Reader Role Models: Finnish Finesse
Inspiration from Finnish reader Jonas Åberg . . .
Shawl Collar dinner jacket with pleated shirt front
I do not remember exactly what inspired me to go out and buy a tuxedo in the first place. Where I live, you rarely see them and practically never have proper opportunity to wear one. I just thought that a tuxedo was the epitome of elegant and I wanted one even though I knew it would sit in my closet for most of the time. I do, however, remember that the Black Tie Guide was instrumental in helping me getting it right.
What I really wanted was a midnight blue, single breasted tuxedo with peak lapels. I only managed to find one of those but it had flap pockets and double vents. I ended up getting one with a shawl collar and had it tailored to fit perfectly. I actually think the shawl collar was a better choice after all, as it is slightly less formal, making it stand out just a tad bit less when I am surrounded by people in regular suits. Naturally I also got a cummerbund and a self-tie bow tie while I was at it. The saleswoman tried selling me a red cummerbund bow tie-combo but I knew better.
I have worn it exactly twice; once at New Year’s Eve and once to an opera gala. Not only did I feel like a million bucks, I also got a strange feeling of being elevated into a gentleman. Even though I don’t get to wear it as often as I would like to, just having it there is a great relief as I know I am ready if and when I do need it.
Again, regular people with no personal stylist show they can dress better than the majority of red carpet attendees. Well done, sir!
Thanks for the comments guys!
What does NOT show up in the pictures is that it was absolutely freezing when the pictures were taken (mid-January). They turned out pretty good though.
In Finland the black tie is in my opinion actually used very seldom. The white tie, however, has frequent use at the annual fests of different academical organizations: the student union, student nations, faculty organisations etc. It’s also customarily worn when defending the doctoral thesis as well as doctoral promotions. And of course at the President’s Independece Day reception. The black tie, however, for some reason is banned at the academical fests.