Dress Codes

[CMcG]

Thanks for all the replies thus far. I appreciate both the detailed lists and the ruminating commentaries

There are a couple interesting things coming out of this, one of which I had not anticipated. It doesn't surprise me that kilt-wearers are often more aware of dress codes than others. I think it is something about wearing a non-majority mode of attire and participating in a clothing discussion forum.

What I had not fully considered was that following traditional dress codes could mark one as anachronistic or dated. I know that some Xmarkes have previously posted that THCD is too old school for them and they prefer a more contemporary look. I wonder how often simply being well-dressed, regardless of whether one is traditional or not, is viewed as stuffy, archaic, or pretentious?

A few people have agreed that it is better to be a bit overdressed than underdressed. Again, at least that way one can dress down on the spot. Of course, this presumes being relatively close to what other people are wearing...

I have an end of term event coming up and the invitation says "black tie." This seems appropriate for a white formal shirt, self tie black bow tie, evening sporran, dress Braemar jacket, etc. But I looked at last years pictures and the best dressed guys were just wearing suits, while the others weren't even wearing jackets! Call me a stickler, but if the invitation says "black tie" I'm going to dress in formal evening wear, and to heck with the great unwashed, underdressed masses