Poll
Question:
Do you own a tuxedo? (Males only)
Option 1: Yes
votes: 7
Option 2: No
votes: 37
Just curious how many people here have their own tuxedo. I'm surprised so many people whom I considered to be well-off are saying they rent them.
:hmm: No, why would it make sense for most people to own them, even if they can afford to? It's not often that you need to wear one.
How can you wear anything else for a premiere night at the opera or a black tie dinner? These happen at least 5-6 times a year.
Not to mention wearing other people's clothes is gross.
Wait, this is a "Mart is richer and better than everyone else thread", isn't it? :)
FWIW I do go to things like the opera, and people hear wear suits, not tuxes.
I've heard the rule of thumb is, if you're going to wear it at least twice a year, buy.
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2011, 05:21:43 AM
Wait, this is a "Mart is richer and better than everyone else thread", isn't it? :)
Spot on. :bowler:
"Anything you can do I can do better." :whistle:
In the UK, even average-salaried men get a couple of opportunities a year to tux up. I believe on the third hire it becomes more affordable to buy. Most places do a "You rented it, you can buy it at a discount" scheme that several of my friends have taken up.
Of course in 20 years you will own the equivalent of your dad's tux - two sizes too small with a giant collar and accompanied by a heavily-ruffled shirt and a vampire bat sized bow tie.
No
There are cheap ones. I have such. It is like wearing a burlap sack.
I have Tux, and white tie suit.
But frankly, now we are past all the weddings and stuff I use them rarely. no one holds black tie dinners anymore :(
And as caliga said, suits and tie are the norm at most functions
V
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 05:42:32 AM
white tie suit.
See Mart, THAT's class.
I've only been to a white tie reception once, and that was a dinner in Helsinki attended by the President of Finland. As you do.
Nope. I've actually never wore one.
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 05:47:43 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 05:42:32 AM
white tie suit.
See Mart, THAT's class.
I've only been to a white tie reception once, and that was a dinner in Helsinki attended by the President of Finland. As you do.
Hehe :) I was actually going to reply I have a dinner/black tie jacket/suit (as in the correct form, not the americanised "tux") ;)
What do you call the white tie thing? Is it white tie suit? or just white tie? Or is it "tails"? :p
Over here white tie is the correct wedding suit, a bit like morning suit is in England :) And as such ppl tend to invite to a few white tie dinners in the years to come to get a chance to use them. It has the added benefit that when ppl have to dress up the party seems to be more fun. And women in gowns that match white tie or even black tie tend to look alot hotter than when they dress to match a business suit and tie :)
V
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 05:47:43 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 05:42:32 AM
white tie suit.
See Mart, THAT's class.
I've only been to a white tie reception once, and that was a dinner in Helsinki attended by the President of Finland. As you do.
Well I will buy one if I ever need to wear it - in Poland it is very rarely used (I think I saw maybe one or two people wearing white tie suit at the opera, complete with court shoes, but they looked a bit out of place).
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 06:02:50 AM
What do you call the white tie thing? Is it white tie suit? or just white tie? Or is it "tails"? :p
Invites usually just say white tie. At these events women are expected to wear floor-length gowns, which I doubt applies to weddings.
I love men in white tie. It makes me want to call them "ambassador" :P
When Ray Lewis comes out with a tuxedo line, then I'll buy one. Until then, no need for one.
I did, however, get a RL Snuggie. Shit is dope on game day.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_JAtlQGqPg_M%2FTQjWl1OhrWI%2FAAAAAAAAETE%2Fy_6uUPQWTbk%2Fs400%2Fray-lewis-snuggie.jpg&hash=f980cba00107eac0d51764f790cfa1f4a8ae0fcc)
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 06:08:18 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 06:02:50 AM
What do you call the white tie thing? Is it white tie suit? or just white tie? Or is it "tails"? :p
Invites usually just say white tie. At these events women are expected to wear floor-length gowns, which I doubt applies to weddings.
