Best shirt for black tie event?

[ajr58]

I will be going to a formal Christmas (madrigal) event. What is best? Wing collar or fold down? Plain white buttons or black studs? I will be wearing my Prince Charlie with a red Christmas-themed bow tie.

[cck]

The question about the buttons is simple, wear studs and avoid wearing a shirt with buttons. In my opinion, the collar choice is up to you - I'd wear either. Some on the forum may have stricter views and these may be regional in nature.

[Cardinal]

I agree on using studs.

I recommend a fold down collar. The attached wing collars available these days are too low, make you look like a waiter. A proper wing collar is much higher than is readily available in most stores.

I also like to wear a pique shirt rather than a pleated one. Oftentimes the pleats on today's formal shirts are wrong, either too narrow or too wide.

Have a look at the Black Tie Guide website for ideas.

The fact that you're researching suggests that, even if you ignore the advice, you'll at least know what you're doing and why, and will consequently look good and have the confidence to wear all of it well.

Enjoy!

[ajr58]

Thanks for the advice!

[mm42]

Avoid a winged collar, unless you're the waiter! A good quality turn down collared shirt, I like Turnbull and Asset, and a hand tied tie, none of this pretied nonsense.

[kingandrew]

I second the advice to consult the Black Tie Guide website, which has excellent and thorough information on all aspects of dressing up for men.

Here's the URL: www.blacktieguide.com

I also heartily concur that you want a tie you tied yourself. Beau Ties of Vermont has a good selection of Christmas themed ties.

At the moment I wear a fairly standard formal shirt from Jos. A Bank, with my mother o' pearl studs. Sometime I will go all out and order one of those washable stiff-bib shirts with the detachable wing collars from Darcy Clothing.

http://www.darcyclothing.com/shop/sh2291.html

With your Prince Charlie and kilt you will look smashing at any formal affair.

Have a great time!

Andrew

[Taskr]

I concur on the fold down collar. Practically, they can also be more comfortable. I have onyx/MOP reversible studs and usually choose which to turn out on a whim rather than any real choice. I do find the onyx looks a bit sharper.

[Jack Daw]

I prefer a pleated front, fold-down collar, and requiring studs/cufflinks. It's old-fashioned as I am.

[figheadair]

Fold down col,ar with Marcella front is the preferred version for ma y here in the UK.

[Zardoz]

Most highland wear sources I'm familiar with recommend a plain front shirt, which I like better than pleated anyway. Collar is personal choice, I prefer the 'victorian' style to the modern wingtip or fall collars. I also prefer plain plackets, no visible buttons.

Sorry I don't have a clearer pic of the collar area