Black tie events are no joke, and proper dress is a must
Answer Angel
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
I am invited to a black tie event several months away. Who knows whether it will be canceled because of COVID, but if it isn’t, I need to know the answer to this question: Would it be OK for me to wear one of those T-shirts that look like a tuxedo? I really don’t want to spend the money to rent a tux and the shoes, etc., to go with it.
— Harry W.
Dear Harry: These shirts are a gag or a costume item. The answer is a big no. At best, you’ll look silly and you will definitely call attention to yourself. Most of the shirts that look like the top half of a tuxedo have short sleeves, which in itself will make you stand out in the crowd — and not in a good way. (I have seen long sleeve tux T-shirts, but they’re harder to find and still not appropriate.) If you feel like you must go to this event, you’re going to have to pay the rental cost or ask anyone you know who is roughly your size if they have one you can borrow. Another suggestion is to keep an eye out at thrift stores. I see plenty of tuxedos (white tux shirts, too) on the racks there. I’m not endorsing this, but at every black tie event I’ve gone there are a couple guys who show up in dark suits instead of formal wear. If none of those ideas suit you and it isn’t absolutely essential that you show up, send your regrets and stay home.
Angelic readers
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