Black Tie

tres · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:45

OCUK fashion gurus, I need your help.

In a few weeks, I have a winter ball to attend, and the dress code is "black tie".

I don't own a suitable suit, and so would like to find one. I am in Newcastle, so ideally somewhere near here, or online if appropriate.

I just want something black and classic. But looking at the customization options available, it's overwhelming!

What should I look out for, what should I avoid, any advice on where to look etc? My budget is £300? I am a poor student after all.

Greebo · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:45

Hire one unless you plan to go to lots of black tie events.

randomshenans · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:46

Rent a dinner jacket.

Maccy · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:48

Bought my first one from Debenhams, worth checking out - think it was around £150.

Hatter The Mad · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:48

Hire one if it is a one off, otherwise go to Moss Bros (will be well within budget plus shoes). Don't forget patent leather shoes - the shinier the better.

Rotty · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:49

You shoudl get all you need (DJ, dress trousers, shirt bow tie etc) for £300, may not be best stuff ever but will be ok, you could hire for about £60-100, up to you to decide how often you think you will wear it, good thing is fashions in this respect don't change much so you could keep it many years

Rotty · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:49

Hatter The Mad said:
Hire one if it is a one off, otherwise go to Moss Bros (will be well within budget plus shoes). Don't forget patent leather shoes - the shinier the better.

I think patent leather is seen as optional these days, certainly preferable though

Hatter The Mad · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:52

Rotty said:
I think patent leather is seen as optional these days, certainly preferable though

If it's optional, the party sucks

Russinating · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:52

I think I got mine from Burton for about £150. Was looking everywhere but I'm a very slim fit and I needed it urgently and they were the only place that had a decent fit.

Hiring is a bit pointless imo; you rarely go to black tie functions sure, but a hire is going to cost at least £50 anyway and so long as you're not growing exponentially and you store the suite well then you'll use one at least 3 times.

doofer · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:57

Surely in Newcastle 'Black Tie' is just a coal-dust stain down the front of a string vest? HA'waay en ya poncy soot ya!

noj · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:58

Check out the charity shops as well....I had a black tie event and found one in a charity shop, it could only have been worn once or twice and cost me £15. couple of quid on the tie and shirt and job done.

Diagro · 13 Nov 2012 at 13:59

I would buy a black tie and just have that on with a manthong

Dj_Jestar · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:00

M&S for under £200.

raza972 · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:01

TK maxx is a good place to start.

I picked one up on the team valley the other day for £150, it was a savile row suit too, nothing cheap.

neoboy · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:05

Since you're in Newcastle pop into Slaters next to Central Station, chaps in there are quite knowledgeable.

Pestilence · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:08

Go dressed as, literally, a gigantic black tie.

Deiwos · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:18

neoboy said:
Since you're in Newcastle pop into Slaters next to Central Station, chaps in there are quite knowledgeable.

Slaters are excellent, particularly for hiring. Don't bother purchasing unless you expect to be attending a few more black tie events in the next few years.

tom_e · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:20

Another vote for Slaters I've bought a few suits from them and the customer service and range is fantastic.

tres · 13 Nov 2012 at 14:49

Thanks guys, much appreciated. There will probably be a couple of more black tie events over the next year or two so will probably pick one up. Slaters look good, will head down tomorrow

Devrij · 13 Nov 2012 at 15:11

Wear nothing but a black tie. You will be strictly adhering to the dress code.