So, I'm a "cheap suit" kinda guy

[Tinkerboy00]

I find it hugely interesting to read thru this and similar threads to see how different people interpret the concepts of 'formal' and 'semi-formal'. Not saying that there is a right and there is a wrong, just more of a 'hmmmm' reaction.

For me, PERSONALLY, formal = tux, semi formal = suit, cruise casual = khakis and a collared shirt (with or without a sweater or sport coat), and Friday casual = a nice pair of jeans and a sport coat.

My PERSONAL philosophy is that I prefer to be overdressed than underdressed. If it's the latter, I feel self-conscious, and if it's the former, people will just assume that I have somewhere better to go to afterwards.

That being said, what works for me, doesn't work for everyone. However, I will echo the comments made by a number of other posters that it makes absolutely zero difference if you are wearing a custom made suit, or an off the rack sport coat and slacks from Sears or Goodwill - what matters is that you make the effort to get in the spirit of what is intended to be an upscale dining experience.

My philosophy too! Although Im probably a little too concerned with fashion sometimes.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Always overdress. Especially at work, so when you show up in a suit it's normal and no one wonders where you are interviewing on your lunch break that day. Rolling into a restaurant in full tophat and tails is an amazing experience. We plan to do this at V&A's on next trip.

You are a more daring man than I - I just can't envision myself being able to pull off a tophat and tails.

Putting on my tuxedo and pretending for an evening that "I'm Bond, James Bond" is about as far as I'm willing to take it - although I do keep trying to find a reason to purchase a dinner jacket...

 

[cobright]

You are a more daring man than I - I just can't envision myself being able to pull off a tophat and tails.

I'm a Steampunk Artist in my downtime. Victorian is just what we do.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Ooo nice! I'll bet your pirate gear rocks!

I totally get it (being a part time mermaid.) Dressing up is a big part of the fun. A guy at work was like "why?" And I'm like dude. "Why not? And I can swim so much better..."

No matter what your look, most important is to commit to it 200%!! If not, people can tell..if you rock it, it just about always works. (Anyone seen the chainmail dress photo worn to the MDR that has circulated around cruise critic? Yikes! )

 

[princesslilobess]

I've seen kilts, also. Or military dress uniforms.

DH usually wears a suit (jacket, dress shirt & tie) for formal nights, and dress shirt and tie (or jacket) for semi-formal. Same with both sons. And their suits were bought at JC Penney.

And we still have a Sears store in our mall.

Ooo! I would love to get my husband into a Kilt. Must book cruise!

 

[ChloroFiend]

Not sure if this falls into your 'cheap suit' category, but I got a designer tux for under $150 at Macys. They've got some awesome sales. As a younger guy, a white shirt and a black tie and bam, red carpet ready.

I have no need for a tux, but heck, its pretty awesome having one and finding and excuse to bust it out.

 

[cobright]

You could roll in all Ashton Kutcher like with un-linked french cuffs, dirty hair old sneakers and no jacket.