Help on waistcoat

[ccga3359]

I have a semi-formal event coming up. I can't afford an Argyle jacket yet and I'm too busy to convert a sportcoat. So I picked up a cheap 5 button waistcoat. I shall be wearing my SWK black tartan, white shirt, tie and my new black waistcoat. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. My question is this with 5 button do I do them all up or do I leave top and bottom buttons undone? Can I leave them all undone?
Thank you.

[Warlock]

(Gunther, Beuth's son)

Well if it's semi-formal, it really doesn't matter, does it? It's your choice. Personally, I prefer the freedom of leaving jackets open.

[Caradoc]

Personally, I prefer the freedom of leaving jackets open.

...but this isn't a jacket. A waistcoat is the vest usually worn under a jacket.

I've never been fond of the "waistcoat by itself" look, but if I were going to do it, all of the buttons would be done up.

[Arlen]

I think if you're going for just the waistcoat itself, it would look better with all of the buttons done.

[The Wizard of BC]

UM...When buttoning a vest or waistcoat you do not button the bottom button.

Also, if your vest or waistcoat has a satin back it is designed to be hidden by the coat and should not be worn alone. Wearing a vest without the jacket should be reserved for VERY casual looks only.

[PiobBear]

Well if it's semi-formal, it really doesn't matter, does it? It's your choice.

Yes, it bloody well does matter, and no, it isn't his choice; it's his hosts!

"Semi formal" is a dark business suit (not a blazer or sport coat), white shirt & tie, or kilt (a kilt, not a UK or something) and black (not tweed) Argyll with a white shirt & tie, with all the proper accoutrements (kilt hose, leather sporran, etc.). Highland or sassenach, it always involves a coat.

As Steve said, a waistcoat alone is not semi formal. If the invitation states semi formal and you don't have the proper kit, go in a business suit; to do otherwise is an insult to your host. The only time I wear waistcoats are with jackets, and then I leave the bottom button unbuttoned.

[auld argonian]

Consider the one button eton jacket option...

http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/ap...ojackets4.html

...though, perhaps, that is too formal...cheap enough, though.

Best

AA

[mang1974]

Consider the one button eton jacket option...

http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/ap...ojackets4.html

...though, perhaps, that is too formal...cheap enough, though.

Best

AA

Has anyone bought one of these inexpensive Eton jackets? How do they fit?

[auld argonian]

Admittedly, I was going to buy one of these but I found a suitable jacket at a local tuxedo rental that they retired and sold to me...I'm not sure if this is the same jacket that AlanH bought and modified but I do remember that he did use something like this.

Best

AA

[ccga3359]

Are These for wait staff though? Then again I'd probably look like the waiter wearing a waistcoat.