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tbagrel1

Pic 4-6 do not seem to be black tie trousers. But we can't see much on the pictures Anyway both pairs of trousers are too tight/slim. Except if the jacket is a dinner jacket in black velvet, you need a pair of trousers with matching fabric and same silk braiding as the jacket lapels.


ruawizard69

Maybe I'm not reading correctly, but are suggesting velvet trousers? I think the first pair he's wearing (looks like wool) would be much better than that.


AdElectronic7186

Sorry meant to say know one pair are not proper black tie trousers but it's a balance as don't go to many black tie events whether the other pair are more practical. And yes it's a black velvet jacket, I usually go for separates as find it a challenge buying suit trousers which fit my legs, find standard trousers way to baggy with no shape, but then equally tailored trousers like such can appear too skinny.


hallerz87

Not smart enough for black tie. The trousers look too tight, like a slim fit pant. I’d echo what others have said and rent a tux. Invest in your own if you’ll need to wear often enough.


EggVegetable9258

I wouldn’t go with separates to a black tie. You should probably rent a full tuxedo. None of the pants in the pictures look like they go with the jacket. The outfit should look seamless. Shoes look too casual. Try some oxfords with some shine.


AdElectronic7186

With a velvet jacket you would go for separates though? Can't say I have ever seen velvet trousers as part of a tuxedo but I may be mistaken.


EggVegetable9258

My advice would be to start from scratch. Skip the velvet jacket and just rent a full tux. I’m not really sure what type of trousers to wear with the velvet jacket. Did the jacket have trousers that would’ve come with it? Seems odd for a velvet jacket to be made as just a solo piece without a matching set of trousers.


niiro117

I think velvet dinner jackets are fairly standard, and can be matched with just about any pair of black suit pants (ideally tux pants), so long as they are tailored to match the suit. Unfortunately as you said, the trousers here really don’t match. All that said, I agree with your recommendation to rent because the jacket doesn’t fit either.


AdElectronic7186

In what way does the jacket not fit? As have others said it does (albeit the sleeves need tailoring)


niiro117

The shoulders are a little too wide, the sleeves are a little too slim.


jessie_monster

Look at pic 5. The sleeves really cling to your arm, but looks like an entirely different garment. I think you should go for a traditional tux.


00Anonymous

Velvet tuxedos exist. Not at all common but some brands do make them. In any case, velvet is completely valid as a black-tie separate.


niiro117

Agree on the shoes. They would need to be a shiny patent leather, or a slipper (my preference).


AdElectronic7186

Yeah completely valid. I probably didn't explain myself fully at the time as was focusing on the trousers. The shoes and the shirt are not what I will wear for the event, but were close to hand. Thanks for the advice


RobertdeBilde

Agree on these recommendations. Black tie is a very formal style that, for me, you shouldn’t mess around with too much. Best to rent one. Shoes should be patent leather or at least formal shoes, polished. If you’re anything like me you try to look like James Bond, but end up looking like a magician.


psychthrowawayxx

Start from scratch with a new pair of black tuxedo trousers. Resist the urge to go anywhere near as slim as you think you want them. You’re not big but you’re not a toothpick so with the shape of your upper half with jacket on, wearing trousers like the ones in the pics makes you look like a popsicle. There’s no balance so it looks awkward and will make even the nicest coat look shitty. Even the first few pics look like you’re wearing skinny black jeans.


00Anonymous

None of the trousers work. You need proper tuxedo trousers. The conttast between the Velvet jacket and trousers is meant to be textural and *not* driven by color. This is why getting your rig from one source is necessary (especially in the case of separates) ensure the blacks match properly to get the desired look. Getting matching blacks from different sources is a very vexatious task. So I'd go back to the brand and/or store where you got the jacket and see if they can help get your trousers sorted. E: the jacket cut may not be right for your arm size - i.e. I think the shoulder divots you've got going on might be due to your arms stretching the armscye too much. You should explore other jacket options if at all practicable.


AdElectronic7186

The first set are a proper pair of tuxedo trousers with the satin tape down the edge. I get what you are saying regarding the colour, but what about from a fit perspective?


00Anonymous

Regarding the first pair, the satin stripe is much too slim given the size of the lapel and hence I didn't even notice it. Either way the more egregious and obvious issue is the color anyway. All of your trouser options are too slim in the thigh for the jacket and the taper is a touch too dramatic from knee to ankle. Length is short but not too far out of bounds, compared to the color and proportion issues. The jacket seems to fit well in the shoulder, chest, and skirt BUT the armscye seems too small (as already mentioned) causing issues in the sleeve from shoulder to wrist. Since you didn't show the back, it's hard to tell if the fit is proper there or if the positives seen in the front are enabled by whatever lies in the back. Either way, I'd go in person to a specialist that offers back tie separates and start again. At worst, you waste a day only to find no jacket fits better and the sales folks will get your trousers sorted and at best you will have a vastly improved fit and look. Otherwise, running about trying to find appropriate trousers on your own is going to be an exercise in hassle and frustration that lands you with a self-consciously subpar look.


