Well, here are a few hints.

I have seen "loaner" jackets at a very nice resturant in Orlando (my coworker left his jacket in the car and decided it was easier just to "borrow") I just watched Rick Stevces in Monaco. Borrowed a jacket for the casino.

(And once again the Fodorites woke up this morning looked in the mirror and "flashing lights" announced it's YOUR day to be judge SHEESH!)

Personally I am with OPs son. For ONE use I would borrow if possible Besides which if you are packing light that one jacket may look like you slept in it after a few days LOL!)

Padraig - of course casual on the streets of Paris is totally fine. But if your trip included dinner at a grand 3 star restaurant that has a dress code - you would pack appropriately.

Nothing wrong w/ whatever one wants to wear - I'm not one of the fashion police on here. BUT - if one is planning on visiting places w/ dress codes they should take the proper clothing - or make other plans. There are many other options that don't require dressy clothes.

Ties are one-size-fits-all. Not so for jackets. Sitting through tea in an ill-fitting jacket will be as uncomfortable as being stopped for not wearing one in the first place. Not something I'd want to plan to endure for a special occasion.

Why not give your son the gift of a travel-friendly sports coat that he can use not only on this occasion but for many more years?

Travelsmith, of course, makes wonderful ones, and Orvis has nice selections at very reasonable prices. Your son can pair it with jeans or khakis and look polished at a moment's notice and it will be easier to pack and provide more comfort and security than the ordinary kind.

Ahem, ties are not one size fits all. While there may only be a limited number of sizes, a standard tie would fit me like Homer Simpson's fits him!

Your son sounds alot like our youngest, who graduates from university this month. He still wants the grown-up things without the grown-up responsibilities, but as he is now 23, he is finding out mom is not always going to be responsible for him. I'd say have him either pack the jacket and tie, or find out whether or not the Ritz will help him himself.

I apologize for the tone, but I just got off the phone on a similar graduation issue with mine!

does one have to wear a blazer and tie, or could it just be a windbreaker(which he would certainly have) and tie?

Don't know about the loaner jackets, but while waiting for friends in the lobby of the London Ritz, 2 couples , going to the bar,who weren't appropriately dressed were stopped before they stepped 3 feet inside the door and sent on their way.

Pass the smelling salts. I actually agree 100% with Janisj. :-O

I love apersuader65's post. This young man wants grown up things but doesn't want the annoyances that adulthood requires--like being responsible for the appropriate clothing for tea at the Ritz. Such a hardship!

And why should the Ritz be responsible for dressing this kid? Even if they have the jackets on hand? No better time than a birthday to learn some self-sufficiency.