Gentleman's attire opinion requested...

My wife was recently promoted to Vice President of a multi-billion dollar company with almost 20,000 employees, all in our metro area. We'll be attending an annual executive 'party' of more than 100 this weekend and I want to represent my wife in a favorable manner.

I've decided to wear my Smiths Vanguard (black), with my navy blue suit, subtle University of Minnesota tie, and 53 year-old brass Marine Corps tie clasp. I cleaned the latter up with a little brass polish, which revealed just how old and worn the brass is. I posted below a large and a small photo.

Any qualms about my wearing it?


https://i.imgur.com/kpQnqTO.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/m6O910z.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/me8DUhk.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/XMz27oT.jpg

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Originally Posted by pacifichrono

My wife was recently promoted to Vice President of a multi-billion dollar company with almost 20,000 employees, all in our metro area. We'll be attending an annual executive 'party' of more than 100 this weekend and I want to represent my wife in a favorable manner.

I've decided to wear my Smiths Vanguard (black), with my navy blue suit, subtle University of Minnesota tie, and 53 year-old brass Marine Corps tie clasp. I cleaned the latter up with a little brass polish, which revealed just how old and worn the brass is. I posted below a large and a small photo.

Any qualms about my wearing it?


https://i.imgur.com/kpQnqTO.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/m6O910z.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/me8DUhk.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/XMz27oT.jpg

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Wearing what exactly the tie? Probably shouldn't let people know you went to U of Minnesota.

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Originally Posted by jk103

Wearing what exactly the tie? Probably shouldn't let people know you went to U of Minnesota.

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Thanks for your input.

Watch-wise I would choose something flat, less conspicuous.

Marine tie-clip: I fully understand your choice but here in Continental Europe, a tie-clip is considered 'not done' when you're wearing a complete suit. I don't know about the US, though. Do you have a Marines lapel pin? Finally, remember: Men don't wear more than 3 accessories: the watch being one, the tie-clip is two.

My wife holds a similar position as your wife. Last month, my wife attended a formal meeting in Florida where Colin Powell was one of the speakers. She noticed that nearly all men attending the speech, were wearing a military sign on their suit's lapel. The crowd was rather noisy: the moment he mentioned "101 Airborne", the 'calls' - is that how they call it?- could be heard from all corners of the hall. That was repeated every time he mentioned another branch of the US Forces. At the end, my wife had the idea that he'd deliberately mentioned all branches for the effect of the responses!

At least in Italy, metal of accessories should be coordinated. If you use a steel watch, steel tie pin (if any) and steel belt buckle.

Gold tie pin, gold dress watch.

Also the gold tie pin is best on a darker tie, to be contrasting

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Originally Posted by Franco

At least in Italy, metal of accessories should be coordinated. If you use a steel watch, steel tie pin (if any) and steel belt buckle.

Gold tie pin, gold dress watch.

Also the gold tie pin is best on a darker tie, to be contrasting

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True about matching metals

Congratulations to your wife.

I’ve been to lots of those types of events over the years. I reckon you’ve got two choices; look the part or look like yourself. When I was younger I always wanted to look like I belonged there. Now I’m older I still want to dress appropriately (nice suit and tie etc.) but if I want to wear my favourite watch of the moment, my old tie pin that means something to me, etc., then I do. That Vanguard is nice but I’d be just as likely to put on that fantastic Caravelle that you have ;).

With due respect to Franco and thieuster, who’s sartorial advice is sound.

I would also say that this is your wife’s big event. So it’s not the moment to be yourself, rather to have an elegant but plain appearance, not to detract attention from her. You want people notice her, not you.

Congrats to your wife. You must be very proud.

For what it is worth blue suit good, white shirt is a must and I'd probably go with a blue tie as red tie with blue suit may mark you out as Republican or a bit loud. I personally would wear the tie pin - you earned the right to and it may help strike up a discussion. Just as you are proud of your wife I'm sure she is proud of you too. Personally when I see a veteran I always go out of my way to strike up a conversation. Watch wise I'd wear something more simple than that Smith's personally.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Congratulations to your wife. You must be very proud.

I’m more inclined to bend sartorial rules than adhere to them, particularly if I am wearing something of sentimental value. The MC tie-clip could be the standout piece of your outfit and is likely to be a real conversation starter. If you are ‘matching’ belt buckle, cuff-links and watch metals, the clip isn’t going to jar. Crisp white shirt, black shoes, black belt and a white pocket square and I’d say you’re good to go.

