What is the suggested attire for a retired servicemember attending an Army ball?

SGT Kevin Brown — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:47:13 -0400

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?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Oct 6 at 2015 11:48 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:48:38 -0400

I know the Navy we can wear our Dinner Dress Blues or appropriate civilian attire.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 6 at 2015 11:48 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:48:56 -0400

Either your appropriate service uniform, if it fits, or appropriate civilian attire, suit, black tie.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 11:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:50:50 -0400

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.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 6 at 2015 11:51 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:51:27 -0400

It's a Semi-Formal event aka Black Tie. In theory, as a retiree, you can wear your uniform and meet standards of the uniform OR wear the civilian equivalent which is a dinner jacket (Tuxedo). As it is a military event, you can (optional) wear miniature medals on the lapel.

The Army Uniform Reg should have the placement for them as an appendix.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 11:57 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:57:02 -0400

If you don't have your miniture medals, you can simply wear your USA Retired Lapel Pin.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 6 at 2015 12:07 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:07:41 -0400

I have seen retirees wear their dress blues, and come in tux, or a nice suit and tie. Ladies normally wear a formal dress or gown.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Oct 6 at 2015 12:08 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:08:30 -0400

I would go in a classic black suit, black tie, white shirt.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Oct 6 at 2015 12:14 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:14:36 -0400

Unless you're just thrilled with the idea of putting on the uniform again, I'd go with a nice suit. Navy, black, or charcoal would all be appropriate for the occasion.

If you're new to suits, most people start off with a nice Navy suit. It is the most versatile, as it can be worn to all kinds of events like weddings, funerals, job interviews, formal events, at work, etc. A charcoal suit is almost as versatile. A black suit becomes more limiting with the types of occasions where it can be worn. So if you only want one suit that you can wear to the maximum number of events over the years, I'd go with a navy or a charcoal. Regardless, navy, charcoal and black would all be appropriate for the Army ball. Regarding style, it's really up to you regarding how much flare you want to show. Notch lapels are more conservative, and peak lapels are more fashionable. Solid colors are more conservative, whereas pinstripes and plaids are more fashionable. A single vent in the back is more American, whereas side vents is more of a European look (unvented is not very common).

Transitioning from the uniform to suits was quite a learning experience for me once I retired. I'm rather conservative with the suits that I wear.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Oct 6 at 2015 12:34 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:34:39 -0400

I would wear a nice black suit with a black tie and white shirt. Do you have your Army lapel button still ? The old guard one. I'm not sure if they still give them out when you retire or ETS still. A good Army retired would really get the word across and your Aram veterans pin also.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 1:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:11:37 -0400

Tux

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 6 at 2015 1:28 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:28:48 -0400

Good advice all around. If I go to another one, I'll likely wear my dinner dress as I don't have much in the line of that suit thing. I have a beard but don't care. If someone has a problem, it's their problem aka they opened their mouth and removed all doubt. If you're made to feel unwelcome, that's the last one you'll go to and you'll have your answer ready for when they ask why the retired don't show up. What are they going to do? Make you retire?

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 6 at 2015 2:50 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:50:18 -0400

SGT Kevin Brown - According to Emily Post (the etiquette guru), this is the definition of "semi-formal" dress for men:
•Dark, business suit
•Matching vest (optional)
•Dress shirt
•Tie
•Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Oct 6 at 2015 2:59 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:59:41 -0400

SGT Brown - lots of good advise below! If you don't have an Army retired lapel pin maybe use one of the military lapel pins from your highest award - or perhaps from a campaign. I wear my medals on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I like how the Brits and Commonwealth countries veterans sport theirs. WE VETERANS and RETIREES have done SO MUCH for the USA - IMHO we SHOULD tout the values of selfless service and show that we are America's BEST!

http://blog.medalsofamerica.com/guide-wearing-military-medals-insignia-uniform/

Guide to Wearing your Military Medals & Insignia | Military Blog

One of the first lessons taught to new recruits is proper wear of the medals and ribbons, uniform and insignia. Read this from Medals of America.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 3:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:15:43 -0400

I fudged 670-1 a little at the Air Force Ball a few weeks ago.

You've gotten good advice. Civilian attire goes from conservative suit to tux.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 6 at 2015 3:43 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:43:31 -0400

Kevin as long as you accessorize with a Rum in Coke in your hand your are good.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Oct 6 at 2015 6:32 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:32:28 -0400

You are authorized to wear your ASU's if you have the approved retired SSI and the retired lapel pin and wear them.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 7 at 2015 12:11 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:11:52 -0400

A suit or tux is appropriate... you can wear your miniature medals if you so choose...

Response by SSG Jesus Sijalbo made Oct 8 at 2015 3:39 AM

SSG Jesus Sijalbo — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 03:39:27 -0400

Just my recommendation SGT, A Nice ALOHA SHIRT and Slacks with black shoes!!!!!!!!!!!! Its a retired ball, just roll it and have fun.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Oct 9 at 2015 2:48 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 14:48:47 -0400

AR670-1 sets the standard for this, yes you can wear your dress uniform it is authorized or suit tie and mini medals. If you want to put out a few bucks there is a Service ID badges that is authorized to were that says United States Army retired that had a white back ground and red and blue trim and lettering. - the other one is gold and says retired soldier for life with the army star logo on it.
these may be found in a clothing and sales or online they are like the CSID and go on the right breast pocket of your uniform here are 2 web addresses that I can think of right off the bat.
http://www.marlowhite.com
http://www.eaglesofwar.com

marlowhite.com

Response by SFC Dave Wynn made Oct 16 at 2015 11:55 AM

SFC Dave Wynn — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:55:13 -0400

According to that great regulation AR670-1 you are allowed to wear the uniform and rank you were when retired.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Nov 23 at 2015 2:54 AM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 02:54:20 -0500

I attended the US Marine Corps Birthday Ball about 2 weeks ago, and the men that retired/veterans wore suits or tux. Like I was told, just look good and have fun, everything works out.

Response by MSgt Earle Clark made Sep 29 at 2017 5:27 PM

MSgt Earle Clark — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 17:27:26 -0400

Dress blues, clean cut beard, awards and decorations worn!