I love men in white tie. It makes me want to call them "ambassador" :P
Oh yes, they should and do wear long dresses at weddings. Only rule is not to wear white, not to wear black, and NEVER to out shine the bride ;)
V
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 05:27:40 AM
Spot on. :bowler:
"Anything you can do I can do better." :whistle:
:cool:
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 06:08:18 AM
I love men in white tie. It makes me want to call them "ambassador" :P
That's one of the differences between Europe and the US.
Here, men in white ties are either called Colonel, Vinne the Nose or Mr. Wolfe.
Nope, nor do I see any reason at all to own one, or a white tie suit. Shit, I had a wedding this summer and didn't even wear a tie for it.
I have semi-formal eveningwear (black tie). I also have black lounge (daytime semi-formal).
I wouldn't buy formal eveningwear (white tie) unless I entered the diplomatic corps.
I've noticed the UK is a lot more conservative about formal and semi-formal wear than the US, though. Some of what passes for black tie in the states is outright hideous. And then the continental Euros do ghastly things like have morning weddings in black tie (which is supposed to be worn only after 6pm).
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 05:31:49 AMOf course in 20 years you will own the equivalent of your dad's tux - two sizes too small with a giant collar and accompanied by a heavily-ruffled shirt and a vampire bat sized bow tie.
Not if you stick to the classic design, which hasn't really changed much since the 1930s.
Quote from: Warspite on September 23, 2011, 07:17:42 AM
And then the continental Euros do ghastly things like have morning weddings in black tie (which is supposed to be worn only after 6pm).
Hideous.
As I said, white tie for weddings. Suits if need be. Only use the black tie to the evening dinner, not in church. Even if it means everybody needs to change :)
V
Quote from: Warspite on September 23, 2011, 07:17:42 AM
I've noticed the UK is a lot more conservative about formal and semi-formal wear than the US, though. Some of what passes for black tie in the states is outright hideous. And then the continental Euros do ghastly things like have morning weddings in black tie (which is supposed to be worn only after 6pm).
Oh yes. I can't even recognize half the terms you people are using. What's the difference between black tie, white tie, lounge, tuxedo and so on and so forth? You should see how some of my friends dressed for the wedding I attended in July, it was already a big push to make them wear a normal suit, and some of them couldn't even be arsed and got done with a formal-ish shirt..
Quote from: Warspite on September 23, 2011, 07:17:42 AM
I've noticed the UK is a lot more conservative about formal and semi-formal wear than the US, though. Some of what passes for black tie in the states is outright hideous.
Well, classic black tie looks out of place at that Walmart wedding.
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 07:32:17 AM
Quote from: Warspite on September 23, 2011, 07:17:42 AM
I've noticed the UK is a lot more conservative about formal and semi-formal wear than the US, though. Some of what passes for black tie in the states is outright hideous. And then the continental Euros do ghastly things like have morning weddings in black tie (which is supposed to be worn only after 6pm).
Oh yes. I can't even recognize half the terms you people are using. What's the difference between black tie, white tie, lounge, tuxedo and so on and so forth? You should see how some of my friends dressed for the wedding I attended in July, it was already a big push to make them wear a normal suit, and some of them couldn't even be arsed and got done with a formal-ish shirt..
