Quote Originally Posted by CMcG View Post
5 button vest with cravat

In my opinion this is a look "Best Avoided"-- and here's why:

The design and cut of a Prince Charlie is intended to be worn with a three button waistcoat, which comes up to the bottom of the lapel. For a five button waistcoat to work with the design of the garment, the lapels would have to be much, much, shorter.

Aside from the design aspect, there is another consideration which should be borne in mind-- formal attire requires a bow tie. It doesn't matter what one sees on the red carpets at the MTV awards, or worn by anorexic models on the catwalks of Milan. Formal attire is about an adherence to tradition, not trying to look trendy.

The photo above also illustrates why a belt should not be worn with a kilt-- while that above it points out why charcoal gray isn't considered appropriate for formal attire-- it looks "confused", and in a room of predominately black formal jackets it will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, making the wearer look as if he's in a gray suit rather than in formal attire.

As far as the ruche ties/cravats are concerned... as Mr. Blackwell used to say, "Those are so last, last year..."