Scroll down to number six. Although I’d nix the hat. I really don’t like hats.
“Hey, can you come back in 15 minutes? I’m working on my TPS reports.”
Ok so it’s tropical.
Easy then, lived in the Caribbean for over 22 years.
A man can never go wrong with a light , long sleeved shirt, sleeves rolled once, or twice, top two buttons undone,white is always good, so is linen.
A pair of light weight silk pants is a good choice.
Casual moccasin type loafer, no socks.
Done
NOT shorts with a jacket. I’ve seen it in the wild and have yet to recover.
I thank you all for your input, it’s been very helpful to me. I can now provide a little more detail, this will be in Bangkok. Very likely our host has specified a dress code for two good reasons; firstly he’s aware we have been backpacking in Vietnam for a month, in nothing BUT shorts and flip flops, pretty much. And secondly I suspect the fancy hotel where we will go to see some live jazz may indeed have an actual dress code, not uncommon in Asia.
There is no yacht! His penthouse condo has access only from the river, and they have a private boatman to ferry you there, again there *may * well be a dress code, just for that! Because Asia!
It is a ‘fine’ meal because I know he has two private chefs that will be preparing a special feast just for us, and I anticipate it being very fine indeed. He is most often away from his home, and rarely gets to entertain. I know he’s looking forward to it very much, and is likely to pour it on, as a result!
(No, he is decidedly NOT an asshole. In fact he works tireless to get aid to those trapped in conflict areas like Afghanistan and Darfur. With the UN. And I consider myself quite fortunate to get another opportunity to hear about the work he is engaged in and especially his take on some of the conflicted spots in the world from a more informed perspective. We have had some very interesting conversations, I’ve learned a lot!)
While I was aware a tshirt was distinctly a no no, when ‘smart casual’ is the set attire, my slacker husband, I knew would be resistant, having spent the last month in his comfiest clothes. And I’m tired of ragging on him about such things. As he gets older the battle gets harder it seems to me. I just decided to get a lot of neutral opinions rather than battle with him. And your words have won the day! It worked! No ongoing argument over several days.
He didn’t bring a jacket so that’s not going to happen, but he has grey pants and closed shoes that will work. I’m leaning toward a cotton, short sleeved, possibly white, shirt he can wear untucked! But you ultimately can’t push a rope so I’ll just be content he has seen wisdom and WON’T insist on a tshirt out of sheer obstinance!
And while I’ve been to Bangkok many times before, I look forward to seeing a side I’ve not been privy to before. Travel should be all about seeing with new eyes, in my mind!
So thank you very much for all of your opinions, it has saved me a fair bit of grief and conflict, and that’s pretty valuable to me!