I have had the (mis)fortune of attending a few events like those that you have coming up in north-east heat and humidity (I'm assuming that's what you are referring to), Matt B. I personally wouldn't wear an ivory dinner jacket to an afternoon function, but I likewise wouldn't frown on someone who did when it's that hot and humid. Instead, on such occasions I usually wear my lightest light-weight suit (in pale grey) or even a nicely-tailored linen suit that I have.
I have had the (mis)fortune of attending a few events like those that you have coming up in north-east heat and humidity (I'm assuming that's what you are referring to), Matt B. I personally wouldn't wear an ivory dinner jacket to an afternoon function, but I likewise wouldn't frown on someone who did when it's that hot and humid. Instead, on such occasions I usually wear my lightest light-weight suit (in pale grey) or even a nicely-tailored linen suit that I have.
Anyone will into the northern hemisphere should be aware of this today! In Octopussy, it's likely at this time of year as well. When Bond leaves Q's lab, it's already dark.
Do the weddings you're attending have a black tie or black tie optional dress code? If the dress code is black tie, go ahead with the ivory dinner jacket. If it is black tie optional, be a better-dressed man and wear a suit. I second The Domino Effect's recommendation of a grey suit. They're perfect for a daytime wedding in America.
Anyone will into the northern hemisphere should be aware of this today! In Octopussy, it's likely at this time of year as well. When Bond leaves Q's lab, it's already dark.
Do the weddings you're attending have a black tie or black tie optional dress code? If the dress code is black tie, go ahead with the ivory dinner jacket. If it is black tie optional, be a better-dressed man and wear a suit. I second The Domino Effect's recommendation of a grey suit. They're perfect for a daytime wedding in America.
Good advice Matt, thanks!
Neither wedding requires black-tie - both are black tie optional.
Anyone will into the northern hemisphere should be aware of this today! In Octopussy, it's likely at this time of year as well. When Bond leaves Q's lab, it's already dark.
Do the weddings you're attending have a black tie or black tie optional dress code? If the dress code is black tie, go ahead with the ivory dinner jacket. If it is black tie optional, be a better-dressed man and wear a suit. I second The Domino Effect's recommendation of a grey suit. They're perfect for a daytime wedding in America.
Good advice Matt, thanks!
Neither wedding requires black-tie - both are black tie optional.
Then definitely the grey suit. Few guests wear black tie when it's optional, in my experience. And a number of black tie optional weddings I've attended, the wedding party didn't even follow the black tie dress code and just wore suits with satin facings. Typical "American rental wedding costume".
As far as I know - White Dinner Jacket only in tropical climate.
In the entire United States they're appropriate in the summer months. People (Notably 3 Bond actors in other roles) also wear them in the Mediterranean.
Much of the U.S. and even Canada in July and August (with the exception of Alaska, the Arctic and Pacific Northwest!) is tropical!
Tropical has to do with location and climate, not summer weather. Almost none of the mainland US is tropical, though much of the south is subtropical. I think parts of Florida may count as tropical, even though Florida is not in the tropics. Hawaii is partially tropical.
Actually, technically tropical is anything between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, as you say. I meant to say 'tropical climate', in the sense of high temperatures and high humidity comparable with 'the tropics.' I've spent a lot of time in the tropics and can certainly say that the U.S. northeast and south-eastern Canada in July and August often have very tropical-like weather.
Actually, technically tropical is anything between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, as you say. I meant to say 'tropical climate', in the sense of high temperatures and high humidity comparable with 'the tropics.' I've spent a lot of time in the tropics and can certainly say that the U.S. northeast and south-eastern Canada in July and August often have very tropical-like weather.
Except for parts of Hawaii and Florida, the US still does not have a tropical climate. The rule in Britain for the ivory dinner jacket says that is can only be worn in the tropics (going by location, but a tropical climate should count enough). No matter how hot it is for me today in the Northeastern United States, the British rule says it shouldn't be worn here. Hot, humid weather doesn't mean tropical, though you're right that the weather in the summer in much of the US can be similar. I'd put Canada completely off limits for the ivory dinner jacket. But by the US rules, it's appropriate at this time of year in the US.
