tuxedo & shoes question

[garigoun]

Only in the Land Down Under.

But surely if one was in the Land Down Under and one's bow tie was upside down it would then be the right way up. In order for it to be upside down down under it would have to be right way up. No? A strong case for the return of the Revolving Bow Tie I think.

 

Gari

[NomDePlume]

But surely if one was in the Land Down Under and one's bow tie was upside down it would then be the right way up. In order for it to be upside down down under it would have to be right way up. No? A strong case for the return of the Revolving Bow Tie I think.

 

Gari

 

As long as it lights on and off as it revolves...

[cruisegal101]

As long as it lights on and off as it revolves...

 

Well, it doesn't revolve but it does light--you know me and my blinking lights!!! http://http://www.enlighted.com/pages/bowties.shtml

[GrimWheel]

Point of Order Mr. Chairman. Is it possible to have a bow tie on upside down? Just a thought in case I have been getting it wrong for the last XX years.

An Interested Gari

 

The CUMMERBUND.

[mheslop]

Hi - my son rented a tux one on the QE2 and it was a disaster - didn't fit at all. We bought after that. I'd rent locally unless you are gong to be away for too long (in our case it was a month, which is why we rented on the ship). Used ones are always an option. Also, you do not HAVE to wear a tux - you can wear a dark suit. And don't let anyone say that is not true. I say, don't go to any expense unless you absolutely have to. Of course, if you WANT to wear a tux, then that is different but I would not rent on the ship.

 

As for shoes, sure patent leather is the ultimate - but you don't HAVE to. My father - English and as formal as they came (black tux .... and white dinner jacket for summer evenings)- wore his best black shoes on all his Cunard cruises. He said he gave up patent leather in the 50s!!!!

 

Most of all, enjoy!

[rsquare]

Are you sure it was the colour, or did you have it on upside down ?

 

Not sure which is worse...

 

I may well have had it on upside down, I only recently discovered that there is a directionality to those things, so there is only a 50-50 chance that I got it right on the 30 or so formal nights I have experienced.

 

However, the point about not making that mistake again had nothing to do with anyone's reaction to me, just my own feeling about being the only guy on the boat not in kilts without a black-and-white color scheme. Which also addresses pnhrk's point - I totally agree that a tasteful touch of color looks nice on a tux (that's why I bought the maroon cummerbund and tie), but I am insecure enough about formalwear not to want to be only one sporting such a color scheme. I assume that people who post asking questions about formalwear on cruises are as inexperienced and insecure in this area as I am, hence my advice.

[GrimWheel]

I may well have had it on upside down, I only recently discovered that there is a directionality to those things, so there is only a 50-50 chance that I got it right on the 30 or so formal nights I have experienced.

 

However, the point about not making that mistake again had nothing to do with anyone's reaction to me, just my own feeling about being the only guy on the boat not in kilts without a black-and-white color scheme. Which also addresses pnhrk's point - I totally agree that a tasteful touch of color looks nice on a tux (that's why I bought the maroon cummerbund and tie), but I am insecure enough about formalwear not to want to be only one sporting such a color scheme. I assume that people who post asking questions about formalwear on cruises are as inexperienced and insecure in this area as I am, hence my advice.

 

 

Really I don't think ANYBODY would have a problem with any fellow traveller who at least appeared to have made an effort, upsidedown cummerbund or not ! - (or any number of black tie code transgressions) - what does grate is when somebody has deliberately stuck two fingers up to the dress code, like shorts and a hawaii shirt in the casino on a formal night on the QV I witnessed this year.

 

These people should be made to walk the plank.*

 

* Debretts states such planks must be matt black, sawn from 2 imperial inches thick teak, 12ft x 2ft, and protrude precisely 4 ft overboard.

[Time Will Tell]

Well, it doesn't revolve but it does light--you know me and my blinking lights!!! http://http://www.enlighted.com/pages/bowties.shtml

 

Love the cummerbund. Just the thing for Carnival!

[Time Will Tell]

I may well have had it on upside down, I only recently discovered that there is a directionality to those things, so there is only a 50-50 chance that I got it right on the 30 or so formal nights I have experienced.

 

However, the point about not making that mistake again had nothing to do with anyone's reaction to me, just my own feeling about being the only guy on the boat not in kilts without a black-and-white color scheme. Which also addresses pnhrk's point - I totally agree that a tasteful touch of color looks nice on a tux (that's why I bought the maroon cummerbund and tie), but I am insecure enough about formalwear not to want to be only one sporting such a color scheme. I assume that people who post asking questions about formalwear on cruises are as inexperienced and insecure in this area as I am, hence my advice.

 

That's a good point. Another is the myth that a dress suit (tux to you lot over the pond) is uncomfortable. Tosh. If it fits well (and it should - as with any suit) and you wear a turndown collar it is as comfortable as any other suit.

 

These things shouldn't be obsessed over, although they are very easy to get right.

 

Black self tied bow tie

Black dinner suit

Good quality shoes - patent or otherwise.

Quality cuff links and studs - matching, of course. And nothing gaudy.

 

Fun cuff links are best kept for Elegant Casual, when one can dress up one's suit with a less sober tie and cuff links that are not so formal.

 

I think the best way of looking at black tie is to regard it as a uniform. Gentlemen are not there to parade. We leave that to the Ladies.

[cruisegal101]

Love the cummerbund. Just the thing for Carnival!

