Posted on Oct 6, 2015
What is the suggested attire for a retired servicemember attending an Army ball?
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I have an upcoming Army ball in a few weeks. I have attended many throughout my career, but this is my first as a retiree. Normally it is my dress uniform (as identified in invitation) and a clean shaven face. Now that I am retired I am bearded up and not looking to shave or put my dress blues back on. What is an appropriate attire for a retiree (invitation said semi-formal)? I am looking for a few different suit types (suits are new to me). Also, is there a recommended lapel or something that one should wear or is suit and tie enough?
Military Ball
Retirement
Fashion and Apparel
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 22
You can go with a very nice suit and tie (i would say black, dark blue, or even a grey colored suit would work) or even a tux even though it said semi formal. And since you are retired, perhaps getting all your medals in mini form and wearing them on your lapel.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Semi-Formal is Tux (Black Tie). Formal is White Tie. Confuses A LOT of people.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
MSG (Join to see) The easiest way to think of it is like the "old" uniforms. Service Greens = Business suit (Business Professional). Dress Blues = Tux/Dinner Jacket (Semi-formal). Mess Dress = White Tie (Formal)
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LTC Stephen C.
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS and MSG (Join to see), AR 670-1 now uses these standards. "The male blue mess uniform is not intended for wear as an all-purpose uniform. The male blue mess uniform (black tie and black cummerbund with a traditional turned down collar shirt) is worn for black-tie functions and corresponds to a civilian tuxedo. The blue evening mess uniform (white tie and white vest/waistcoat with a winged collar shirt) is the most formal uniform worn by Army personnel and corresponds to the civilian 'white tie and tails.'”
There is also a white mess uniform and a white evening mess uniform (white jacket and black slacks) and both are worn for the same occasions and in the same style as the blue mess and the blue evening mess uniforms.
The AR does indicate that the ASU may be worn as a dress uniform (with a bow tie), but does not state it to be the equivalent of a civilian tuxedo.
The AR was dated 10APR15, so things may have changed since then, considering how often the Army changes uniforms!
There is also a white mess uniform and a white evening mess uniform (white jacket and black slacks) and both are worn for the same occasions and in the same style as the blue mess and the blue evening mess uniforms.
The AR does indicate that the ASU may be worn as a dress uniform (with a bow tie), but does not state it to be the equivalent of a civilian tuxedo.
The AR was dated 10APR15, so things may have changed since then, considering how often the Army changes uniforms!
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Either your appropriate service uniform, if it fits, or appropriate civilian attire, suit, black tie.
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