"black tie, white tie" and stuff like that is just pretentious BS :P
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clermontdirect.com%2Fimages%2FWool%2520White%2520tie%2520tailcoat.jpg&hash=81cb259222f3d44aebf0282c726925550e9935b1)
White tie
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fserver11.sitewizard.co.uk%2Fsites%2Fjackbunneys%2Fimages%2Fblack_tie5l.jpg&hash=21d0b09855736791f9b0f8295b5cc11e52ac3c8f)
Black tie aka Tux
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.frankcasey.co.nz%2Fimages%2Fsuit_morning_00.jpg&hash=b036ef37043cc24baa8415893ff7d44830818bd5)
Morning suit
V
Ok, so it's just several different flavours of stuffiness then. :lol:
For the record, the "morning suit" was what the groom wore (with a shorter jacket, IIRC) at the wedding I went, and he was by far the most formal one. I guess we were all a bunch of sloppy hobos by some of the standards shown over here. :P
Indeed :)
But I look devilishy well in formal attires. My black tie is with a vest, all black silk with midnight blue inner, black pearl studdings, cuff links, self tied tie (not strapped ons ;)), and ofc. a real watch, gold chain and all :D
V
Who the hell would wear that tuxedo-tie anyway? Srsly wtf
Its a black bow tie. No harder to tie than an ordinary tie once you know how ;)
You DO know how to tie a tie right? And shoe laces? ;)
V
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:49:56 AM
Indeed :)
But I look devilishy well in formal attires. My black tie is with a vest, all black silk with midnight blue inner, black pearl studdings, cuff links, self tied tie (not strapped ons ;)), and ofc. a real watch, gold chain and all :D
V
And then you step into a time machine and go to a manor house in the English countryside as if you were in a Merchant-Ivory period piece, right? :P
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:53:56 AM
Its a black bow tie. No harder to tie than an ordinary tie once you know how ;)
You DO know how to tie a tie right? And shoe laces? ;)
V
Bow ties look downright ridicoulous, that's the problem, not tying them :P
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 07:32:17 AM
Quote from: Warspite on September 23, 2011, 07:17:42 AM
I've noticed the UK is a lot more conservative about formal and semi-formal wear than the US, though. Some of what passes for black tie in the states is outright hideous. And then the continental Euros do ghastly things like have morning weddings in black tie (which is supposed to be worn only after 6pm).
Oh yes. I can't even recognize half the terms you people are using. What's the difference between black tie, white tie, lounge, tuxedo and so on and so forth? You should see how some of my friends dressed for the wedding I attended in July, it was already a big push to make them wear a normal suit, and some of them couldn't even be arsed and got done with a formal-ish shirt..
There is a picture of me wearing black tie on my Facebook page.
Quote from: Tamas on September 23, 2011, 07:58:56 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:53:56 AM
Its a black bow tie. No harder to tie than an ordinary tie once you know how ;)
You DO know how to tie a tie right? And shoe laces? ;)
V
Bow ties look downright ridicoulous, that's the problem, not tying them :P
Yeah. On the other hand, a dark blue adidas sports hoodie with white stripes, and a pair of worn out jeans look just swell.
Fucking plebe.
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:53:56 AM
Its a black bow tie. No harder to tie than an ordinary tie once you know how ;)
You DO know how to tie a tie right? And shoe laces? ;)
V
I think tied black bow ties have a tendency to look awful unless you are a master. I prefer strap ons anyway.
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 07:54:30 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:49:56 AM
Indeed :)
But I look devilishy well in formal attires. My black tie is with a vest, all black silk with midnight blue inner, black pearl studdings, cuff links, self tied tie (not strapped ons ;)), and ofc. a real watch, gold chain and all :D
V
And then you step into a time machine and go to a manor house in the English countryside as if you were in a Merchant-Ivory period piece, right? :P
I wish :D
But the black tie is modern cut, more 007 than sherlock holmes :bowler:
It is fun though to go to parties in black tie, when ppl have to dress up, not down, they tend to be more ready to enjoy a party, the expectations seems higher and thus the party overall tends to get successful
V
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 08:03:16 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:49:56 AM
not strapped ons
I always avoid a guy with a strap-on.
I wondered how long it took for anyone to jump on that one ;)
V
I hate that in Poland at least (and Tamas's attitude seems to show this is also the case in other CEE countries) there is a general tendency for people not to want to dress up to events. I think it is because our elites have been systematically destroyed by communists, so modern elites have mainly plebeian roots.
As far as I am concerned, it is awesome to be able to go to a black tie occassion - it is as you say, an event in itself,and certainly one more memorable. But for example, when last year my firm organized a black tie Christmas dinner, people complained that they do not want to dress up like that next time.
