GENTLEMEN

Gentlemen wear “tuxedos,” that is, a black dinner jacket with silk facings (usually grosgrain or satin) and matching (subtly side-striped) tux pants. A tailcoat may at any time be substituted for the tuxedo jacket. Our traditional interpretation of "black tie" includes a white formal shirt with either standard or wing collar. If not specifically matching the lady's dress, ties should be a black silk bow with matching cummerbund or waistcoat. Which is to say, a patterned or colored tie and cummerbund or waistcoat coordinating with the lady’s attire is appropriate. Additionally, at the December dance it is acceptable to wear a cummerbund or waistcoat colored red, green or a Christmas plaid. Black socks and polished black shoes are appropriate. Business suits and ties are always inappropriate.

This traditional peak-lapel tuxedo with black bow tie on a standard collar with a pocket square is very elegant. The notch lapel tuxedo looks fine with or without a pocket square.

A wing collar shirt is traditional and goes well with a cummerbund or waistcoat. Although traditionally "white tie," a tailcoat may be substituted for the tuxedo jacket.

A summer-weight, white dinner jacket may be worn for the season's fall and spring (first and last) balls.

Military "mess dress" is always welcome.