Southern Ontario in mid-summer is the same as New York City with sweltering heat and humidity. There's nothing tropical about southern Ontario - especially during Siberian winters! - but sartorially, what goes for NYC can equally go for Toronto at that time of year.
The "ivory dinner jacket for tropics only" is much the same as "no white after Labour Day" and while that's most definitely what the etiquette books say and ignoring it may cause tut-tutting from some corners, I don't think those rules are as carved in stone as they once were. That said, I'm very much old-fashioned and rather suffer than be uncouth! So I'll be the one in great discomfort in the corner...although I did once venture to a wedding without a tie. It was in Vegas, however!
I actually live in a tropical climate and have attended many weddings here, but I also know how hot and humid the summer gets in the NE U.S. Assuming the wedding isn't black tie or more formal, I would strongly recommend approaching this from a purely practical perspective. Luckily you still have lots of Bond inspired options. As The Domino Effect suggested, a tropical weight wool, wool/linen blend, or Fresco suit in light grey (CR) or tan (DAD/TWINE/GE/TLD, etc.) with a light weight poplin dress shirt in white or pale blue and grenadine tie will keep you pretty happy during the events. As a bonus, you'll be able to keep your suit jacket on long after every other guest has ditched theirs because they're sweating to death; you may not be the most "formal" guy at the start, but you'll still look put together by the end
This isn't really advice as much as it is what I would personally do - as a rule of thumb I would dress a level below that of the groom and groomsmen, to keep their attire more special. They would probably be in black tie, so I would opt for a suit. It would be my way or showing deference to the groom and his day...
Southern Ontario in mid-summer is the same as New York City with sweltering heat and humidity. There's nothing tropical about southern Ontario - especially during Siberian winters! - but sartorially, what goes for NYC can equally go for Toronto at that time of year.
The "ivory dinner jacket for tropics only" is much the same as "no white after Labour Day" and while that's most definitely what the etiquette books say and ignoring it may cause tut-tutting from some corners, I don't think those rules are as carved in stone as they once were. That said, I'm very much old-fashioned and rather suffer than be uncouth! So I'll be the one in great discomfort in the corner...although I did once venture to a wedding without a tie. It was in Vegas, however!
If you are now talking about NYC, an ivory dinner jacket should never be worn here! Like a brown tweed suit, they're also not for the city. If you're in an ivory dinner jacket in the middle of the summer outdoors, I'll give you a pass. -{
If you are now talking about NYC, an ivory dinner jacket should never be worn here! Like a brown tweed suit, they're also not for the city. If you're in an ivory dinner jacket in the middle of the summer outdoors, I'll give you a pass. -{
I'm actually talking about the vast lawn of my oceanfront family compound in the Hamptons. I'll invite you along for a mint julip some time!
If you are now talking about NYC, an ivory dinner jacket should never be worn here!
Am I the only one who spots a flaw here or is NYC not part of the US anymore? ?:)
I should have specified that an ivory dinner jacket shouldn't be worn in cities. But at the The Domino Effect's oceanfront family compound in The Hamptons, sure!
I second The Domino Effect's recommendation of a grey suit. They're perfect for a daytime wedding in America.
How about a grey 3-piece houndstooth?
I have a wedding reception later this summer, starting at 7pm. It will be twilight or so by then, with sunlight (or lightness) until at least 9pm. My dark-blue (not quite midnight) mohair silk blend suit is probably best, with a white shirt (cocktail cuff maybe), and a navy knit tie, white linen pocket square...
No pinstripes at social events!
Sounds about right?
"It is better to be as well dressed as possible to stave off, at least for a very little bit, the total collapse of civilization"
I second The Domino Effect's recommendation of a grey suit. They're perfect for a daytime wedding in America.