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:04:51 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:53:56 AM
Its a black bow tie. No harder to tie than an ordinary tie once you know how ;)
You DO know how to tie a tie right? And shoe laces? ;)
V
I think tied black bow ties have a tendency to look awful unless you are a master. I prefer strap ons anyway.
:lol: That's soooo... nouve rich. You strap on a fake bow tie and boom, insta sophisticatedness!
Jeebus
I don't mind formal dressing to an extent - you showcase a level of respect for the occassion which can be important. But there is a thing as bringing it too far and becoming the mockery of yourself and the event. Like bow ties and tuxedos in this day and age.
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:09:08 AM
I hate that in Poland at least (and Tamas's attitude seems to show this is also the case in other CEE countries) there is a general tendency for people not to want to dress up to events. I think it is because our elites have been systematically destroyed by communists, so modern elites have mainly plebeian roots.
As far as I am concerned, it is awesome to be able to go to a black tie occassion - it is as you say, an event in itself,and certainly one more memorable. But for example, when last year my firm organized a black tie Christmas dinner, people complained that they do not want to dress up like that next time.
I thought The Larch is Spanish
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:09:08 AM
I hate that in Poland at least (and Tamas's attitude seems to show this is also the case in other CEE countries) there is a general tendency for people not to want to dress up to events. I think it is because our elites have been systematically destroyed by communists, so modern elites have mainly plebeian roots.
As far as I am concerned, it is awesome to be able to go to a black tie occassion - it is as you say, an event in itself,and certainly one more memorable. But for example, when last year my firm organized a black tie Christmas dinner, people complained that they do not want to dress up like that next time.
Or maybe it is simply because it is stuffy as hell and most people just don't like/feel comfortable wearing that kind of clothes. If you want to dress up, go to a carnival.
Somebody is acting like a Homo Novus.
Speaking of which, I need morning suit done. I'm testing these Indian bespoke tailors right now - I think they are based in Budapest and visited me in Warsaw recently, and took my measure. I will see how good is the stuff they make (I ordered an ordinary suit with two pairs of trousers) and if it is fine, I am going to use them more.
They are quite cheap (slightly over $1000 for a suit) and you pay at delivery so not risking anything.
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:18:26 AMThey are quite cheap (slightly over $1000 for a suit) and you pay at delivery so not risking anything.
Now you're just showing off.
I can't remember wearing a tie yet this year, let alone ponying up to buy a tux...
:P
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:25:48 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:18:26 AMThey are quite cheap (slightly over $1000 for a suit) and you pay at delivery so not risking anything.
Now you're just showing off.
Not really. $1000 for a tailor-made suit is cheap, even by Polish standards. Most suits that you buy off a shelf here (and I am talking middle price level stuff, like Pierre Cardin or Oscar Jacobson, nothing overly fancy) is around $500-800.
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:27:08 AM
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:25:48 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:18:26 AMThey are quite cheap (slightly over $1000 for a suit) and you pay at delivery so not risking anything.
Now you're just showing off.
Not really. $1000 for a tailor-made suit is cheap, even by Polish standards. Most suits that you buy off a shelf here (and I am talking middle price level stuff, like Pierre Cardin or Oscar Jacobson, nothing overly fancy) is around $500-800.
Maybe in Poland it is ok, but for me dropping so casually a 4 digit buy for something as trivial as a suit and calling it quite cheap stinks of wanting to show off.
For me it is "work equipment" - as all Languish knows, I'm a shitty lawyer, so I need to look good in order to be able to convince clients they should pay 430 euro for an hour of my work. :P
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:36:17 AM
For me it is "work equipment" - as all Languish knows, I'm a shitty lawyer, so I need to look good in order to be able to convince clients they should pay 430 euro for an hour of my work. :P
But are you talking about a business suit or about a formal suit for posh events?
