I have a work function that is being held out of town the end of next week. One of the events is an evening dinner/awards presentation and the invitation says to wear cocktail attire. There will be everyone from my level on up through senior management attending.
My dilemma is that I’m completely confused on what constitutes cocktail attire for men. I’ve seen recommendations for everything from a sports jacket to a black suit. Any thoughts?
Based on these etiquette sites, sounds like “suit and tie”, or at least “coat and tie”:
The second one suggests that a more formal setting would be more of a call for a suit, and that sounds like the deal in this case.
Great, this probably means going shopping. I haven’t needed to wear something like that for a while and I’m not sure I have anything that fits in my closet. Ah well.
Hey, at least you’ve got a week+ to buy a suit and have alterations done. 
Yea, the sucky part is that I’m working on losing 25-30 pounds so it won’t fit anymore in a few months. (with any luck)
Plus side is this a an opportunity to schmooze and gain support for our new pilot project department. I just have to look at this as an investment in my future.
Might want to let them know that. I’m no tailor, but that knowledge might have an effect on what kind of suit they sell you, or how they alter it.
I’d say, “Get out of the wet suit and into a dry martini!”
To me, I’d say it means wear something nice, but not your typical business suit.
Based on what those etiquette sites say, it’s, at a minimum, a blazer and slacks. If it’s in a more formal setting, it probably does mean a business suit.
Go to a tux shop and rent a suit. Guaranteed to fit, and it will cost less than buying something that will have to be altered later.
That’s a good thought.
That’s why you keep me around
Rides to dopefests and suit ideas. That’s two things charter members are good for. 
I would say an awards presentation definitely means dark suit, especially if you’re corporate and will do networking, with senior folks there. You can jazz it up with a kicky tie.
I agree with gigi - dark suit and tie.
What I meant was not a typical business suit. If you’ve got something a bit more modern than your standard M-F suit, that would be what I’d pick.
Meh. Costs ~$80 to buy a tux. You can get a suit from JC Penney or MH for ~$100.
Honestly, if you want it to fit well, and look good, you probably need to pay a little more than that.
If you have an off the rack body (I don’t) and you like polyester. If however you want to make a good impression with the big wigs, renting a good suit will be cheaper and a better choice.
At the moment that is my plan. I’m going to a rental place tonight. I’m looking for something tux-ish without screaming “I’m wearing a tux!”…you know like the satin stripe down the leg or any of that crap. Basically I’ve decided I want a very nice, moderately formal black suit. I also picked up some shoes last night since I didn’t own any black dress shoes.
The suit I could buy for $100 wouldn’t make the impression I want to make.
What? You don’t want to look like a cheap used car salesman? Or this guy?
ETA: Good call on the suit style.
