Black tie options

[Frank McGrath]

Look up The Thistle Stop in Woodsboro. They do rentals. But they do not have a walk in shop. Strictly email. I believe they advertise on Xmarks. Good luck.

Frank

[svc40bt]

Look up The Thistle Stop in Woodsboro. They do rentals. But they do not have a walk in shop. Strictly email. I believe they advertise on Xmarks. Good luck.

Frank

That is who I called. I was hoping I could pick it up and thus save shipping costs, but they drop ship from a warehouse it seems. Haven't made the final decision yet.

[svc40bt]

Thanks to all who gave opinions. So, what I ended up with: found a used black Argyle on eBay. Still waiting for it to arrive (fingers crossed on the fit).

Looked for a Prince Charlie waistcoat, but couldn't find one separately, so I bought a backless wool/satin lapel formal waistcoat and pearl grey studs and cuff links from Uniformal Wearhouse. Wasn't expecting much for a $29 waistcoat, but it is a barathea weave (hopefully it will match the jacket reasonably well) The studs and links are stamped thin sheet and plastic, but servicable for this time around and at $3 I really can't complain.

Found an all cotton lay-down collar 1/2" pleat formal shirt at the local TJ Max for $15. Not generally keen on pleated fronts, but for the price couldn't pass it up.

Splurged a bit and went with Beau Ties for the black tie. I liked their multiple options: 3 different widths, 2 of which could be had with either straight or pointed ends; pretied or self tie. Went with this in 2 3/4" width, pointed ends self tie. $40 Though it looks multicolored in the picture, it is all the same black, just a heavy jacquard weave.

Pictures forthcoming once the jacket arrives.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Thanks to all who gave opinions. So, what I ended up with: found a used black Argyle on eBay. Still waiting for it to arrive (fingers crossed on the fit).

Looked for a Prince Charlie waistcoat, but couldn't find one separately, so I bought a backless wool/satin lapel formal waistcoat and pearl grey studs and cuff links from Uniformal Wearhouse. Wasn't expecting much for a $29 waistcoat, but it is a barathea weave (hopefully it will match the jacket reasonably well) The studs and links are stamped thin sheet and plastic, but servicable for this time around and at $3 I really can't complain.

Found an all cotton lay-down collar 1/2" pleat formal shirt at the local TJ Max for $15. Not generally keen on pleated fronts, but for the price couldn't pass it up.

Splurged a bit and went with Beau Ties for the black tie. I liked their multiple options: 3 different widths, 2 of which could be had with either straight or pointed ends; pretied or self tie. Went with this in 2 3/4" width, pointed ends self tie. $40 Though it looks multicolored in the picture, it is all the same black, just a heavy jacquard weave.

Pictures forthcoming once the jacket arrives.

Well done on the shirt and tie. I usually wear a pleated front with bow tie and Argyll, and a plain front with a four-in-hand tie as I think the pleated front suggests a tad more formality. You might try JC Penny's for a black five button waistcoat; they are currently on a half-price sale. I for one wouldn't worry too much about the fabric and colour matching-- it's nice if they do, but the sky won't fall if they don't.

[Zardoz]

All this Burn's night black-tie and formal dress discussion reminded me of an invitation only formal party I try attend every year. The Houston Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Party, one of Houston’s most coveted Mardi Gras invitations.

Attendees are required to be in formal wear, i.e. tuxedo, black-tie and ball gowns, or in costume that reflects the ball’s theme. This year, the party pays tribute to the military with the theme, “We Want You.” It's coming up on Jan. 30th, I'll post some photos.

In their invitations, the 1,100 or so invited guests get this card, as well as a discount coupon for tux rentals.


I wish more of the formal events I attend were this strict about the dress code!

[Mael Coluim]

I've got my fingers crossed too, on your Argyll. Good for you on getting the self tie bow time from Beau ties. You can't go wrong with them. I ordered myself today, a pair of thistle pewter culf links and a the same in a pocket watch. Have my fingers crossed for those coming by Saturday, too! See you then, pal!

[jordanjm]

I believe that renting a good quality outfit is better than buying a shoddy outfit.