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:34:11 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:27:08 AM
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:25:48 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:18:26 AMThey are quite cheap (slightly over $1000 for a suit) and you pay at delivery so not risking anything.
Now you're just showing off.
Not really. $1000 for a tailor-made suit is cheap, even by Polish standards. Most suits that you buy off a shelf here (and I am talking middle price level stuff, like Pierre Cardin or Oscar Jacobson, nothing overly fancy) is around $500-800.
Maybe in Poland it is ok, but for me dropping so casually a 4 digit buy for something as trivial as a suit and calling it quite cheap stinks of wanting to show off.
When I bought a Armani suit (see, I can show off too) it was for the times I needed to brown nose and flash my plumage at work. Now it sits all alone in the closet, never seeing the sun again.
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:37:52 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:36:17 AM
For me it is "work equipment" - as all Languish knows, I'm a shitty lawyer, so I need to look good in order to be able to convince clients they should pay 430 euro for an hour of my work. :P
But are you talking about a business suit or about a formal suit for posh events?
Business suit. But with two pairs of trousers.
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:34:11 AM
Maybe in Poland it is ok, but for me dropping so casually a 4 digit buy for something as trivial as a suit and calling it quite cheap stinks of wanting to show off.
No shit.
That's why Martinus, for all his spending on the trappings of wealth and taste, will never really have class. He's just trying too hard to be something he isn't (an intelligent, tasteful gentleman), trying desperately to hide what he is (Polish trash with money and a severe behavioral disorder), and it shows in everything he says and does. He's not our equal, not by a mile.
Quote from: Neil on September 23, 2011, 08:41:24 AM
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:34:11 AM
Maybe in Poland it is ok, but for me dropping so casually a 4 digit buy for something as trivial as a suit and calling it quite cheap stinks of wanting to show off.
No shit.
That's why Martinus, for all his spending on the trappings of wealth and taste, will never really have class. He's just trying too hard to be something he isn't (an intelligent, tasteful gentleman), trying desperately to hide what he is (Polish trash with money and a severe behavioral disorder), and it shows in everything he says and does. He's not our equal, not by a mile.
Unlike you, I didn't get my job by marrying my boss's daughter. I am not a gigolo - thus infinitely better than you.
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:39:49 AM
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:37:52 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:36:17 AM
For me it is "work equipment" - as all Languish knows, I'm a shitty lawyer, so I need to look good in order to be able to convince clients they should pay 430 euro for an hour of my work. :P
But are you talking about a business suit or about a formal suit for posh events?
Business suit. But with two pairs of trousers.
Then I can understand the need for it, as opposed to an stuffy formal suit only worn at events, but displaying the price tag so openly still seems tacky to me.
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:44:58 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:39:49 AM
Quote from: The Larch on September 23, 2011, 08:37:52 AM
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 08:36:17 AM
For me it is "work equipment" - as all Languish knows, I'm a shitty lawyer, so I need to look good in order to be able to convince clients they should pay 430 euro for an hour of my work. :P
But are you talking about a business suit or about a formal suit for posh events?
Business suit. But with two pairs of trousers.
Then I can understand the need for it, as opposed to an stuffy formal suit only worn at events, but displaying the price tag so openly still seems tacky to me.
I was just sharing in case someone wanted their contact details (they can travel to a client in the EU). Besides, if Languish was a place of gentlemanly conversation, noone has told me. I've been called a subhuman faggot within the last 10 minutes.
My family bought million dollar yachts, lived in the Berkeley hills behind the Claremont Hotel, and owned businesses or were bankers. My grandfather wore slacks and a comfortable coat with a tie - he didn't have to impress anyone, he wanted to be at ease.
When you can go into the Yacht Club and have members greet you as a past president while you wear dirty slacks, a short sleeved shirt, and boating shoes...then you don't need to show off with pretend stuff.
Quote from: PDH on September 23, 2011, 08:48:49 AM
My family bought million dollar yachts, lived in the Berkeley hills behind the Claremont Hotel, and owned businesses or were bankers. My grandfather wore slacks and a comfortable coat with a tie - he didn't have to impress anyone, he wanted to be at ease.
