As I read this thread I must start by questioning the title. As many have suggested cheap formal wear does not look good no matter what. However, cheap does not have anything to do with price. Cheap is poor fitting, poor material, poor color selection etc. even if the price tag is high.

On the other hand formal wear does not have to be expensive. You can get high quality formal wear inexpensively often by purchasing last years rentals. I made a PC, which I converted from a tails coat, for $35 dollar and I think it looks very good. It started out as quality and hopefully I did not distract from the quality when I converted it. But it would not be the right piece to wear to the next kilt night, high quality, and wrong place.

I have been looking at on of Uniformwearhouse’s Eaton jackets to convert into a mess style day wear jacket. I would prefer a tweed jacket or a Argyle conversion but have not been able to find on in my size. I would not be trying to pass if off as a formal jacket just something a little more formal than no jacket at all. This is not to speak ill of Alan H’s conversion, I have not seen the jacket and therefore would not expect to make more if it until I see it.

I believe that you need to understand the “rules” of formal wear and try to conform to them as closely as possible. It is unfortunate that for most American the first introduction to formal wear is the high school prom. It seems to me that for the high school prom the weirder the better is the rule for prom wear. A sequined electric blue “tux” with a pale yellow shirt with the ruffles edged in electric blue. The fashion police should raid and burn all establishments that rent such abominations.

It is from this background many of us have come and are trying to overcome. I don’t believe in the fashion police and that fashion rules made many years ago should be binding today. Nonetheless, before you go and try to break the rules you need to understand the rules and work with in them as you try to change them.

Dress to impress not to dazzle. Dress with style and wear with pride.