Paging Frank Ridgeway: Shirt and tie without a jacket?

Your thoughts for semi-formal/business casual occasions? (Or anyone's?)

I can't decide if it looks like one should be waiting tables at Applebee's or whether it can actually look dressy. No tie feels so casual. Tie feels like a waiter. I'm intimidated by blazers and sport coats, that I'll look like I'm wearing a mismatched suit.

Some seem to say you can pull it off with a very slim-fitting dress shirt and a slim tie, tie bar, or both. Others say don't even try. I always think that it's OK as long as you don't have a blue shirt and khakis, because you'll look like you're getting your award for Most Improved Player at the middle school winter sports banquet.

Frank?

 

Personally I think wearing a sport coat without a tie looks really "middle-aged man." I'd much rather wear a tie without a sport coat.

Maybe that's just me.

 

I also think that a dress shirt with a pattern to it, like plaid or stripes or checks, can go with a tie and no jacket and not like you're heading to the middle school formal dance.

 

I honestly think it depends on the build.
A paunchy man can't really pull this look off.
Also depends on the shoes.

 

Do you think some can pull it off - under some of the guidelines I mentioned? Or is it not even worth trying.

I can do the jacket and jeans thing. Love it actually. It's when you toss dress pants into the equation that I seem to have difficulty mixing and matching.

 

Don't need Frank Ridgeway for that one. The answer, for adults, is no.

 

Some people can pull anything off. If you're "fawkin' hawt" go for it.

 

I read a column in Esquire or GQ or somewhere like that one time where a person wrote in and asked, "How can I look like Daniel Craig in a suit?"

The answer: "Step 1: You have to look like Daniel Craig."

 

Do not wear a tie without a jacket. Ick. Get a decent navy blazer. Just about anything will go with it.

 

I think a lot of people probably go blue blazer and khakis. But I hate light-colored pants. Again, junior high dress-up day. Or polo day at the Kennedy compound.