When you can go into the Yacht Club and have members greet you as a past president while you wear dirty slacks, a short sleeved shirt, and boating shoes...then you don't need to show off with pretend stuff.
Indeed, old money and good manners does that, my grand parents were like that.
BUT, I bet your family, like mine, knew just when to don their finest, and had the clothes ready in the closet should the wedding invite saying "formal" arrive they'd pull them out and not arrive in lazy clothes even if they could.
V
I would like a really nice suit, and a tuxedo for those occasions as warrant one. Had I the cash I'd spend it for a quality suit that would last a decade or so.
$1,000 for a suit made in Asia is quite a lot. I get mine done in Thailand for £350 a pop (including two pairs of trousers). Ok the material is not Italy's best, but the fit is the most essential part of a suit, and they get that exactly right. As I wear suits to work every day, it's good to have a rotation.
You can go even cheaper with some places in Hong Kong and Cambodia, I believe.
Quote from: Warspite on September 23, 2011, 09:35:01 AM
$1,000 for a suit made in Asia is quite a lot. I get mine done in Thailand for £350 a pop (including two pairs of trousers). Ok the material is not Italy's best, but the fit is the most essential part of a suit, and they get that exactly right. As I wear suits to work every day, it's good to have a rotation.
You can go even cheaper with some places in Hong Kong and Cambodia, I believe.
Hmm. It's made in Hungary, though, and their fabric was allegedly Italian. Maybe I am overpaying then. :hmm:
Quote from: Tamas on September 23, 2011, 08:12:00 AM
I don't mind formal dressing to an extent - you showcase a level of respect for the occassion which can be important. But there is a thing as bringing it too far and becoming the mockery of yourself and the event. Like bow ties and tuxedos in this day and age.
Black tie, at least in this country, is more than affordable for most people on a middle income. The real issue is the reverse-snobbery about wearing it.
There is no mockery about it; black tie, done properly, lends a tasteful elegance to an event. And it's actually a great equaliser: worn properly, there is no ostentatiousness about it. Nothing you wear will scream "I cost more than the other guy's clothes". There are no labels, no branding. A £90 dinner jacket from Marks and Spencer looks just as good as a £900 dinner jacket by Armani (provided, of course, it fits properly).
I can accept that it's not for everyone. Which is why I would always put "black tie preferred" on my invites. But if I'm invited to a black tie event, I'll respect the host's wish for everyone to look a bit special, and I'll enjoy a fine whisky as I do up my bow tie and slip on the cufflinks and dress studs.
How can you be such a snob on this thread then admit to not tying your own bow tie, Mart? How are you ever going to seduce the fellas with your James Bond stylings without an untied bow tie slung nonchalantly round your neck?
Quote from: Brazen on September 23, 2011, 09:47:50 AM
How can you be such a snob on this thread then admit to not tying your own bow tie, Mart? How are you ever going to seduce the fellas with your James Bond stylings without an untied bow tie slung nonchalantly round your neck?
Pre-made bow ties also look naff - once you've learnt how to do a bow-tie (the same as a shoelace knot), you can instantly spot a pre-made one. They look too perfect.
Quote from: PDH on September 23, 2011, 08:48:49 AM
My family bought million dollar yachts, lived in the Berkeley hills behind the Claremont Hotel, and owned businesses or were bankers. My grandfather wore slacks and a comfortable coat with a tie - he didn't have to impress anyone, he wanted to be at ease.
When you can go into the Yacht Club and have members greet you as a past president while you wear dirty slacks, a short sleeved shirt, and boating shoes...then you don't need to show off with pretend stuff.
I like your grandfather's style!
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 08:52:25 AM
Indeed, old money and good manners does that, my grand parents were like that.
BUT, I bet your family, like mine, knew just when to don their finest, and had the clothes ready in the closet should the wedding invite saying "formal" arrive they'd pull them out and not arrive in lazy clothes even if they could.
