The London Lounge

I am in London for a few weeks on business. I was invited at the last minute to a business function this Friday evening. I would like to attend since it may be a good networking opportunity. Unfotunately for me, I have been informed that the function is black tie. Needless to say, I did not pack a tuxedo or any black tie accessories for this trip. It is not feasible at this point to have my black tire attire shipped to me from the States. I really don't want to rent a tuxedo either. For those Londoners, would it be awful for me to show up in a midnight blue suit, white shirt, and regular 4 in hand tie? I will probably feel very much self-conscious during the whole event if I wear regular business clothes, but I will probably feel worse in a rented tuxedo. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Dear Bry2000

I live in the SE of England and would offer a personal opinion as follows:
1. given the circumstances you outline, I think your "lack" of a dinner jacket is entirely understandable.
2. It might be prudent for you to explain in advance to your hosts that you won't be wearing a DJ. That gives them the chance to indicate whether or not they have a concern.....although frankly I would "expect" them out of courtesy not to be concerned....likewise your fellow attendees at the event.
3. a final thought. It may be a good idea to accessorise your proposed clothing in a fairly unobtrusive/minimalist way (eg. solid navy necktie, no pocket square, etc.). Certainly I would avoid any traditional black tie acceessories (eg. cummerbands, etc) - that really could look like a confused mish-mash.

Enjoy! Houndstooth
PS. Our very own Chancellor of the Exchequer attends many white tie/black tie functions in a lounge suit...but that's a VERY different story!!

Since you have until Friday, you might strike gold in a second-hand emporium. New & Lingwood also carry emergency cufflinks for situations like this. On the other hand, you're then looking at shoes, tie, black socks, cummerbund, etc. None of which you might regret owning more of when you got back home, but it does add to the bill.

I recommend a black bow tie, black oxfords and a white dress shirt with your blue lounge suit.

Bry2000,

If you would consider buying another tuxedo, it may be worth your time to stop by Austin Reed. Their suits are decent for RTW, both in materials, construction, and reasonable price, and you should have no problem finding an acceptable formal shirt and accessories on Jermyn Street. It might be a good opportunity to add variety to your formal wear wardrobe, such as with a shawl collar dinner jacket.

Good luck!

I agree with Will: a dark blue suit and a black bow tie, wlll easily pass as a dinner suit.

Rental may not be so bad, if you use a smaller firm like Buckleighs on Sloane St.

But, I am sure no one would mind if you showed up in a lounge suit, after all you are travelling.

Have fun,

Leon

You can always blame your tailor for failing to finish your dinner jacket in time.

If you don't want to rent or buy a dinner jacket, I would go with Houndstooth's advice. If you are in town for a short trip, it's perfectly reasonable to show up in a dark suit with conservative/minimalist accessories. No one will fault you for doing this if they know you are only here for a short visit. Don't wear a black bow tie with it. People might not notice at a casual glance, but I think it would be noticeable (and you will know it's wrong).

Thank you for all of the responses. My host graciously said that it will be fine to arrive in a business suit. I will wear a dark navy suit, white shirt navy tie with a small pattern, black socks, and black lace-ups.