Questions and Answers -- General Attire

[Yeps]

This worked really well in Hats, and I think it could work really well here to have a localized place to ask questions which would get short answers.

I have a quick question, what would you consider Cocktail Attire? I know this can range from suits to tuxes, and I am curious what you would consider the standard, both in modern times and in the golden era?

I am asking because I will likely be going to an event which said "Cocktail Attire Requested" whatever that means.

[fluteplayer07]

Where can I find a metal collar pin for less than $100?

I've always believed black and brown in an ensemble to be faux pax... So are light tan dress gloves with a black topcoat a no-no?

Can a white or ivory silk dress scarf be worn with more than just evening wear without being seen as overly pretentious? A suit and topcoat, or even dress trousers and a button down shirt?

[Edward_Lindey]

What is proper hat wear in an airport?

What do you do with your hat upon entering the water closet?

Edward

[Hap Hapablap]

Where, other than eBay, can I go about finding a leather pocket watch strap, worn in the jacket breast pocket? For instance, does any niche specialist make these new?

[KILO NOVEMBER]

I, too, live and work in the metro DC area, where "business casual" is on display every day in it's shabby worst. If the sponsor of the party is an embassy, I would go with black tie, if it is a business, I think the invitation is trying to flag that "business casual" is not what's expected, and you ought to show up in a suit, wearing a tie.

[KILO NOVEMBER]

An air port is a public place. Wear your hat until you are asked to put it in a plastic tray and run it through the X-ray machine.
As for toilets, I have only two hands and they are both usually involved in the matter for which I entered, so I wear my hat.

[KILO NOVEMBER]

Since I don't feel that black-and-brown is a categorical no-no, you may not value my opinion on your question, but I would wear the glove and coat combination you described.

As for the scarf, wear it. If you are wearing a suit, tie, topcoat, and fedora would anyone think that the scarf was the proverbial straw? Now, I probably wouldn't wear a top hat on the subway, but a scarf isn't going to get you any stares that the aforementioned outfit would on its own.

[Tomasso]

"Cocktail Attire Requested" whatever that means.

That's a vague and vexing term these days. What used to be strictly suit and tie (I don't think it was ever Formal/Semi Formal) now seems to be open to individual interpretation by both host and guest. Generally, I'm in the If in doubt, overdress camp but of course one could always contact the host for clarification.

[Yeps]

I, too, live and work in the metro DC area, where "business casual" is on display every day in it's shabby worst. If the sponsor of the party is an embassy, I would go with black tie, if it is a business, I think the invitation is trying to flag that "business casual" is not what's expected, and you ought to show up in a suit, wearing a tie.

That's a vague and vexing term these days. What used to be strictly suit and tie (I don't think it was ever Formal/Semi Formal) now seems to be open to individual interpretation by both host and guest. Generally, I'm in the If in doubt, overdress camp but of course one could always contact the host for clarification.

Thanks, assuming I go, I will wear one of my favorite suits, but not a tux. Thanks.

*I say assuming I go, because it kinda depends on the gal at this point.

[The Good]

I am just curious, so I'll raise the question here. What do you think of pleated pants? How is one supposed to wear these at their best? Is a higher rise desirable to the medium rise you typically see in stores? I own three pleated chinos, but I was considering ordering one or two more without pleats, which is a part of the reason I ask here.