I have a failsafe uniform for those casual evenings. I always feel appropriately dressed in it — not over dressed, never underdressed. At the risk of being thought a one-trick pony, I highly recommend having several mix and match pieces that will see heavy action through the coming party months.
Here is mine:
Sweater: Black silk cable knit (and getting ready to be replaced, soon. But where to find another? Until then here are a couple of offerings in other yarns.)


Ivory, grey pencil stripe, or white shirt. (The classic pinpoint button down works well here as the collar holds up under the sweater or I use the collar bones to help prop up the collar points.)

Flat front super 110’s worsted wool medium grey or charcoal trousers. If you must buy clothing this season, buy a pair of flat front grey trousers, they are genius. Mine are the Todd model by Zanella.


Belgian shoes, Venetian or penny loafers. In black. It’s night.



Opt; neckerchief in black and tan, or black, white and red. For the colder evenings.
With no time to dress or a need to travel light, my uniform gets me through any number of situations. After all, if a variation of it is good enough for this guy…
Great thread. What kind of pants is Ralph Lauren wearing? I can’t tell from the photo.
Hello L2R, his own, I’m sure. But he does have London tailors. I believe they are flannels.
I would love to see what you think the equivalent is for women…
That’s a thought Fairfax! I’ll ruminate about that for a bit. I would think that the obvious answer is the perennial LBD, but I can try to explore other options… .
… and what would be the equivalent female version, please espouse!
oh bother, I failed to see the above comment from Fairfax – ditto.
repetition is the mother of learning.
I like the LBD, but is it for casual wear?