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Originally Posted by thieuster

Do you have a Marines lapel pin?

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Originally Posted by alfat33

Congratulations to your wife.
...
That Vanguard is nice but I’d be just as likely to put on that fantastic Caravelle that you have ;).

With due respect to Franco and thieuster, who’s sartorial advice is sound.

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My thoughts as well, though please note I am not usually best known for my sartorial selections. In the final analysis what matters most is how comfortable and relaxed both you - and more importantly your wife - feel. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great time.

I'm sure that one shouldn't wear a chronograph with a suit, but seeing it's such a nice chronograph, ditch the suit and wear a nice tweed sports jacket with a waistcoat, then the tie pin will be fine too... Sorted ! ... :eagerness:

Reading the above discussion made me think of two other Marine Corps items I could consider:

• One of three Purple Heart lapel pins I have (the largest is 5/8" x 1")
• The green unit silicone bracelet I wear every day

Thoughts on these as well?

https://i.imgur.com/k9DW87X.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/XRjDxz6.jpg

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Originally Posted by pacifichrono

Reading the above discussion made me think of two other Marine Corps items I could consider:

• One of three Purple Heart lapel pins I have (the largest is 5/8" x 1")
• The green unit silicone bracelet I wear every day

Thoughts on these as well?

https://i.imgur.com/k9DW87X.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/XRjDxz6.jpg

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Personally, I would wear the more discrete heart lapel pin. I would not wear the tie clip nor would I wear the green plastic wrist band.

Here's a thought. It's your wife's do, so why not ask her. She might want you to wear a blazer/chinos, no tie, penny loafers and no badges to indicate your education or service. Then again she might want you in full dress uniform or wearing a top hat and tails. Don't know? In which case ask her - then you cannot be wrong

Are you hoping to make a statement, conversation opener?
Is there a dress code?
What will you be comfortable in?
What will make your wife happy?

Answer those in reverse order.

I wouldn't wear the combination of accessories you have, but I'm not you, wasn't in the Marine Corp, etc.

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Originally Posted by Andyg

Here's a thought. It's your wife's do, so why not ask her. She might want you to wear a blazer/chinos, no tie, penny loafers and no badges to indicate your education or service. Then again she might want you in full dress uniform or wearing a top hat and tails. Don't know? In which case ask her - then you cannot be wrong

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This.

Other than that, I think you may be thinking too hard about the accessories. Your behaviour and how you interact with others on the day is more important than which watch you're wearing.

If she gives you free choice to wear whichever accessories you wish then wear something you feel comfortable with.

As nice as your military bages and medals are, don't out shine your wife. It's her company and you are her escort for the evening. If you go with your purple heart ect, most people will automatically turn there attention to you by asking alot of questions about what you are wearing and in what circumstances that you got them.

I don't think anyone would care what type of what you will be wearing, just be there and proad of your wife. Yes the tie slide is a very nice touch, but I would tone down the tie.

I wouldnt go dressed up like a Christmas tree. Keep it simple and understated so that people pay attention to your wife. A nice watch and thats it with a plain tie.

Having spent all my working life in (or for) multi billion dollar companies, I would say that a gentleman's attire in corporate circles should just look smart; good white shirt, plain tie and inconspicuous blue suit.

Your most noticed accoutrement will be your attitude and demeanour :

Go in to the thing with the view that you will meet many people that may be as good as you but no one better.

Only say thankyou once for a service but do say it, eat or talk; don't do both at the same time, don't have a second glass of wine.

No one will be interested in you unless you screw up, they will focus on your wife.

Enjoy it and look as though you are.

B

I’d go with the discreet lapel pin and a darker tie.
I’m sure it won’t outshine your wife, rather add some kudos that she’s married to a vet/patriot
That’s how I’d see it.

Small Purple Heart lapel pin yes. Almost compulsory in my book.
It’s discrete enough and most people in this do will know exactly what it is. You’ve earned it, and it will be good for the image you create for her and her choices (of a husband, in this case).
For those commenting, remember this is about a do on the other side of the pond. Elegance is universal but etiquette is different.
The Uni tie, I am not so sure, as the colour would only really speak to other alumni and I would personally choose a dark blue to avoid too many colours.
Which would also contrast better with your tie clip, should you decide to wear it. I would say yes, but this is where your wife’s opinion will be the decider.
As for the watch, wear the one you want. It will be mostly hidden, and few people care anyway.

