Quote Originally Posted by McMurdo View Post
I'm sorry but I can not in good conscience agree that this is black tie no matter what Country Living has to say about it.
I agree it looks horrible. The mismatch makes it look worse!!
  • If all four gents were dressed like the fellow on the left, it might be appropriate for a wedding of river raft guides or hikers.
  • If they were all dressed like the fellow 2nd from the left, it might be appropriate if the bride and groom were very casual, country people.
  • If they were all dressed like the fellow 3rd from the left, it might be appropriate to a bride and groom who were beach bums or river rats.
  • ...and if they were all dressed like the fellow on the right, it might be appropriate to Alaskan fishermen or Maine lobstermen.


Not that a more casual application being OK to some people should dilute the entire definition of 'black tie'...it's just as formal as people in some walks of life get.

If any one of the "personalities" in that photo were real people and not paid models, they might say, "I'm sorry but I can not in good conscience agree that wearing ghillie brogues or wingtips is black tie no matter what XMarks or GQ has to say about it!" ;)