ARmy Rumour SErvice

Originally Posted by Alan Partridge

Is it not a case that a tuxedo had a shawl collar (and is a filthy American-ism) and a dinner jacket has peaked lapels?

Not really, A Tuxedo is the American term for a dinner jacket. But whatever they are called they can have a notched, shawl, or peaked lapel. Though I would say a single breasted peaked lapel with crossgrain lapels, black u shaped, waistcoat, braided trim on, trousers, jetted pockets an NO vents lessens the chance of being mistaken for a waiter.

Black Tie Guide | Introduction: Instructions

I was a salesman at Mens Wearhouse while I was a student.

To answer the original question: Wear a Dinner Jacket (known as 'Black Tie'). Wear it with a soft fronted Marcella shirt and black self-tied bow tie. Wear some black shoes, highly polished (or, if you're a Nancy or in the Air Force, wear some dreadful patent leather things - yuk.) Ask your son how to polish shoes, or if you're clever, get him to do it for you.

Have a cracking evening. I remember mine fondly; I invited my Uncle (who is also my God Father). He had been thrown out of Sandhurst 20 odd years earlier for flooding the Indian Army Room.... but that's another story. He was no better behaved after the dinner having turned up with several bottles of whisky in his suitcase saying 'as you know young Queen'sman, I like a nightcap'. Guess what? Yep, the wheel came off. Badly...... but that's another story.

please dont worry , they will give you an apron and white jacket when you get there .

Originally Posted by Alan Partridge

Is it not a case that a tuxedo had a shawl collar (and is a filthy American-ism) and a dinner jacket has peaked lapels?

There's no difference. Tuxedo is a filthy American-ism though. Both collar types look good!

Men:
Dinner Jacket & Trousers
Black Bow Tie
Dress shirt
Waist: either waistcoat or cummerbund, or keep it buttoned!
Well-polished shoes.

Ladies:
Sorry, never worked it out...my OC's theory was the more leg the better, but RMAS probably has different ideas.

Originally Posted by adouglasmhor

Not really, A Tuxedo is the American term for a dinner jacket. But whatever they are called they can have a notched, shawl, or peaked lapel. Though I would say a single breasted peaked lapel with crossgrain lapels, black u shaped, waistcoat, braided trim on, trousers, jetted pockets an NO vents lessens the chance of being mistaken for a waiter.

Black Tie Guide | Introduction: Instructions

I was a salesman at Mens Wearhouse while I was a student.

Such a good website!

If it's black tie for men it's long dresses for women.
Lounge suits - cocktail dresses.
Pyjamers - nightdress

Thanks all. Ready to jog.
Tiara polished & damp cloth run over the white stiletos!

Tuxedo ......... I presume your "off spring" has lofty ambitions to join the RLC or the R Signals.

Instruct your "ova 'alf" to leave his sovereign rings at home and not to give it any "cor blimey china". Conservative Dinner Jacket and FFS not a wing collar - very footballers wives. Proper bow tie and not a different colour, certainly not a ready made tie unless you want your offspring's life to be misery. I presume your "ova 'half" will need to hire his "tux" - the poor fit will stand out like a beacon amongst those that have properly cut DJs, but don't let that bother you too much, you will be a novelty.

Mum - as above and conservative any hint of tartiness will only lead you your "offspring" being persucuted by the young men destined for Regiments that don't have YO's mothers asking basic questions about dress on internet forums. Remember, you are not on show, your "offspring" is being assessed..... but won't know it. So, little or no cleavage, unless you want to be the subject of sport and sniggers.

Oh and don't turn up in the "work car"........ black cabs should never be driven by guests.

Enjoy yourself and take some photos ....... the family will reflect for years to come on the night that Gran went to Sandhurst for a knees up.

Oi, Oi! Loverly jubberly.