Formal vs. Semi-Formal Tux Question

[CSX2]

I have read the “dress code” thread at the top of this board and even searched the web but I am still confused on what the difference is between formal and semi-formal for men. Is a tuxedo appropriate for semi-formal wear or would I be over-dressed?

I have just purchased a tuxedo and can wear it in two configurations: plain black bow tie with white cummerbund or black on black paisley vest (shiny black over matte black – very subtle) with matching bow tie. Which way would be considered more formal?

BTW… Here is my logic for purchasing (not cheap!) vice renting the tux:

1. I can get the sleeve length and pant length tailored to fit (rentals are never quite right on me).

2. I can buy additional accessories to change the look for different occasions.

3. Must attend more formal events to justify cost.

4. Favorite formal events are cruise dinners.

5. Buying tux REQUIRES taking more cruises!

 

[ducklite]

Gnerally formal is a tux, semi-formal is a conservative suit. But if you want to wear the tux both nights--go for it (although you'll probably be very much in the minority). Rather than to semi-formal night, maybe to Palo's might be an option

Anne

 

[Señor Ferrari]

I'd wear it both nigths. You'll be in the minority, but then, in my experience, those wearing tuxes are in the minority on the "formal" nights, too.

Oh, and I agree buying a tux is the way to go. I bought one last fall, as I had to be in two different wedding parties, and the cost of two rentals was about the same as buying one. And like you said, I now have to cruise more often to justify owning the tux....

 

[Cara]

My DH will be taking a tux for formal night. Is a tux also appropriate attire for Palo?? What percentage of men will wear a tux for formal night or for Palo? We are weird, I guess -- actually looking forward to dressing up!

Cara

 

[Señor Ferrari]

I think a tux is fine for Palo. He will probably feel a bit over-dressed, but not much. I have seen tuxes in Palo several times, especially on the formal nights. I usually go with the tux for the dining rooms and then a jacket and tie for Palo.

As to percentages, I'd say maybe 50% will wear a tux on formal nights. Probably 10% or less at Palo.

 

[Cara]

Thank you!

Cara

 

[CSX2]

Thanks for the advice and info!

I am definitely going to get two tux nights in and wear a nice suit to Palo but still wonder which is more formal, vest or cummerbund? Maybe they are equally formal.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I think it is a matter of personal preference.

Deb

 

[KathyTX]

CSX2- you'll look smashing both ways!

The vest may be very slightly less formal than the cummerbund, simply because it seems a little more "fun".

I love your logic for buying it. What class and style!

 

[jgalecpa]

Here's a link to a good place to buy decently priced tux's, on line.

Note: I would recommend going to a local tailor to have your self measured correctly. Most will do this for a very small fee.

Also, note the pants come un-hemmed. Take them to the same tailor and you're in business for about the price of 4 rentals.

Jim

 

[jilljill]

On formal night, DH wore a dark suit and Mickey tie and DF wore a tux with Mickey tie and cumberband. On semi-formal night, DH wore same suit with a light colored shirt and colorful Chip and Dale tie, while DF wore a dark suit and a Mickey tie. I wore a velvet Mickey skirt and DM had her sequined Mickey evening bag and DD wore a black velvet Mickey dress.
So we are all Disney crazy and love our Disney clothes.
Even on formal nights Mickey can be with you on your clothes.

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by jilljill
On formal night, DH wore a dark suit and Mickey tie and DF wore a tux with Mickey tie and cumberband. On semi-formal night, DH wore same suit with a light colored shirt and colorful Chip and Dale tie, while DF wore a dark suit and a Mickey tie. I wore a velvet Mickey skirt and DM had her sequined Mickey evening bag and DD wore a black velvet Mickey dress.
So we are all Disney crazy and love our Disney clothes.
Even on formal nights Mickey can be with you on your clothes.

Thanks for the tip, I bought two new Mickey ties for the cruise and am just wearing my black suit to the formal and semi-formal nights, bringing one white shirt and one balck shirt that go better with each tie. Our problem is with DD 12 who is not into dresses, any suggestions there??? She says she doesn't want to look like a "girlygirl,"whatever that means, I guess I'm out of the loop, LOL!!!

 

[jilljill]

Andy,
As far as DD goes, you have me a bit stumped, I have a 'girlygirl' as you put it. I guess a pair of nice black pants and a sweater would be good. What does DW think?

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by jilljill
Andy,
As far as DD goes, you have me a bit stumped, I have a 'girlygirl' as you put it. I guess a pair of nice black pants and a sweater would be good. What does DW think?

At this point DW is as stumped as me, oh this age of 12 going on 30, LOL!!! Thanks for the suggestion!!!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Hey Andy,

I have one of those girls who normally will not think of getting out of her jeans and riding boots! Getting her into dress pants for church can be a struggle.

However, she just turned 13 and over the last 6 months the attitude (ok, all sorts of attitudes! ) started changing.

For every day the "uniform" of choice is still jeans and sweatshirts with either her boots (if she is headed for the barn - I've drawn the line on wearing those to school) or her sneakers or hiking boots. But this past Sunday she actually pulled her one and only skirt out of the closet.

We also picked out a couple of pretty sleeveless dresses - sundress style basically at the end of last summer when JC Penney had their clearance and for semi-formal night found a beautiful coral colored silk shantung pantsuit, sleeveless top with lots of beading for $15. It was big at the time but for the price decided to take a chance that it would fit about right for the cruise coming up. Tried it on last weekend and it is nearly perfect. And when we bought them she liked them but said she wasn't sure she'd ever wear them. When we tried on last weekend she wondered if it would be warm enough to wear one of the dresses to church Sunday. It was not - about 12 degrees here!

She also has decided that for formal night she must have a gown...3 months ago she would have shot daggers at me for even suggesting such a thing.

If she won't do the dressed look for some dressier pants outfits - there are lots out there this spring. Or solid black pants and dressier tops are always a good choice.

Deb

 

[FOJMO]

My DH bought his tux on EBAY and got it at a very reasonable price and it looks terrific! Check out EBAY and see what you can find!

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by FantasticDisFamily
Hey Andy,

I have one of those girls who normally will not think of getting out of her jeans and riding boots! Getting her into dress pants for church can be a struggle.

However, she just turned 13 and over the last 6 months the attitude (ok, all sorts of attitudes! ) started changing.

For every day the "uniform" of choice is still jeans and sweatshirts with either her boots (if she is headed for the barn - I've drawn the line on wearing those to school) or her sneakers or hiking boots. But this past Sunday she actually pulled her one and only skirt out of the closet.

We also picked out a couple of pretty sleeveless dresses - sundress style basically at the end of last summer when JC Penney had their clearance and for semi-formal night found a beautiful coral colored silk shantung pantsuit, sleeveless top with lots of beading for $15. It was big at the time but for the price decided to take a chance that it would fit about right for the cruise coming up. Tried it on last weekend and it is nearly perfect. And when we bought them she liked them but said she wasn't sure she'd ever wear them. When we tried on last weekend she wondered if it would be warm enough to wear one of the dresses to church Sunday. It was not - about 12 degrees here!

She also has decided that for formal night she must have a gown...3 months ago she would have shot daggers at me for even suggesting such a thing.

If she won't do the dressed look for some dressier pants outfits - there are lots out there this spring. Or solid black pants and dressier tops are always a good choice.

Deb

I just got home for lunch and DD has been home all week with an URI. I used a little "dad guilt" on DD, and she was just looking on some websites at dresses for the cruise. I guess I still have it, when it comes to using the "dad guilt" exercise. There is still hope!!!