"cocktail party" attire

Help! I need some advice and if possible, url's to pictures of what is
considered "cocktail party" attire for a company party. I believe it's a
banquet–style dinner, at a large fancy hotel (in San Diego).
This would need to be suitable for a young man (early 20's) who is overweight,
probably from a "Big & Tall" men's shop. He is a brand new employee with the
company and wants to make the right impression without "overdoing" it.
Any suggestions? Like does this require a jacket, tie, ????
Thanks!

mL wrote:
Like, yes.

x–no–archive:yes
Having sons this age:
Appropriate (and affordable, which might very well be a consideration if
he is young and hasn't been in the workforce long) attire would be a
navy suit, or navy jacket/grey *dress* pants (NOT Dockers, dress
trousers) and a dress shirt (white or blue) with an appropriate (which
will depend on the company, if in doubt, go for something traditional,
or since it's the holidays, red or burgundy) tie. Dark dress socks, not
athletic socks, be sure they are long enough when he sits down that the
pants don't pull up over them and 'show leg'. Dress shoes, *polished*.
Clean, neat hair, clean teeth, clipped fingernails, fresh shave, and if
he wears eyeglasses, clean these also, these all go a long ways toward
making that right impression.
The larger JC Penney's have big and tall sizes in–store. There's also a
number of 'big and tall' men's shops listed in the Yellow Pages (my sons
don't fit this part of the description, so I don't have specific
recommendations).
A decent pair of dress shoes can be had at Payless Shoes (as it sounds
like he doesn't wear dress shoes on a daily basis) for under $30 and
will be quite adequate if they have been freshly polished.
Appropriate without being over the top, and not outrageously expensive
(and an outfit that will serve him well in other 'dress' work situations
as well – presentations, meetings outside the company, etc).
Hope this helps!
CV
mL wrote:

"mL" <...@m.commm> wrote in message
news:9E8pd.141594$bk1.89...@fed1read05...
Definitely wear a coat and tie. The Big and Tall shop such as Men's
Wearhouse will be able to hook you up with the appropriate attire.
Audrey

Thanks so much for the replies, this definitely helps. :–)

...@m.commm (mL) wrote in message news:<9E8pd.141594$bk1.89...@fed1read05>...
A blue blazer, gray or khaki pants, a light–blue shirt and a tie are
extremely safe bets and flattering on heavier men.
This URL shows the standard look in action:
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=469&CatID=19656&CatTyp=SIZ&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0731935&ProdSeq=1&Cat=dress+up&Dep=Men%27s&PCat=big+reg–big+tal&PCatID=4464&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=13&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=b&ShopBy=4464
Here's a heavier model in a tweed blazer and white shirt with tie:
http://www.rochesterclothing.com/asp/itemdetail2.asp?USID=2004112421445832&PN=44660+BLAC+48+R&PQ=1&PSF=S&JAY=Suits&PK=RC1
The same model in a blue blazer and blue shirt, no tie:
http://www.rochesterclothing.com/asp/itemdetail2.asp?USID=2004112421445832&PN=39079+BLAC+62+PL&PQ=1&PSF=S&JAY=Suits&PK=RC1
This Golf Digest article (no, really) has some good basic tips about
finding a blazer:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HFI/is_4_54/ai_100839582
Good luck! Enjoy your party.
T.