The GQ Style Guy Needs to Get with the Progam
Black Tie and Military Medals Go Together

I think it’s time for GQ to update their response to the question about military decorations with formal wear. Considering that since they wrote the entry in 2001, hundreds of thousands of men have earned wartime medals and decorations, the question is not only for the “silver-haired.” He also writes "If you have indeed earned some honor that you would like to wear, it would be more appropriate to do so at a state occasion than at a wedding or a country-club dinner dance...." *I know women are earning them too, but I frankly have no idea how women would wear medals with a formal gown.

Of course it almost goes without saying that only a loser of the first order would wear a medal he hasn't earned. But I disagree that we should wear medals only for state occasions. Especially among the country club and charity ball set who have never served, there is nothing wrong with subtly announcing that you defended them with honor.

May I suggest, “Military medals and insignia that you have earned are entirely appropriate for a black or white tie event when wearing a tuxedo or a dinner jacket. Wear them the same way you would for the corresponding military uniform – that is “mess dress” or “dinner dress.” This generally means miniature medals and devices over the lapel of the jacket. Ribbons for which there is no medal, and and large medals should only be worn with the military uniforms.

For specifics, look at the uniform regulations for your branch of service."


The style guy does get it right with his comment that "...if you have earned a medal for heroism, I think you’ve also earned the right to wear it wherever you feel like it..."

No shit whitefeather.


Uniform Regs...
Navy
Army
Marines

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