Formal wear?

Question

If an Engagement party invitation says "Formal wear", is it acceptable to front up in standard suit, shirt/tie etc?

Also, Christmas parties. Where is the line in terms of well dressed Vs under dressed?

Answer 1

if you'd wear it to school it is called casual.
if you wear it to the office and are not an officer, it is called business casual
if you wear it to work as an officer, it is called business formal
if you would wear it to a gala event with glitter and diamonds, call that formal.

guys-if it is formal and evening you can never go wrong with a tuxedo otherwise a dark suit with a smart tie (something that will start a conversation)
guys- if it's formal and daytime, an expensive "looking" suit (tie and all that jazz
gals- formal and evening, satin, silk or just plain designer "looking"
gals- formal and daytime, department store dressup

whatever you do....don't wear a t-shirt and expect that to be considered formal in any way shape or form.

Answer 2

A standard suit is the perfect formal attire. you can add a nice pockte square to make it look more formal and since it's a joyous occasion, wear a bright pocket square. You can avoid wearing a tie in this case. Check out www.oxemberg.com and it's facebook page for more such tips

Answer 3

I always say when in doubt call the host/hostess and ask what to wear. These days, some people use terms that they aren't really sure of the meaning. Years ago, formal meant a dark suit, white shirt and a plain, not patterned tie. And back then, black tie or white tie meant a tuxedo. If these are really young people, who knows what they mean! LOL

If they mean tuxedo, I think it is quite an imposition to expect guests to rent one for an engagement party-----unless this is very high society. Then I would guess the men already own one

So I would call and find out what to wear! And have a good time!

Answer 4

Yes, for the engagement party a suit/tie/shrit ensamble will work perfectly. I find for Christmas parties you can be a little less formal by wearing a nice, plain sweater with a white cuffed-sleeve shirt underneath with a pair of black or kahaki pants.