 

But wouldn't it be a bit too much coverage for Rio? :p Oh, you're talking ships!!!

[The Real PM]

That's a good point. Another is the myth that a dress suit (tux to you lot over the pond) is uncomfortable. Tosh. If it fits well (and it should - as with any suit) and you wear a turndown collar it is as comfortable as any other suit.

 

These things shouldn't be obsessed over, although they are very easy to get right.

 

Black self tied bow tie

Black dinner suit

Good quality shoes - patent or otherwise.

Quality cuff links and studs - matching, of course. And nothing gaudy.

 

Fun cuff links are best kept for Elegant Casual, when one can dress up one's suit with a less sober tie and cuff links that are not so formal.

 

I think the best way of looking at black tie is to regard it as a uniform. Gentlemen are not there to parade. We leave that to the Ladies.

I am curious, how does one ascertain if cufflinks and studs are quality? Is it when they don't seem to turn your shirt black?:eek:

[Time Will Tell]

I am curious, how does one ascertain if cufflinks and studs are quality? Is it when they don't seem to turn your shirt black?:eek:

 

If they turn one's shirt black, then they are presumably silver and dirty.

 

But in terms of your real question, I'm surprised that you had to ask! I'd have said that it was obvious.......

 

How do you tell if a diamond is quality?

[pb82]

I am curious, how does one ascertain if cufflinks and studs are quality? Is it when they don't seem to turn your shirt black?:eek:

Or any other color. Green is especially bad.

[CRUMB]

I sell a lovely 2 piece dinner suit in my shop for £59 but that doesn't really help you as I am in England.........................

 

Don't you think that people stress too much about dress codes???

 

It is my first time on Cunard at the end of the month but I'm wearing what I want and I will still fit in with the dress code.

 

I may decide to wear a coloured bow tie/cummerbund set.............I may decide not to wear a cummerbund...............I won't be wearing a self-tied bow tie..........I will probably wear a normal pair of leather shoes.....I may wear a white jacket..................my waistcoat may be a little wild or I may leave it at home.................does anyone really care once you're onboard because I certainly won't be analysing other people, I'll be having a good time!:p

[garigoun]

How do you tell if a diamond is quality?

 

Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat.

There are cheap diamonds. You have been warned.

A Sparkling Gari

[gometros]

How do you tell if a diamond is quality?

 

With a good lupe

[AviGirl]

My husband has decided to purchase his first tux for our QM2 TA in November. He's going to look extra handsome for me! :D

 

I've gone through this thread a couple of times but have additional questions...

 

Vest vs. Cummerbund? What's the norm?

 

Tie vs. Bow Tie? What's the norm?

 

In addition, he saw a grey vest with a red tie combo that he really liked... should he stay away from that for the Formal Nights and just stick with black bow tie?

 

I understand that he can wear what he likes, but I don't want him standing out like a sore thumb :eek:

[SeaMatesNYC]

My husband has decided to purchase his first tux for our QM2 TA in November. He's going to look extra handsome for me! :D

 

I've gone through this thread a couple of times but have additional questions...

 

Vest vs. Cummerbund? What's the norm?

 

Cumberbund is norm. Vests are seen, but not as often.

 

Tie vs. Bow Tie? What's the norm?

 

Bow tie.

 

In addition, he saw a grey vest with a red tie combo that he really liked... should he stay away from that for the Formal Nights and just stick with black bow tie?

 

Black for formal nights. Red bow tie - children may ask for a balloon animal.:eek:

 

I understand that he can wear what he likes, but I don't want him standing out like a sore thumb :eek:

 

You are a DW:rolleyes:.

 

Personal responses in line above. May he be the handsomest man you see!

[GCurry]

What a handsome man!!!:rolleyes::p:rolleyes: Is this is what is called the cat's meow?B

Or the cat's ass depending on who you ask on this board!!

I do admire it Gari and have several, as you would expect.

 

Avi Girl, depending on the weather full vests, waist coats, cummerbunds, it's all good.

Bow tie fer sure.

 

Love formal Texas style, no rules jus run whatcha brung.

[AviGirl]

SeaMate... Thank you!

 

Btw... what's a DW??? :confused:

[Boytjie]

SeaMate... Thank you!

 

Btw... what's a DW??? :confused:

 

Dear Wife.

[AviGirl]

Dear Wife.

 

Aw... well, I try :)

[southwestie]

I sell a lovely 2 piece dinner suit in my shop for £59 but that doesn't really help you as I am in England.........................

 

Don't you think that people stress too much about dress codes???

 

It is my first time on Cunard at the end of the month but I'm wearing what I want and I will still fit in with the dress code.

 

I may decide to wear a coloured bow tie/cummerbund set.............I may decide not to wear a cummerbund...............I won't be wearing a self-tied bow tie..........I will probably wear a normal pair of leather shoes.....I may wear a white jacket..................my waistcoat may be a little wild or I may leave it at home.................does anyone really care once you're onboard because I certainly won't be analysing other people, I'll be having a good time!:p

 

At last, good for you, go and have a good time. look out for us, we are on that mini cruise too.

[GCurry]

But wouldn't it be a bit too much coverage for Rio? :p Oh, you're talking ships!!!

Without the Samba they are pretty much the same, party till you puke!!

Mardi Gras runs a close second to a Carnival Cruise, only the foods better.:D