I'll be going to a black tie optional dinner in the future and want to use Alan H.'s suggestions for the formal look on the cheap. Two questions:

1) Is the vest necessary or is it an option?

2) Where should I definately have buttons positioned and how many? Are the buttons below the lapel always the same size as those on the sleeve? I will be buying one of the one button Eton jackets so I'm not looking for a full PC look.

I'll be buying one of these - http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/ap...ojackets4.html

Thanks for any help.