Need a judgement call

[Ferret619]

I have an event next week in which I'm required to wear a dinner suit, yep bow tie and all. My question is, with a dinner suit must the pants have the Saturn strip or is this a styling choice?

 

[RustyBlade]

It's a styling choice.
If an official event, plain the better.
Personally don't like cummerbunds so as alternative you can wear a suit vest.
Add a pocket chief/square if wearing a white bow tie as it finishes off the look.
If wedding or party wear the ruffle/Pirate shirt. Bright shoes etc and have fun.

 

[Mark1966]

Check out this site if you want - http://www.blacktieguide.com/
But I tend to agree that it is a styling choice HOWEVER ...

One thing you must, must, must do is have a proper bow tie. I learned to tie one watching this video (there are lots, this is the best I think) and have never looked back -

 

[Ferret619]

Thanks for the tip, question, must one wear a vest or cumberbund?

 

[Mark1966]

Thanks for the tip, question, must one wear a vest or cumberbund?

Classic? Yes - http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Waist.htm
Contemporary? Not necessarily - http://www.blacktieguide.com/Contemporary/Contemp_Waist.htm

 

[RustyBlade]

Thanks for the tip, question, must one wear a vest or cumberbund?

No and still looks great and modern. However your belt must look nice without wear marks around the buckle and eyelets. Also the style/colour of it should match your shoes, cufflinks and studs if wearing any. So a big chunky buckle needs to be supported by a gallon hat and so on...
Brown belt can be matched by a colourful bow tie and pocket chief to create balance if you are daring.

If you don't have a waist coat as @Mark1966 suggested just hire/borrow a backless one for the day as very adjustable and if over it half way just stuff it in jacket pocket or partner's clutch.

 

[Ferret619]

Thanks fellas, typically in vertx millatary cargos in daily life so this is abit outside of my comfort zone but learning new things is what it is all about

 

[Drubbing]

Cumberbunds are a monstrosity. A coloured one is the sure sign you've been to a Bogan wedding. A vest is smarter, and still looks good when you take a jacket off.

A real bow tie is a class above too. Also looks very James Bond at the end of the evening when untied, if the evening gets that relaxed...