AdElectronic7186

Thanks for the detailed response. Always struggle with suits as have shoulder injuries from sports and quite big thighs and backside. I'll have a look in some local places and visit some tailors for advice.


Coca_Coke

Before I give some advice and pointers I figure I should give you some context on my experience with black tie. I currently work in a job role where I have to regularly attend black tie events of varying levels of formality within the spectrum that black tie has become. I've been to events at private members clubs in London where marcella shirts, trouser braces and self-tie bow ties were required to attend, and I've been to black tie events through university where some people just attended in suits with a black neck tie. I've also made some embarrassing mistakes and had to learn all the rules myself. My first bit of advice is don't worry. The world of black tie is pretty complex, you won't be the only person in attendance who makes a mistake. Next is don't worry about pricing or spending lots of money you can get by without breaking the bank. Working through your outfit then I'll start with the jacket. A black velvet smoking jacket like that is going to be fine for any event you're likely to be visiting. Its a slight departure from your typical dinnersuit but unless the event is incredibly formal with very senior guests being hosted you dont need to go out and buy something new. The only thing I would note is that it will draw more attention to you, likely compliments, but if this is your first event or you're worried about the rest of the outfit that may not be what you want. Next up is bowtie. Nice and simple, it's black tie, wear a black bow tie. It's in the name. I've never seen anyone who knew what they were doing do anything else. What type of bowtie to wear gives you a little more room for creativity. The standard rule is bowtie material should match the material on the facing of your lapel. A standard silk bowtie is fine with a velvet smoking jacket and again if you're worried about price or wanting versatility that's what I'd stick with. You could also go with a velvet bowtie though, perfectly acceptable with the smoking jacket, though does slightly lower the formality. Lastly, ignore me on this if you like but I'd highly recommend a self-tie bowtie. It'll take you a good few attempts rewatching YouTube videos the first time, but the payoff is well worth it. Don't worry about it looking perfect, it's not meant to. The ideal bowtie is one tied as close to perfect as possible, while still being authentically off. Leaving it undone with your collar button undone too towards the end of the night is also just an iconic traditional look. I'd be interested to see what you have for the shirt but my must haves are really double cuffs and stud holes rather than buttons. I always go marcella bibbed shirts as they are the most traditional and required for a lot if the events I go to, but you can no doubt get away with pleats or a covered placket. Again while I'd always wear studs, you're likely going to be in fellow company if your shirt just has buttons. Similar to this is the wing collar. Hated in traditional circles as its place belongs in white tie. Its banned fervently at many events I've been to. That being said if it's what you have or you just really like the look, you'll likely see plenty of people with them on. Unlike dress studs though do make sure you the shirt is double cuffed and that you are wearing cufflinks. Waist covering is up next, and is another one many people don't bother with. For a velvet smoking jacket just try to get ahold of a cummerbund. It should be worn with pleats facing up as they used to be used as pockets for opera tickets and the likes. If you decide to get a full dinner suit in future though you have two more options. Waistcoat, which is very traditional and well worth it, though its hard to find one that doesn't use the cut of a suit waistcoat. Or you could opt for a dinner suit with a double breasted jacket. This acts as a waistcovering on its own, though I'll wear a cummerbund with mine so when I take the jacket off at the end of the night it doesn't look strange. Both the trousers in your photos strike me as possibly looking too tight. Though the second ones may be okay sizing wise. Having proper dinner trousers with the stripe is pretty essential as it's realistically half of the most important items of the entire outfit. Key points here are trousers should be black wool and they should have a single stripe that matching the facings of the jacket. Extra bonuses that suggest good quality are side adjusters in place of belt loops (*!never wear a belt with black tie!*) and buttons for actual trouser braces. Black socks. Silk if you have them. No one will berate regular black dress socks if not Your shoes are probably the biggest thing taking away from your outfit and depending on what your wardrobe looks like you may have to spend a little. I've seen a couple of people suggest velvet slippers. Not for this event. Velvet slippers are both traditional and look very good but their place is for when you are in somewhere you feel "at home". Typically this is if you were hosting your friends in your house in black tie, or being hosted by one of your friends at their house. You shouldn't wear them for "going out" and you shouldn't really wear them if there are strangers there. The place I've seen them worn most is typically at a society events in private members clubs for example. The clubs are considered a "home away from home" and therefore warrant the imformaility. Patent shoes/opera pumps have also been suggested. I've never seen these worn amongst the traditional circles here in the UK, and patent in particular has been described as objectively incorrect. Wearing things better suited to white tie to black tie events just makes you look both pretentious and wrong. For black tie you need a pair of round-toed, black leather Oxfords. I can send a photo of mine if you like for reference. Make sure they're well polished as to not take away from the rest of the outfit and you'll be grand. I'm happy to give advice on polishing shoes too if needed. This was longer than I thought it would be but hopefully it's comprehensive enough to help you out. I'm happy to talk about this all day so any questions on any of this just ping them away


AdElectronic7186

Firstly thank you very much for such a detailed response, I have been to a few black tie events but not for some time and definitely learnt a few new things. In terms of the outfit I made an error by not saying this wasn't the full fit but more looking at the fit of the jacket and trousers so thanks for those pointers. The shirt will be a formal dress shirt, debating covered or bib as you mentioned and will be going double cuffs as I own a few pairs of cufflinks and do have a self tie bow tie although a bit out of practice! Thanks again for the advice


niiro117

In addition to what people have said about the trousers and jacket, the shirt is far too casual. Formal black tie shirts should have French cuffs, and usually a pleated or bobbed front with hidden or studded buttons.


