Question for the guys

[Feanor727]

Cut, finish, and accessories. See the wikipedia article for details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuxedo

 

[AstroManLuca]

Originally posted by: Farang
t-shirt tux, boxers, and flip flops

edit: and cowboy hat

Damn, beaten on the very first reply!

EDIT: Oh shit they have tux boxers now! Text

 

[Tiamat]

Formal = Full suit w/ tie in my books.

 

[Feanor727]

Originally posted by: Ns1

In common practice, formal =/= black tie

It really depends on one's culture and class. Among classes of unwashed heathens, yes -- formal is anything dressier than khakis and a polo shirt with a popped collar. On the chance, though, that the OPs host is not a philistine, I felt it necessary to combat the misinformation being spread.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: Feanor727

Originally posted by: Ns1

In common practice, formal =/= black tie

It really depends on one's culture and class. Among classes of unwashed heathens, yes -- formal is anything dressier than khakis and a polo shirt with a popped collar. On the chance, though, that the OPs host is not a philistine, I felt it necessary to combat the misinformation being spread.

lol, sorry for being such a heathen. You must hang around politicians and assorted international dignitaries. I refer you to this post above yours.

Originally posted by: Fritzo
Formal means a suit. Black tie means tux. Don't get a tux unless it specifically says it...been there, done that, spent the whole night with people calling me Bond...James Bond.

 

[BW86]

suit

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Feanor727
Everyone here (except perhaps for the OP) is an unwashed heathen!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formal_attire

Showing up to an event requiring Formal Attire wearing a "business suit" == Massive FAIL

Although, if the person hosting the event is similarly barbaric, perhaps a "business suit" wouldn't been entirely out of place. Of course, neither would a tuxedo t-shirt, or 40s of malt liquor....

I get invited to a dozen of these a year. Trust me, it basically means "wear a tie."

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: Feanor727

Originally posted by: Ns1

In common practice, formal =/= black tie

It really depends on one's culture and class. Among classes of unwashed heathens, yes -- formal is anything dressier than khakis and a polo shirt with a popped collar. On the chance, though, that the OPs host is not a philistine, I felt it necessary to combat the misinformation being spread.

Hell yeah. Unless I'm trying to impress someone I'll gladly wear a bright orange shirt, blue tie, navy blazer and dress khakis. Anyone who thinks they're higher class because they wear slightly more expensive clothing can go fuck themselves.

 

[nakedfrog]

I'd wear a shirt with buttons & collar, and slacks. Or not go.

 

[Adam8281]

tophat, cane, monacle

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
I'd wear a shirt with buttons & collar, and slacks. Or not go.

 

[EvilYoda]

I'd offer to let him borrow something but I have a feeling that we're not quite the same size. I've got suits to spare. Nice ones too, that I never get to wear anymore

 

[Feanor727]

Originally posted by: irishScott


Hell yeah. Unless I'm trying to impress someone I'll gladly wear a bright orange shirt, blue tie, navy blazer and dress khakis. Anyone who thinks they're higher class because they wear slightly more expensive clothing can go fuck themselves.

As appealing as masturbation is...

It's not about cost. I would be willing to bet that I can purchase a tuxedo for the same or less money than your... erm.... more colorful ensemble. It's about the propriety of following your host's instructions.

Although, based on the responses of NS1 and Fritzo, perhaps the host of this delightful little barn-raisin' deserves a speech on the benefits of proper usage...

Really. Formal means formal, damnit; and a suit is just... not... formal.

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: Adam8281
tophat, cane, monacle

and nothing else!

 

[queenrobot]

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: Adam8281
tophat, cane, monacle

and nothing else!

As funny as I think that would be, I doubt the host of the party or my husbands boss would appreciate it.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Feanor727
Everyone here (except perhaps for the OP) is an unwashed heathen!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formal_attire

Showing up to an event requiring Formal Attire wearing a "business suit" == Massive FAIL

Although, if the person hosting the event is similarly barbaric, perhaps a "business suit" wouldn't been entirely out of place. Of course, neither would a tuxedo t-shirt, or 40s of malt liquor....

I get invited to a dozen of these a year. Trust me, it basically means "wear a tie."

Same. I'm thinking Feanor is more interested in proving that he's not an "unwashed heathen" or a "philistine" or "barbaric" than make a point.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: queenrobot

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: Adam8281
tophat, cane, monacle

and nothing else!

As funny as I think that would be, I doubt the host of the party or my husbands boss would appreciate it.

Fine, fine, he can also wear a tube sock.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Actually formal attire does mean a tux. Business attire would be a regular suit.

Jos A Bank website link to "formal wear".

It would be really embarassing to show up in business attire to a formal attire event.
Might as well just wear jeans since you will stick out the same.

 

[tk149]

Originally posted by: Ns1
formal attire = full suit
black tie = tux

Actually, I always heard

formal attire = tux
semi-formal = full suit

But times change, and U.S. culture is less formal now. Although I think if you're hanging out with wealthy New Englanders, "Formal" still equals Tux.

OP, call the party organizer and find out for sure.

 

[Feanor727]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
Actually formal attire does mean a tux. Business attire would be a regular suit.

Jos A Bank website link to "formal wear".

It would be really embarassing to show up in business attire to a formal attire event.
Might as well just wear jeans since you will stick out the same.

Originally posted by: tk149

Originally posted by: Ns1
formal attire = full suit
black tie = tux

Actually, I always heard

formal attire = tux
semi-formal = full suit

But times change, and U.S. culture is less formal now. Although I think if you're hanging out with wealthy New Englanders, "Formal" still equals Tux.

OP, call the party organizer and find out for sure.

Holy shit! Two more correct responses! What is ATOT coming to...

 

[queenrobot]

I don't much about the host except that he sounds exactly like Borat and practices a form of Jewish mysticism popularized by Madonna, and that he owns a salon. The invitation was nice, but not like dusted in gold or anything.
Don't know if that helps.

 

[Whisper]

Originally posted by: queenrobot
I don't much about the host except that he sounds exactly like Borat and practices a form of Jewish mysticism popularized by Madonna, and that he owns a salon. The invitation was nice, but not like dusted in gold or anything.
Don't know if that helps.

I believe that's called Kabbalah. Could be wrong, though.

As for the original question, I'd say that formal attire = tux.

 

[Descartes]

I did some more Googling around, and it seems that most suggest that "formal" == white tie, and semi-formal == black tie.

My only conclusion is that the terms are used inconsistently, and the best choice is probably to just ask whoever is arranging the event. It's definitely a regional thing, imo, because formal in Florida would mean you'd cover up your legs (half joking).

 

[Feanor727]

Originally posted by: queenrobot
I don't much about the host except that he sounds exactly like Borat and practices a form of Jewish mysticism popularized by Madonna, and that he owns a salon. The invitation was nice, but not like dusted in gold or anything.
Don't know if that helps.

You really should just call and ask: "Thank you for your invitation to *insert event name*. I was just calling to clarify though, by formal do you mean Black Tie? *wait for response* Thank you so much. We'll see you then."

If the party's in Phoenix, it could go either way. Generally speaking, West-Coast or IT nerd= formal as suit/tie (like the majority of responses), Northeast = formal as black or white tie (like Uppsala's, tk's and my response), South = formal as shoes, shirt and your cleanest overalls. Anywhere else in the country, the term's meaning changes based on the origin of the host.

edits in bold

 

[wnied]

Suit & tie

~wnied~