V
Well, at the end my grandfather would show up to weddings in a Hawaiian shirt, but that was his way. Wait, he did wear pants too.
Quote from: PDH on September 23, 2011, 08:48:49 AMWhen you can go into the Yacht Club and have members greet you as a past president while you wear dirty slacks, a short sleeved shirt, and boating shoes...then you don't need to show off with pretend stuff.
Only the independently wealthy can be truly eccentric.
Quote from: crazy canuck on September 23, 2011, 09:59:41 AM
I like your grandfather's style!
He was a tough old bird, but he always realized that the money (old for California, dating from the 1860s) wasn't that important. He taught me a good deal about living life. He was probably the best swearer at the St Francis Yacht Club.
The funny thing was that he was not REALLY wealthy, just wealthy - but he had enough money to not care. The family money came from his father's side (the largest plumbing supply business in Northern CA and inheriting property my great grandfather bought in San Francisco after the 1905 quake - a couple of downtown blocks...) and his mother's side (a candy operation that was incorporated into See's Candies).
Other branches of the family had it better, like his uncle who helped found/build up the Clorox company.
Quote from: Valdemar on September 23, 2011, 07:53:56 AM
You DO know how to tie a tie right? And shoe laces? ;)
Shoe laces are useful.
Quote from: PDH on September 23, 2011, 10:20:06 AM
The funny thing was that he was not REALLY wealthy, just wealthy - but he had enough money to not care. The family money came from his father's side (the largest plumbing supply business in Northern CA and inheriting property my great grandfather bought in San Francisco after the 1905 quake - a couple of downtown blocks...) and his mother's side (a candy operation that was incorporated into See's Candies).
Other branches of the family had it better, like his uncle who helped found/build up the Clorox company.
I've always thought that was the best position to be in; to be financially independent and know one's own mind, great wealth does not bring much more (if anything) to the table.
I believe I shall wear a morning suit for my wedding. This and the other thread have inspired me.
The fanciest clothes I own is my service uniform.
Hell, I don't even own a non-uniform tie.
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 23, 2011, 11:02:31 PM
Hell, I don't even own a non-uniform tie.
Now that's just plain wrong.
I owns ties from New York, Scotland, Austria, Venice, and Nunavut. :cool:
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 23, 2011, 11:02:31 PM
The fanciest clothes I own is my service uniform.
Hell, I don't even own a non-uniform tie.
Even a USAF uniform is better than Martinus' show-off suits. Sure, it's not as honourable as a more respectable service, such as the Coast Guard, but it beats a Polish homo uniform.
Not needed in uber casual Seattle. Barely see Suits at the Oper or Symphony.
I don't go for dress-up nights on Cruises (room service danke) because I don't want to carry the extra luggage, and it's silly.
Apparently I do clean up well, as I wore a suit for last nights owner/board meeting and got compliments from every co-worker (we are buz casual, so I'm not seen in such dress.) However I am much more comfy in a good shirt/slacks/blazer if I'm going above casual. Ties make me uncomfortable, feel like I'm choking.
I don't think I'll ever have to go to an opera.
P.S. Gotterdammerung sucks.
The typical American male today, even those among those who are financially well-off, or even wealthy, only wears formal wear a very few times in their lives: to their high school prom, to their wedding, to their best friend's wedding, to the weddings of any siblings they have, and to their children's weddings. That's it. Given typical family size, that's only 3-7 times in a lifetime. Renting every time would come up to less money than the cost to buy once.
Quote from: dps on September 24, 2011, 12:59:19 AM
The typical American male today, even those among those who are financially well-off, or even wealthy, only wears formal wear a very few times in their lives: to their high school prom, to their wedding, to their best friend's wedding, to the weddings of any siblings they have, and to their children's weddings. That's it. Given typical family size, that's only 3-7 times in a lifetime. Renting every time would come up to less money than the cost to buy once.
