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Help dress me up, please.

#101
I, uh, don't like a lot of the advice listed here. For formal wear, throwing a blazer on over normal wear is a clear sign that you don't know what you're doing, or that you don't respect the even enough to actullay dress up. I woudl not use this approach.

Realistically, you should have two suits (matching jacket/ slacks)- one black, one grey. Black is for black tie events , grey is for non-black tie, but still formal. If the event is white tie, rent a tux. One pair of nice black dress shoes, square toe is the trend right now, but so long as you avoid anything high gloss/ obnoxious you're fine. The variety in that outift comes from wearing different dress shirts and ties (assuming you need that). Another option- if you aren't a suit jacket guy, consider matccing slacks and vests- that's usually nice enough looking to get by as a performer, but you might blend in with the wait staff.

Note- Absolutely no cuffs on the pants. Socks match your pants. Flat front pants are fashionable, pleated front are the tried and true accepted formal wear.
 
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#102
Joe Nerve said:
They were doing the black suit thing, and said they want to move away from that. I can also ask them for more help, but I think it's better to go this one on my own. I asked a couple of times and got the same kind of answers, so I let it go after that.
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Smart. The black on black on black and Reservoir Dogs things are so played out, unless you're in a pit orchestra. Tasteful color is a nice change of scenery. Always refreshing when entertainers get away from the trend.

I'm also a little confused about all the suggestions for denim. I've been entertaining weddings and formal events for 15 years, I can count on two fingers the events where denim would have been acceptable, and I still didn't risk it. The vast majority of newlyweds and formal event planners would not be okay with denim of any kind, whether it's designer/fashion jeans, black denim, nice crease down the middle, or anything of the sort. Denim may fit your idea of "formal," but it doesn't fit nearly every client's idea of formal.
 
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#103
Joe Nerve said:
They were doing the black suit thing, and said they want to move away from that. I can also ask them for more help, but I think it's better to go this one on my own. I asked a couple of times and got the same kind of answers, so I let it go after that.
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The only problem with that is they are leaving you guessing. I had a BL do that to me for his (and my) biggest gig ever. An appearance on A Prairie Home Companion, 3K people in a sold out NJPA, and millions on the radio (of course, they couldn't see us). All he told me was "look sharp". Well, I completely blew the call. He was in a button down and a vest, I was in a western shirt. I rolled with it, and he never said anything, so I think he was OK with it, but had I known I'd have done something more in line with his look. I'd have felt better about it.
 
#104
JMacBass65 said:
The only problem with that is they are leaving you guessing. I had a BL do that to me for his (and my) biggest gig ever. An appearance on A Prairie Home Companion, 3K people in a sold out NJPA, and millions on the radio (of course, they couldn't see us). All he told me was "look sharp". Well, I completely blew the call. He was in a button down and a vest, I was in a western shirt. I rolled with it, and he never said anything, so I think he was OK with it, but had I known I'd have done something more in line with his look. I'd have felt better about it.
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This. "Do something different" isn't guidance, it's passing the buck. We can all continue to grow this thread speculating on what they may want, but the most logical answer is to demand specifics:

  • Will they require a coat to be worn?
  • What about a tie?
  • Bright colors or more muted?
  • Matching or coordinating?
  • Consistent gig to gig or switch it up?
  • Avoid or prefer certain colors?

Start by asking those types of leading questions. It may not only yield answers, but it will make it clear to the band leader that more direct is needed.
 
#105
@Joe Nerve - when it comes to shoes, I have two words - rubber soles. I have to wear nice shoes every day for work, and also have to do a lot of walking. Leather soles may look nice (and are more expensive), but suck for walking over wet or frozen surfaces, and in general, are not as comfortable for standing long periods of time.
 
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#106
Joe Nerve said:
New band plays weddings and corporate events. They don't wear tuxedos, and said they want to up their fashion game and start moving away from the traditional black suits.

I have to go buy clothes this week.

When I asked for help they advised me to look at what the Jimmy Fallon band is wearing, or Justin Timberlake. Every picture I see of those guys - they're wearing black suits.

I know nothing about style. I wear black jeans, black T-shirts, and black boots when I play. I wear jeans and Ts for everything else in my life outside of weddings and funerals.

I know I can ask the band to be more specific, but I'd rather ask the fine folks at Talkbass first.

Can you help dress me as stylishly as possible? I know absolutely nothing style in 2017. The last time I bought stylish dress clothes they looked like this....

I need help.
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In all seriousness: Invalid Link Removed
 
#107
I admit I haven't read the whole thread, but the best band I've seen as far as dressing up is concerned (and they don't sound bad either) is Vintage Trouble, just do a google image search for them...
maxresdefault.jpg
 
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#113
Joe Nerve said:
New band plays weddings and corporate events. They don't wear tuxedos, and said they want to up their fashion game and start moving away from the traditional black suits.
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Invalid Link Removed

Suitable for weddings, check.
Suitable for corporate events, check.
Not a tuxedo, check.
Not a black suit, check.

You're welcome!
 
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#117
Anachronism said:
Those low-slung pants and short vest are a terrible combo, though.
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Almost all the guys in that pic (save the lead singer) are a little on the rumpled sloppy side, but it's a unified look that kind of says, "Yeah, we dressed up, but we're not taking it too seriously." I think it's intentional. I give them points for putting some thought into it, which is the big picture.
 
#118
electracoyote said:
Almost all the guys in that pic (save the lead singer) are a little on the rumpled sloppy side, but it's a unified look that kind of says, "Yeah, we dressed up, but we're not taking it too seriously." I think it's intentional. I give them points for putting some thought into it, which is the big picture.
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The problem isn't rumpled sloppy per se, but that a large expanse of shirtfront between vest and pants draws attention to the gut, which is rarely a flattering look. Better to just unbutton the vest and wear it open, I would think.
 
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#119
Anachronism said:
The problem isn't rumpled sloppy per se, but that a large expanse of shirtfront between vest and pants draws attention to the gut, which is rarely a flattering look. Better to just unbutton the vest and wear it open, I would think.
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You're right. The blue pinstripe guy's vest is too short too. I call it sloppy. Again, I believe it is intentional, maybe not the well-fitted formal look Joe is going for, but it is unified.
 

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