quote:Originally posted by PipeSmokeMcGee
Greetings to all,
I am a high school senior trying to assemble my wardrobe for the upcoming Prom. I am one of those guys who is always wearing a hat, not just a ball cap, but usually a drivers cap or fedora type felt hat. I figured a hat would complete the look for the tuxedo, but I wasn't exactly sure what kind of hat to wear. I was thinking either a bowler/derby or a fedora, but maybe I'm wrong. What do you guys think?
Thanks!
BEN
Ben,
I fear that in their erstwhile efforts to give good advice, some of the members may be misuderstanding your circumstances. If you want to be strictly correct, your hat, whatever it is,
will come off once you are indoors, as will your overcoat, if any. A man is never supposed to wear a hat indoors except for a few public places that are "almost outdoors," such as lobbies of office buildings. Also, if you want to be strictly correct, a long tie never belongs with a tuxedo. It doesn't matter that your beard would cover it up. A black bow-tie is what goes with a tuxedo, period.
However, from your post, I am inferring that, since you are a high-school student, and are "...always wearing a hat...," a hat for you is an article of personal expression and a way to show a bit of eccentricity. In that case, wear whatever you want, and whatever hat looks good to you. In my opinion, and I surmise that most members would agree, with a formal outfit, a hat does not look good without an overcoat. However, if it looks good to you, flaunt the rules and wear whatever you like. In fact, if there is one hat that is "yours," that when everyone sees a hat like that in the distance they think "that must be Ben," then I would consider wearing that hat with a tuxedo, even if it's a purple beret.
In other words, if you want to be correct, no hat. If you want personal expression above everything else, wear whatever hat you want. I suppose one exception would be a white dinner jacket at an outdoor event -- a straw boater with a black ribbon would be considered correct there (I think...)
Regards,
Tony
