Going to the Symphony with a young lady . . .

[evil-e]

What should I wear? It's her university's (she's an assistant prof) Christmas Symphony, and I will be her escort for the evening. We've gone out a few times, and she likes what I've worn and stuff, and has commented on it.

I think I may want to wear my navy suit I got from Indochino. Should I go three-piece or just two piece?

Thanks!

[shad0w4life]

Symphony? If you can Tux it up.

[evil-e]

I don't have a tuxedo . . . yet. She's a concert cellist, and basically said, "the only time you need a tuxedo around here is if you're a performer or a spy."

If I had the extra scratch, I'd definitely buy a tuxedo, but sadly I don't.

[alan]

Christmas Symphonies are generally not as dressy as most others since they draw a larger cross-section of the public. The navy suit sounds like a solid choice, but I would leave the vest at home unless you have a particular look in mind. You'll already be more dressed up than half the people in there. You'll find others there that are as dressy as you, but nobody will be dressier.

[jonATL]

Alan's spot on, of course. You could wear jeans and a button down to a Christmas symphony program — or, for that matter, most other symphony programs — and not really be out of place. Suit up, and you're more than good to go.

And since we're talking about a university orchestra, the dress code will certainly be less formal.

[llie19]

navy suit sounds good, maybe a pair of nice brown brogues. no vest needed if no tie, don't wanna look too formal as others suggest.

[shad0w4life]

Ok maybe I like dressing up. Did a 3 piece on airplane, wearing tux to company xmas party then to new years masqarade. I may also be a spy.

I do like a 3 piece over a 2 because I can take the jacket off and still look somewhat dressed up compared to someone with a tie, plus I find it makes the tie stand out more as it's covered below, and I can loosen the tie after and still look dappered. If you want more casual, no tie, top button undone and a vest or just sportcoat as well I find looks quite good.

Better to be looked over than overlooked

[evil-e]

I'll put on the vest with the rest and see how it goes. Think I'm going with a black knit tie with polka dots and some vintage brown Allen Edmonds brogues I picked up. If I can figure out the picture thing, I'll post the outfit. I'm pretty excited. My date said she'd likes going to the symphony because (in her words), "I get to wear something "slutty"."

Lucky me!