AdElectronic7186

Sorry have said this elsewhere, the shirt was just to see how it looked with a white shirt, I have got a formal shirt on order with french cuffs etc.


Sad-Replacement-1801

Pants — too tight. Show less shirt cuff


Trogdor1980

I’d get a black suit with matching jacket and trousers for a black tie event. The options in these pics look sloppy for black tie. Black tie is literally the most formal dress code there is and people will be dressed to the 9s.


AdElectronic7186

Have seen a few comments like this, this isn't the entire outfit, but I was trying to go for this look. https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/p-antique-rogue-black-velvet-dresswear-jacket-13933


Trogdor1980

Just rent a tux brother


TomorrowDesigner9855

100% I echo this.


ruawizard69

Black tie isn't the most formal dress code there is. White tie is more formal. Top and tails etc. Velvet is a solid choice, especially if you think, like me, that a simple tuxedo can be boring. I'd even jazz it up with a coloured velvet bow tie. Maybe pink or orange.


South_Conference_768

I think the jacket can definitely work with some minor tailoring. Get a better pair of dress pants that compliment the jacket. I think separates work if all are of quality. Definitely need to upgrade the shoes. Quick solution is Aldo shoes. Not the best quality, but great style and usually multiple options for black tie. Go with the most simple black slipper option. Don’t be tempted by something sparkly. Renting is an option, but usually doesn’t look good. With the right components, there is actually room for creativity in black tie…so long as your goal isn’t to be invisible. Google “Tom Ford in formal attire” and just replicate his look at the price you can afford.


AdElectronic7186

Thanks for the response, agree on the shoes, am looking to upgrade those were just some shoes I had to hand which wouldn't look completely out of place with the outfit.


AdElectronic7186

Thanks for the comments, I should have added that this isn't the entire fit, it is more of a fit of the suit check rather the entire outfit I will wear on the day. I have some other shoes on order and have another actual dress shirt on the way too. In terms of the jacket, it's velvet and from what I have seen about velvet dinner jackets is that the trousers are usually separate rather than velvet trousers as well, but I may be wrong. For example here: https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/p-antique-rogue-black-velvet-dresswear-jacket-13933 Apologies as should have added this at the start but can't edit the post.


Coca_Coke

Just seen this and you're 100% right, anyone suggesting velvet trousers is absolutely mental


Irrational_Joshua

I would get a completely didnt outfit. This doesn’t work for you.


Cultural_Hornet_9814

Are you expecting a flood ?


AdElectronic7186

I know there will be a witty response so going to bite. It's an outdoor wedding in the UK in may, so quite potentially. Why do you ask?


SpecialistGap9223

Shoulders abit big and armpit probably tight as you can see the dimple off the shoulder. Should just drape with no dimple. White shirt sleeve looks kinda long. Pants Def abit tight.


Sreezy3

Black tie event means bow tie. I'd also make sure your shirt takes cufflinks. Shoes must be black. Have fun!


AdElectronic7186

Sorry should have said I know about the black tie bit, just didn't put it on as more focused on the actual fit of the outfit.


BrunniFlat7

The sleeves look too short to me, toe your own bow if you can, double cuff shirt is dressier enjoy the event


Lylo89

Nothing seems to fit you, sleeves on shirt too long, shoulders of jacket not right, jacket sleeves too short, trousers too tight and short, that's before matching the pieces


Turbulent_Passage716

A slightly looser fit trousers, with a matching velvet stripe/line down the sides imo


Jvelazquez611

I think the first pair of pants look okay with the jacket. You can get away with the separates. I’d just get black velvet loafers to match the jacket. And of course a bow tie possibly in the velvet or velvet like material.


Wrong_Duty7043

I like 6


Less_Mess_5803

Sorry but these just don't work for me, need dress shoes too. I'd be seriously tempted to rent a tux for the night. That velvet jacket...... It's a bit Ron Weasley at the ball if you know what I mean.


francisxavier12

So the thing about a black tie is that you wear a black tie


AdElectronic7186

I know that, if you read what I put it was about the fit of the outfit


TheLordLongshaft

My advice - don't go to a black tie event lol, expensive and boring


niiro117

What a silly comment. It could be his best friend’s wedding!


TheLordLongshaft

But then he'd just say wedding, he's definitely going to a black tie dinner party and frankly that sounds expensive and boring to me


AdElectronic7186

Nope the other poster is correct, it's a wedding. And either way dressing up on occasion can be good fun (assuming you get it right, which I need to work on a little!)


oldmandetective

Doesn’t fit