As a result of my musings...

[reynardo]

This is a serious question - I'm curious as to how far the men of my acquaintance would go when required to dress up.

Ladies - I trust you. And besides, we can get away with a lot!

[Poll #1432085]

Comments

[invader-kitty.livejournal.com]

Probably not with a waistcoat but definitely matching dark suit, collard shirt and tie.

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

Actually, I'd be tempted to. I've worn tails to the speaking group I belong to more than once.

[nefaria.livejournal.com]

If I wore tails, it'd be the kind they sell at furry conventions (semi-realistic rabbit, fox, etc. tails), which would probably drop the entire outfit down from formal to ultra-casual.

[moxie_man]

Graduation gown with Masters smock/whatever it's called as the only "formal" function at work (university) is graduation. :)

[usekh.livejournal.com]

Either matching dark suit with tie, or Dark trousers, collared shirt, sports jacket. Tie. Although I suspect the former is proper :)

[panacea1.livejournal.com]

"Formal" is pretty vague.

In the US an invitation with a dress code would typically specify Black Tie, Black Tie required, or White Tie if one was expected to have a tux / morning coat / etc. Otherwise a suit and tie or jacket/slacks and tie would be OK if perhaps somewhat less formal, and when in doubt ask the host(ess) whether it's black tie or business dress.

[chaos-crafter.livejournal.com]

But that is definitely with a waistcoat.
Alternatelty - Antons - but it's only a work event so it doesn't get such an effort.

[loganberrybunny.livejournal.com]

I don't particularly like suits, and I absolutely despise ties (it's the feeling of even slight neck constriction: I find that very unpleasant), but I'd wear them if that was what was expected; I wouldn't disrupt things just to show my unhappiness. I envy my Scottish relations, who can go the "national dress" route with impunity.

At family weddings etc (assuming reasonably warm weather) I've usually managed to stick to the "Dark trousers, collared shirt and a tie" option, though I've always checked beforehand that that would be acceptable. I never wear jeans (denim irritates my skin) so that isn't an option anyway!

[the-funkmeister.livejournal.com]

That'd be the matching dark suit, with matching velvet accompaniments (waistcoat and anything with the word 'tie' in the description).

[skwerlbuddy.livejournal.com]

Full Scottish kit. (Kilt - Bell tartan - Prince Charlie jacket, hose, flashings, sporran,) And he would be happy for the chance. :-)

[tenner.livejournal.com]

I'd also check with coworkers who had been to said event, since "formal" doesn't necessarily seem to mean tuxedo anymore. But generally, you can't go wrong with a tuxedo and it impresses the hell out of people.

[sandypawozbun.livejournal.com]

Definitely including waist coat, but then again Usagi is a sucker for dressing up.

[waitingman.livejournal.com]

It's really very simple... If the invitation says 'Formal' for dress code, then it's a bow-tie & dinner suit at the very least. There's not much call for tails these days, but if the spirit of the occasion invites them...

And as for Australian national dress... I shudder to think.

[caimekazie.livejournal.com]

Personally?

Once I've made it, I'd wear http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v246/tsubasa_anime/Black%20Butler/00_cover_jap.jpg that.

But yes. Formal, for me, means formal.

[da-norvegicus.livejournal.com]

I put the sports jacket option. I assume that's the level mine's at? You know the one.

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

God no! Yours is at the "matching dark suit" level. It also looks awfully like Draco Malfoy's jacket in the current HP.

[da-norvegicus.livejournal.com]

Ah. Pretend I answered one higher then.

*glee*

[frou-frou.livejournal.com]

Interesting responses. Not surprising, either.

I'm fortunate in that I get to dress men for "formal" fairly often. I like the black dinner suit with white shirt and french cuffs, cufflinks and black bow tie.

[isiswardrobe.livejournal.com]

I went for tuxedo. But in Sweden national dress is considered formal- is that different elsewhere?