Nov 5, 2010

Originally Posted by hypostatic

If it says black tie, don't go unless you're in black tie - you'll otherwise feel uncomfortable all night about everyone staring at you and being the odd one out, even if you aren't.

I strongly suggest you just rent a tux for the night. It's better than nothing! If you don't have too many black tie events, get yourself a black velvet jacket and tuxedo pants, and that way you can still wear the jacket on other occasions.

Aren't you aware that renting a tux is a most heinous breach of the iGent Code?

Seriously, it would seem to be most sensible solution under the circumstances.

Captain Winky · Nov 6, 2010

Tell the GF that you're not comfortable going sans penguin suit and see what she says. If she says it's no big deal then forget about it. If she offers to spring for a rental, push for her to buy you one; see how much she really loves you

.

I would, however, check out stores like Jos. A Bank and see if you can just buy one cheap. I also saw one at H&M of all places last season for under $200. It was a shawl collar and I really wish I'd bought it as sort of a beater tux, for the price it was quite nice looking.

cbbuff · Nov 6, 2010

When is it and where do you live?

SuitMyself · Nov 6, 2010

What I do not understand is why you listed what you own and not just simply say you do not own a tuxedo.

????????

Originally Posted by jakeyt

So my girlfriend's parents are having this black tie event for some people doing this charity donation thing. I only own

- 1 black suit that is now too big for me (I lifted hard weights and stopped so I lost the weight)
- 1 brand new dark navy pinstripe suit, 1 vent
- 1 charcoal grey suit, 2 vents
- white shirts, cuffs
- white shirt with minor check
- light blue shirt
- off color white shirt
- blue tie with geometric design on it
- yellow tie with geometric design on it
- darker gold/black tie with geo design on it
- brown shoes and black shoes

I don't have money to splurge on a tux and never wear one. The last time I wore a suit or anything formal was to my girlfriend's friends wedding. I don't wear one for work ever.

Any thoughts? I was thinking about going out and getting a solid grey tie.

OakCreekHitter · Nov 6, 2010

Black tie means wear a black tie/bowtie!
No mooks allowed pretty much. SO stay home if you don't want to rent a tux at Men's wearhouse! George Zimmer always says "We'll GUARANTEE IT!"

cbbuff · Nov 6, 2010

Originally Posted by SuitMyself

What I do not understand is why you listed what you own and not just simply say you do not own a tuxedo.

????????

Ummm, the title of the thread?

jobro · Nov 6, 2010

You should obtain black tie dress for this black tie event.

Matt S · Nov 6, 2010

Try eBay. There are a lot of proper dinner suits for sale there. You can find a well made used one for very little.

SuitMyself · Nov 6, 2010

Originally Posted by SuitMyself

What I do not understand is why you listed what you own and not just simply say you do not own a tuxedo.

????????

Originally Posted by cbbuff

Ummm, the title of the thread?

When I read the title of this thread the first time, I thought the OP meant a black tie event that does NOT require a tuxedo.

Again, I must state this: What I do not understand is why you listed what you own and not just simply say you do not own a tuxedo.

Black Tie Event - No Tux

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