What is “urban chic attire”?

I thought I’d pose this question to the menswear blogosphere because it’s baffling me to find a solid definition.

For some background: At the end of this month, I’ll be attending a fundraiser that starts in the evening (8:30 p.m. on a weekend) for the Anti-Defamation League. It’s not a sit-down dinner, but there will probably be h’ordeuvres and drinks as well as a band.

Anyhow, the dress code is clearly stated as “urban chic attire” and after some Googling, I’ve yet to come across any solid definition for men. Even GQ’s Style Guy Glenn O’Brien doesn’t seem to understand the term or have a very solid definition for it.

My first instinct was to wear my tuxedo, but I’m thinking that’d be grossly overdressing for the event after reading O’Brien interpreting it as perhaps including “clean jeans”.

While I’m not to terribly stressed about what I’ll end up wearing, I’m thinking it’s worth perhaps hammering out a definition to such a loosely used term. Suits or blazers or sport coats? Dress trousers or creased chinos? OCBDs or spread-collar dress shirts? Tie or no tie? Loafers or lace-ups?

So, what say you? Send me a message or write a reply and I’ll include your interpretation of what this (frankly bullshit) term means in this post.

From the comments:

theodinspire:

Black suit and turtleneck, air of disinterest, cigarettes.

Good definition, but an “air of disinterest” is probably not the best idea for a fundraiser against discrimination. I do think black should be incorporated though in the footwear and more neutrals than color overall.

needcaffeine:

something you’d wear on a date. clean & pressed. I’d go blazer/sportcoat, collared shirt & trousers, with shoes (no flip flops)

Once again, I’m told to not wear my Crocs in public. But this is pretty close to what I was thinking.

acuteobtuse:

I’m sure most people are equally confused. This will lead to a wide range of styles at the party. Shoot for the middle. Creased chinos, blazer/sport coat, button-down, loafers, tie or Navy/khaki suit, spread collar, no tie, oxfords.

Maybe this seems odd, but I think “casual” (oh boy, here we go with more definitions) fabrics would be more suited for events beginning during daylight than those starting in the evening. Part of me also wonders if military-inspired fabrics and articles of clothing fall under this term “urban”, which I think carries with it a historical note of tailored wools. I could be completely wrong here, given that we’re making this all up. I completely agree that shooting for the middle is the goal though. You don’t want to look like you came out of the office or the beach.

brooklynesque:

LBM blazer, red chinos, suede tassles, spread collar shirt, tie. Worst case scenario- ditch the tie when you get there.

Take notes: “urban chic attire” is the dress code of Pitti Uomo.

thingsthatpleaseme:

Urban chic sounds like straight up Dior homme stuff to me. But I also think it sounds dumb. I’d let Liam dress you for an ‘urban chic’ event

Hence why I first assumed, “Oh, look! An opportunity to wear a tuxedo with maybe a black silk knit tie like Kanye!” And then I read that thing about jeans, which resulted in a brain freeze.

dieworkwear: 

A slightly more SWD version of this.

You know, I have been looking for a reason to get my chain-game back up. And I have a Japanese bandanna!

alt42:

Yuppie business-casual hipster.

So, like a manager at a Logan Square gastropub?

hugel:

Can you get this: bit.ly/qIuhnB made into a jacket in time? Pair it with matching pants and some casual steel-toes.

I’d only do it if I could get steel-toed combat boots made of Horween shell cordovan leather and a tie, pocket square and shirt made of digicamo in the same colorway.