Hey irishgirl, being “that weird foreigner :dubious:” around here I think “social outcast” would be more appropriate than “socially incompetent”. Besides, I hardly think that questioning a traditional dress code (and looking for alternatives) because it leaves no room for individuality classifies anyone as socially incompetent. 
oh no no no Toffe, you misunderstand me!
i mean that on the times i visited my friends in oxford i met several of the gentlemen best described as
" IQ 175, can’t boil an egg without supervision"
and these gentlemen do not tend to dress…well.
i was saying, clumsily, i admit, that an overly adventurous sense of colour could lead the casual observer to make a snap judgement which might not work in your favour…
see?
Listen to the voice of age and wisdom…after 10 years or so, every male looks back at their prom pictures and groans. Because they tried to take the classic tuxedo look and make it stylin’. Trust me…I wore a pale blue tux with ruffled shirt to my prom, and god it looked awful. Why didn’t somebody stop me?
So the moral: trying to make classic formal or semi-formal wear into a “fashion statement” or “colorful” is the mark of a kid playing dress-up. Carrying off the classic look is the mark of a grown-up.
Yes,
But other styles of tuxes do exist, nesides the basic black James Bond version.
Such as the previously mentioned White tux, or even the black with tails, with that wierd vest like thingy, and a few other variations.
However, some of the newer “fashion” versions are quite painful to look at. I mean when I see Hollywood dressing up, I just know that I am going to get sick.
I agree with irishgirl, the classiest and sexiest outfit for men is black-and-white, and tails, please, none of this informal tuxedo stuff. 
My ex had tails that he’d bought used and then retailored for himself, and let me tell you, there is nothing boring about a perfectly-tailored suit. It is gorgeous.
If you want to get colour into your formal clothes look into Regency or Early Victorian menswear- think Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice. If you can pull it off, you’ll have girls swooning all over you… or guys. Whichever you prefer.
May I say that my mind has repeatedly, over the past 30 years, wrestled with wrapping itself around the concept that black-tie tux is defined as “informal”. Then again I am writing from a Caribbean island. A few cuba libres and everyone looks good
That said, the classic black tux (or white dinner jacket) is to be highly praised for style, as long as you wear it well. But even the most stylish, well-tailored tux won’t help someone who, when wearing it, looks as comfortable as a man sitting in the electric chair.
Hi irishgirl, no need to be apologetic, I really didn’t take any offense. I know exactly what you mean (nice German word, Fachidiot, my college is full of them this year).
Anyway, JRDelirious, Lissla Lissar, irishgirl and all the rest who’ve told me to just stick to the regular stuff - you’re right. Looking around, everything else just looks worse to me. Regular dark suit it is… At least I DO quite often get women complimenting me on my looks that way (although they unfortunately always seem to be very drunk by then, or happen to be insane).
Thanks to everyone for their replies!
And since this thread has got a bunch of Oxford-visitors checking in, anytime you’re here again, drop me an e-mail and we can meet in a pub somewhere. This goes for anyone and everyone, obviously.