Headed to the Navy Ball again

[EHCAlum]

Interestingly, U.S. Army regulations stipulate that the pleats of the cummerbund face down.

Didn't know the history of the cummerbund, except it had eastern origins. Of course the Army is different from standard form. Its the Army.

[thescot]

Of course the Army is different: it's the Army! (Just a little interservice rivalry joke!)

Just to be different, I would suggest wearing the belt and waist plate as I find them to be very sharp looking and comfortable as well. I don't much care for the waistcoat with the PC, even though I have one and wear it occassionally. I have just come to prefer the look of the belt and lots of white shirt, similar the look of a tux with cumberbund.

The minimedals on a PC look very distinguished to me, and do indeed distinguish the veterean from the non-veterans. It is, of course, the wearer's option, but especially at a military ball, one is well advised and properly dressed with one's mini medals in place. When the event is intended to be one in which the attendees are in their best finery, minimedlas are in order if the wearer chooses--not required, but certainly appropriate.

I also have no problems with the wearing of fraternal medals if desired. I wear both an EGA and/or a square-and-compass almost always, whether I am in a suit or ridng a Harley. There are very fine pieces of jewelry available from my fraternity, and I imagine others also have appropriate medals.

I don't think anyone was actually offended by Detroitpete's comments, but "garish" and "doorman" and "deposed dictoator" do tend to rankel the veteran who is quite rightly proud of his service. I rarely wear any kind of military medal anymore--maybe to the Marine Corps Ball if I go--but I applaud those who do. Besides, the real heroes make my paltry array look rather insignificant.

Finally, I agree that black hose are the lesser of the possible choices. A good navy blue with red garters or flashes always look nice for evening attire, but red or green work well, too. Just be sure to show us pictures.

[EHCAlum]

Of course the Army is different: it's the Army! (Just a little interservice rivalry joke!)

I also have no problems with the wearing of fraternal medals if desired. I wear both an EGA and/or a square-and-compass almost always, whether I am in a suit or ridng a Harley. There are very fine pieces of jewelry available from my fraternity, and I imagine others also have appropriate medals.

Same here, I almost always wear the 50 year old square and compass pin my coach present me when I was raised, or a roman eagle and triangle.

Navy is good, or perhaps a midnight blue or a dark purple?