You can divert from these rules if you are known as a “character”

CFH indeed… exactly

I used to have a dress shirt which not only was wing-collar but had a paisley back. 😳

My elder son wears it now – he will learn.

Ideally the jacket should look well-used, as though you wear it regularly. Try to get a few custard and wine splashes on it.

In a moment of need picked up a good second hand one down camden markets, got me through the NYE cocktail party last year

http://www.pakeman.co.uk/category/79/Eveningwear

Great, bit more But they will fit it to you and it’ll last forever.

Get a Black cummerbund (folds upwards) and a self tie bow tie – as Stoats said show the yanks how it’s done! Used to live out there and casually untying the bow tie produced astonishment

casually untying the bow tie produced astonishmen

I always make sure I give the ladies fair warning before undoing mine…. don’t want any fainting now, do we ?

😆

OP, if want to jizzjazz it up a bit, then, some rhinestone tips on the shirt buttons would be nice.

If you want the womenfolk, especially American ones, to swoon, forget undoing a bow tie. Tie one, properly, without a mirror.

Cue several ladies having a ‘moment’.

A little diamond stud in the corner of the bow-tie would be nice too.

… In Nashville…

Cheers All…
Heading into Manchester on Thursday to have a look around.
And yes, I’ll keep it simple..

I was invited to a black tie bash earlier in the year

£130 at debenhams was cheaper than most rental places and isn’t too bad looking.

You won’t care if you chuck food down it at that price

… In Nashville

Having been to a black tie shindig in Nashville, I can assure you that it wouldn’t look out of place!