Black tie question :p

Sudden

Sudden

Sudden

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My uni fresher's week thing has a Fresher's Finale thing which says Dress Code: Black Tie. Now I googled it etc. to see wht exactly it involves, and the internet says Tuxedo, white shirt and black bow tie. My parents though, say that a suit is ok instead of a tuxedo. (suit I have, tuxedo I don't, so would have to go and buy one if I need it)

Everyone here whose been to uni and events like this, what are your experiences? Tuxedo needed?

Also, what are some places to get a nice one from? Marks & Spencers?
 
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For a freshers' ball you'd get away with wearing a regular suit. That said, it's always worth getting black tie, especially for any future balls etc.
 
Suit does the job, no need for tuxedo.
Black tie is very recommended.
At least thing are this way here in Portugal if that's the dress code information that you are given.
 
Black tie is extremely sexeh though... thats if you are on a mission to pull the laydeezzz!!!

Choice of colour for the cumbabund/bowtie is vital.

BB x
 
BrightonBelle said:
Black tie is extremely sexeh though... thats if you are on a mission to pull the laydeezzz!!!

Choice of colour for the cumbabund/bowtie is vital.

BB x
Click to expand...

lol, not on a mission to, but you won't hear me complain if i do ;)

Everyone else, thanks for your lightning quick responses :) Helped a fair bit and I think i'm going to get one. leaving in an hour or so for marks and spencers unless someon has some other great recommendations for places open today? in london

Also, since a colour for the bowtie is so important, whats a good one? I was planning for tried and tested black ^_^
 
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OK we do not have Tuxedos in the UK. Black tie is either a Dinner Jacket or Highland dress if you are Scottish.

If it says on the ball ticket that the dress is Black Tie then it is rather bad form not to obey; however often for mess functions in the army they allow a suit as long as it is a decent two piece suit, so a student event is bound to be at least as casual!

It isn't very expensive to hire a DJ from Moss bros, make sure you also hire the trousers as with a DJ you must have the black band down the outside of the trousers.

Recently people have started wearing winged collars with a black tie. This isn't technically correct, winged collars were supposed to be for white tie. However times do change...

Finally make sure you tie your own bow tie - a pre-tied one is very easy to spot and always looks a bit Charlie.
 
Tuxedo, as those who turn up in a suit and tie look like they couldn't be bothered!

A tux will set you back roughly 100 of your english pounds in a place like Suits You, but as it is £20 - £30 to rent one it will pay for itself very quickly, if you intend to attend lots of these things.
 
laissez-faire said:
OK we do not have Tuxedos in the UK. Black tie is either a Dinner Jacket or Highland dress if you are Scottish.

If it says on the ball ticket that the dress is Black Tie then it is rather bad form not to obey; however often for mess functions in the army they allow a suit as long as it is a decent two piece suit, so a student event is bound to be at least as casual!

It isn't very expensive to hire a DJ from Moss bros, make sure you also hire the trousers as with a DJ you must have the black band down the outside of the trousers.

Recently people have started wearing winged collars with a black tie. This isn't technically correct, winged collars were supposed to be for white tie. However times do change...

Finally make sure you tie your own bow tie - a pre-tied one is very easy to spot and always looks a bit Charlie.
Click to expand...

Sums it up perfectly.
icon14.gif
 
ok, left before I saw these last three posts :p but just as an update

Went and bought a tux, trousers, formal shirt (white), black bow tie and cumberbund and a clip on bow tie, just in case i can't manage to wear one.


now,

who knows how to tie a bowtie :D
 
I do... but it's nothing I can show you over the 'net...

It's basically like tying a shoelace really... there are a lot of guides on the 'net. :)
 
Sudden said:
ok, left before I saw these last three posts :p but just as an update

Went and bought a tux, trousers, formal shirt (white), black bow tie and cumberbund and a clip on bow tie, just in case i can't manage to wear one.


now,

who knows how to tie a bowtie :D
Click to expand...

Just google it - practice on your knee. Then move on to the mirror. Shouldn't take longer than about 20-30 mins to learn.
 
Ah, i see. Thanks guys :) 20-30 min. doesn't seem too bad at all!
The shop assistant was telling me it took him something like 4 hours and he was congratulating me that i'm going to try and do it instead of getting a clip-on, lol.
Threw me a bit :p
 
Don't bother to learn how to tie a bow tie. The winning formula is:

1) Pre-tied bow tie round you neck for the beginning of the evening
2) 'Proper' bow tie in the pocket
3) When the time of the eveing comes that you feel an untied bowtie draped about the neck is the right image, pop into the toilets and swap them over
;):D
 
Nelson said:
Don't bother to learn how to tie a bow tie. The winning formula is:

1) Pre-tied bow tie round you neck for the beginning of the evening
2) 'Proper' bow tie in the pocket
3) When the time of the eveing comes that you feel an untied bowtie draped about the neck is the right image, pop into the toilets and swap them over
;):D
Click to expand...

Win. That's what I always did, never could work out how to tie the real thing, Intarweb guides or not.
 
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