How about a grey 3-piece houndstooth?
I have a wedding reception later this summer, starting at 7pm. It will be twilight or so by then, with sunlight (or lightness) until at least 9pm. My dark-blue (not quite midnight) mohair silk blend suit is probably best, with a white shirt (cocktail cuff maybe), and a navy knit tie, white linen pocket square...
No pinstripes at social events!
Sounds about right?
That sounds great, except for the tie! I wouldn't wear a knitted tie with a mohair/silk suit, though it's okay with a houndstooth suit. You need a dressier tie with a dressy suit, like grenadine or satin.
We are so lucky to have Matt S on here, not only for his knowledge on what Bond wears, but on all men's fashion in general! Thanks for sharing your expertise, Matt.
Matt B
Posts: 387MI6 Agent
Comments
Thank you brother, good advice!
Anyone will into the northern hemisphere should be aware of this today! In Octopussy, it's likely at this time of year as well. When Bond leaves Q's lab, it's already dark.
Do the weddings you're attending have a black tie or black tie optional dress code? If the dress code is black tie, go ahead with the ivory dinner jacket. If it is black tie optional, be a better-dressed man and wear a suit. I second The Domino Effect's recommendation of a grey suit. They're perfect for a daytime wedding in America.
Good advice Matt, thanks!
Neither wedding requires black-tie - both are black tie optional.
Then definitely the grey suit. Few guests wear black tie when it's optional, in my experience. And a number of black tie optional weddings I've attended, the wedding party didn't even follow the black tie dress code and just wore suits with satin facings. Typical "American rental wedding costume".
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
In the entire United States they're appropriate in the summer months. People (Notably 3 Bond actors in other roles) also wear them in the Mediterranean.
Tropical has to do with location and climate, not summer weather. Almost none of the mainland US is tropical, though much of the south is subtropical. I think parts of Florida may count as tropical, even though Florida is not in the tropics. Hawaii is partially tropical.
Except for parts of Hawaii and Florida, the US still does not have a tropical climate. The rule in Britain for the ivory dinner jacket says that is can only be worn in the tropics (going by location, but a tropical climate should count enough). No matter how hot it is for me today in the Northeastern United States, the British rule says it shouldn't be worn here. Hot, humid weather doesn't mean tropical, though you're right that the weather in the summer in much of the US can be similar. I'd put Canada completely off limits for the ivory dinner jacket. But by the US rules, it's appropriate at this time of year in the US.
The "ivory dinner jacket for tropics only" is much the same as "no white after Labour Day" and while that's most definitely what the etiquette books say and ignoring it may cause tut-tutting from some corners, I don't think those rules are as carved in stone as they once were. That said, I'm very much old-fashioned and rather suffer than be uncouth! So I'll be the one in great discomfort in the corner...although I did once venture to a wedding without a tie. It was in Vegas, however!
From MattS's blog
If you are now talking about NYC, an ivory dinner jacket should never be worn here! Like a brown tweed suit, they're also not for the city. If you're in an ivory dinner jacket in the middle of the summer outdoors, I'll give you a pass. -{
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I'm actually talking about the vast lawn of my oceanfront family compound in the Hamptons. I'll invite you along for a mint julip some time!
I should have specified that an ivory dinner jacket shouldn't be worn in cities. But at the The Domino Effect's oceanfront family compound in The Hamptons, sure!
How about a grey 3-piece houndstooth?
I have a wedding reception later this summer, starting at 7pm. It will be twilight or so by then, with sunlight (or lightness) until at least 9pm. My dark-blue (not quite midnight) mohair silk blend suit is probably best, with a white shirt (cocktail cuff maybe), and a navy knit tie, white linen pocket square...
No pinstripes at social events!
Sounds about right?
That sounds great, except for the tie! I wouldn't wear a knitted tie with a mohair/silk suit, though it's okay with a houndstooth suit. You need a dressier tie with a dressy suit, like grenadine or satin.