Suit + huge steel sports watch = just no. Tiepin = 1970s used car dealer.

You need a discreet dress watch. All IMO.

Presumably every other male will be in standard US formal office attire:
Suit one or two sizes too large
Belt and shoe colour not matched
Shirt with a breast pocket
Button down shirt with a tie
T-shirt under your shirt
Slip-on shoes
Phone clipped onto your belt

I’d buy a well cut, sized, navy, dark grey or black suit. Nice belt and new pair of oxfords, in the same colour obviously. A crisp white shirt with no pocket and a nice, simple silk tie. Avoid the military badges and university tie.

You’ll do your wide proud and stand out from the others!

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Originally Posted by Subday

Presumably every other male will be in standard US formal office attire:
Suit one or two sizes too large
Belt and shoe colour not matched
Shirt with a breast pocket
Button down shirt with a tie
T-shirt under your shirt
Slip-on shoes
Phone clipped onto your belt

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Haha - this did make me laugh.

Don’t forget the company logo on the shirt and the one beer that they nurse for two hours.

A stereotype but sadly true. Only really New York or LA where people have any sense of style.

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Originally Posted by Saint-Just

For those commenting, remember this is about a do on the other side of the pond. Elegance is universal but etiquette is different.
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You’re quite right. Different rules in different countries

In the UK it’s not usual to wear military insignia with civilian wear on formal occasions unless the invitation specifically says decorations to be worn. The exceptions would be a service/ regimental tie and cuff links.

And please, no belt with a smart suit. If you’re worried that your trousers are going to fall down then wear braces.

I’m sure that lots of people will disagree but that’s what I learnt at Dartmouth some half a century ago.

I know I’m an old fart. My kids remind me regularly.....

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...

After all that, now I'm thinking about wearing my bowling shirt!

http://www.teereviewer.com/wp-conten.../bowlbleed.jpg

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Originally Posted by pacifichrono

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...

After all that, now I'm thinking about wearing my bowling shirt!

http://www.teereviewer.com/wp-conten.../bowlbleed.jpg

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You're right! Express you own personality! You don't want to be captured inside a 'corporate harness'. However, when you wear this, you need to include the fact that there's a big chance you'll be sleeping on the sofa for the next 3 or 4 weeks...

Smokey this is not 'Nam, this is bowling. There are rules

Blue suit white shirt - the tie is good - smaller if the Purple Heart lapel pubs and a thinner watch. Have fun

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Originally Posted by pacifichrono

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...

After all that, now I'm thinking about wearing my bowling shirt!

http://www.teereviewer.com/wp-conten.../bowlbleed.jpg

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Dude your wife already got the job so just be comfortable.

Have a good time.

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Originally Posted by pacifichrono

I've decided to wear my Smiths Vanguard (black), with my navy blue suit, subtle University of Minnesota tie, and 53 year-old brass Marine Corps tie clasp.

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So a bit like this then?

https://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedi...1-9c8e992d421e

Oh you bitch! ^^^

[emoji1787][emoji23][emoji1787]

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Originally Posted by hogthrob

So a bit like this then?

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I had intended doing a "pix or it didn't happen" post, however you have now rendered the request unnecessary.

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Originally Posted by hogthrob

So a bit like this then?

https://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedi...1-9c8e992d421e

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No way he can match Veterans' insignia. No matter wha he wears.

You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear, I think the expression is in English.

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Originally Posted by hogthrob

So a bit like this then?

https://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedi...1-9c8e992d421e

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Should I color my gray hair orange???

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Originally Posted by pacifichrono

Should I color my gray hair orange???

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Don't you mean skin? His hair looks pretty grey in that picture.

But have to asked your wife yet what you should wear. I think you should rather than a bunch or people on an Internet forum who are pretty much clueless about the "do" you are attending, notwithstanding she is likely to be the only one who cares.

Ask your wife for her opinion.

(I've never asked my wife for hers btw, she's already given it before I get a chance to).

R

Yes, I'll ask her tonight about non-watch matters.

She doesn't care at all about my watches, so I've decided to go with my vintage 39mm Ollech & Wajs Mirage (with matching black and steel belt and new 'modern' black wing tips).

https://i.imgur.com/m5vxUhp.jpg

A mankini and a smile would be the brave option but perhaps best avoided in the winter months [emoji3511]

She preferred the maroon Uni tie over the new navy-based silk tie I bought at Nordstrom. :eagerness:

It’s her do so just follow her lead. And enjoy yourself, both of you.