I think I would have to agree with both PiobBear and MacMillan of Rathdown. It is within reach for most people to have a suit in there closet for those occations when they need them. My family was not rich by any strech of the imagination, but when the time called for it my Father ensured we were dressed correctly. People can always say "I don't know what to wear", which is easly solved by a quick search of the web on proper dress etiquette. The other is price. I know that saving up for exspensive clothes can take time, but every man should have a suit, and like PiobBear states, the thrift store can be your friend if an event comes up before you have purchesed your "good suit". I also know that in todays climit it can be hard for people to "guess" what they should wear to an event. If you dress correctly for the event, you can never be "over-dressed", there however can be those who are under-dressed. To show up like a slob at an event you were invited to is an insult to the host, and all those in attendance, there can be no if's, and's or but's about it. I have yet to see an invatation sent out that left no time to do a 5 min search on the web to figure out what to wear, or the day it would take to rent or buy a basic suit. At my Fathers funneral last August, my uncle who was visiting from out of town managed to drive 100km away and find a suit so that he was dressed correctly for the service. People who chose not to research or purchase the proper ware do just that, "CHOSE"! Here is a good link to help those getting started in black tie. It is also a good primer to get you ready for suits.

Frank