The London Lounge

Gentlemen;
I'm at a loss, and after reading Manton's wonderful address to the wedding planners, in a bit of a dither.

Here is my situation: my brother-in-law is retiring after 22 years as a warrior in the Marine Corps. The retirement will be the 23rd of February in the mid-morning or early afternoon (can't remember which.) Two dress codes are being taken into consideration and the final decision is to be made by his C.O.; the ceremony will be either Dress Blues (with sword) or Service Uniform "A."

If he wears his Class "A's" I feel fairly confident wearing a dark suit. Would you agree?

But, if the ceremony is to require Blues, what shall I do? My father-in-law will wear his kilt and black formal jacket with black tie. It's too early in the day for me to wear black tie. I don't own a morning suit (alas!). Navy, DB, white shirt, woven tie? Black 3 piece SB? I suppose I could throw together a facsimile of the stroller (cuffed trousers and attached turndown colalr though.)

Realizing that most of the civilians will wear business suits or Blue Blazers, I still would like to be as correct and respectful of the occaision as possible (I've never actually seen my brother-in-law in uniform, except when he returned from his most recent "desert vacation" in well-used camouflage with full kit.) Any help is most appreciated.

Thanks,
CCox

Army retiree here.

It is not necessary to obsess that your "level" of attire correspond exactly to the specified uniform for a daytime ceremony such as this. Think of how a senior civilian official (e.g., Secretary of the Navy) would dress were he attending. The point is to conservatively fit in.

The answer is therefore simple. Wear a conservative dark business suit whatever the specified uniform, 3-piece/SB/DB as you choose according to your style. White or light blue shirt. Conservative tie (dark woven would be great). Pocket square is ok as long as it is not an overdone flourish; consider a white linen or cotton handkerchief in a TV fold. While there are many opinions on black suits, my personal opinion is that it is too trendy. The other options you suggest would draw untoward attention to yourself, which is not the reason for your being there.

Something else to think about. As I assume that retirement orders will be formerly read and perhaps end-of-service awards given, you might want to think about how you should stand while these are being done. While I should think there is no need for you to come to attention, your bearing should be still and approximate what you do when you stand for the National Anthem or when Old Glory passes by (without, of course, placing your hand over your heart).

Thanks Droogle, my Dad was USA, Ret. and I believe that's what he would have advised me. The 3 Piece black suit was cut by Gieves in the 60's for my brother-in-law's Grandfather (retired Flag Officer), but fits me very well. Thought it might be a nice tribute, if a bit formal. As the ceremony will take place at Quantico and I don't think there'll be a parade, a dark business suit seems the right call. Just wanted to make sure that this Army brat will be as squared away as the Navy and Marines for the show. Off to start shining my shoes now. I only have a couple of weeks ... .

Cheers,
C

My congratulations to your brother-in-law and appreciation for his service. Best of luck to him in his next life in civilianhood.

I'm sure you will find the ceremony uplifting.

Semper Fi.

Thank you again. As for my stance, I will be swelled with pride. He will take his PhD. shortly and provide a much needed solution to the military services at one fell swoop. Not bad for a (soon to be) former Recon Marine.

Navy Active Duty Officer here:

Completely agree with all the advice given. As is unfortunately often the case today in the US, you will be among the very best dressed at the ceremony. Have seen a wide variety of clothes at retirements, but your selection seems perfect.

Hoo Ya maxnharry, thank you for your vote of confidence. And for your service. After they got rid of pinks and greens my Dad often grumbled that he should have joined the Navy as you are still the best dressed service.

Gentlemen;
I've just received my electronic invitation to the retirement ceremony. It specifies that the Uniform of the Day is "Civilian Casual." The event is to be held at 3:00 PM with a wet bar and hors d'oeuvres to follow. Will a jacket and tie be out of place here? Or is this to be a sweater and slacks sort of thing do you imagine? I find that what passes for casual dressing these days is difficult for me.

Thanks for your thoughts.

CCox

I wonder if the invitation specifies this in order to accommodate any Government Service civilians who might be attending. I sill lean toward the suit (but not three-piece, now) or, if you want to bring it down a notch, sports jacket and tie.

Sort of casual Friday attire, hmm? Maybe the blue blazer, grey slacks? Or a grey chalk striped suit, button down collar and discreet tie. Sort of Washington establishment, if I recall.

Thanks again for your advice. Because I rarely wear a suit these days, I get kind of "kid in a candy store" syndrome when the opportunity presents itself.

I wonder whether the following terms still hold:-

Formal - Morning Dress
Semi-formal - Stroller
Informal - Suit
Smart casual - Collar; odd jacket and slacks are fine.
Casual - T-shirt is OK.

ccox wrote:Gentlemen;
I've just received my electronic invitation to the retirement ceremony. It specifies that the Uniform of the Day is "Civilian Casual." The event is to be held at 3:00 PM with a wet bar and hors d'oeuvres to follow. Will a jacket and tie be out of place here? Or is this to be a sweater and slacks sort of thing do you imagine? I find that what passes for casual dressing these days is difficult for me.

Thanks for your thoughts.

CCox

HappyStroller wrote:I wonder whether the following terms still hold:-

Formal - Morning Dress
Semi-formal - Stroller
Informal - Suit
Smart casual - Collar; odd jacket and slacks are fine.
Casual - T-shirt is OK.

In this happy forum, absolutely. In my world, it's been my experience that Formal has come to mean Black Tie; Semi-Formal is almost never heard of with "Business Dress" having been substituted; Smart Casual and Business Casual have become interchangeable and Casual means anything goes. But I'm in Virginia and we're low Church.

HappyStroller wrote:I wonder whether the following terms still hold:-

Formal - Morning Dress
Semi-formal - Stroller
Informal - Suit
Smart casual - Collar; odd jacket and slacks are fine.
Casual - T-shirt is OK.

I would have said:


Formal - Morning Dress / White Tie
Semi-formal - Stoller / Black Tie
Informal - Lounge Suit
Smart casual - Shirt Collar & Tie; Sports Jaket / Blazer
Casual - Shirt, no tie, open neck or cravat, scarf ok, jacket optional


What is a T-Shirt ?