Yeah, not to mention the fact that you might not fit in the tux after the last time you wore it seven years ago.
I'm wearing black tie tonight. :yeah:
But I have to get to this party from the Arsenal game. :hmm:
I don't really bother too much. I've got a sub-$100 emergency suit that I kept as an emergency courthouse suit (the lawtalkers should know what I'm talking about there), a more expensive one for when I get asked in advanced to dress up, and I rarely wear either. Suits and tuxes just look awkward on me.
Quote from: dps on September 24, 2011, 12:59:19 AM
The typical American male today, even those among those who are financially well-off, or even wealthy, only wears formal wear a very few times in their lives: to their high school prom, to their wedding, to their best friend's wedding, to the weddings of any siblings they have, and to their children's weddings. That's it. Given typical family size, that's only 3-7 times in a lifetime. Renting every time would come up to less money than the cost to buy once.
List sounds about right. I've worn a tux twice, one wedding and one college formal. And the dorky morning coat once.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on September 24, 2011, 06:42:22 AM
I don't really bother too much. I've got a sub-$100 emergency suit that I kept as an emergency courthouse suit (the lawtalkers should know what I'm talking about there), a more expensive one for when I get asked in advanced to dress up, and I rarely wear either. Suits and tuxes just look awkward on me.
I look Goddamned fine in a suit.
Quote from: Habsburg on September 23, 2011, 11:14:02 PM
Not needed in uber casual Seattle. Barely see Suits at the Oper or Symphony.
I don't go for dress-up nights on Cruises (room service danke) because I don't want to carry the extra luggage, and it's silly.
Apparently I do clean up well, as I wore a suit for last nights owner/board meeting and got compliments from every co-worker (we are buz casual, so I'm not seen in such dress.) However I am much more comfy in a good shirt/slacks/blazer if I'm going above casual. Ties make me uncomfortable, feel like I'm choking.
Dont tie them that tight then :P
I'm with Warspite on this, done right a black tie formal is great fun, getting ready sets the mood, the women look fine, and a good fitting dinner jacket can make most ppl look elegant, whether its M&S or Saville Row. As long as it fits....
V
Quote from: Warspite on September 24, 2011, 04:12:03 AM
I'm wearing black tie tonight. :yeah:
But I have to get to this party from the Arsenal game. :hmm:
No worries, Arsenal is about to have it's funeral anyway :P
No. I have never been to any occasion where this is needed. If there is a need, I intend to rent, too.
Quote from: Monoriu on September 26, 2011, 03:39:28 AM
No. I have never been to any occasion where this is needed. If there is a need, I intend to rent, too.
You should use traditional Chinese clothes, like Fu Manchu.
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2011, 03:42:03 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on September 26, 2011, 03:39:28 AM
No. I have never been to any occasion where this is needed. If there is a need, I intend to rent, too.
You should use traditional Chinese clothes, like Fu Manchu.
What, like one of those silk daishikis?
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 05:19:22 AM
How can you wear anything else for a premiere night at the opera or a black tie dinner? These happen at least 5-6 times a year.
Not to mention wearing other people's clothes is gross.
Because in Texas we are very casual. I can safely attend premiers of big dinners in just a suit. Heck there will be people in jeans even at those. No need to own one.
If I lived in New York or Chicago or whatever I probably would own one.
Now I need a morning suit. Where may I find one?
Quote from: Martinus on September 23, 2011, 05:12:01 AM
Just curious how many people here have their own tuxedo. I'm surprised so many people whom I considered to be well-off are saying they rent them.
I own one in camouflage.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on September 23, 2011, 10:25:18 PM
I believe I shall wear a morning suit for my wedding. This and the other thread have inspired me.
Wear your birthday suit instead.
I may have to. Morning suits are friggin hard to find. :(
No idea where you would get one on your side of the Atlantic. Brooks Brothers? But that's $$$.
See if www.marksandspencer.co.uk will deliver to you. They do decent stuff at a very good price.