oyyoyyoy-
My response was not meant as mussar. The point is that if it is not an option to be late, and it is not an option to come without a tie, he will figure it out. The answer to the question really is that these are both not acceptable options.
One more thing – Does this Rebbe then go and give his talmidim the classic “Omeid lifnei haMelech” speech on how to present and conduct themselves during davening? [You know, “If you would have a meeting with the President…”]
ivory –
It’s obvious from the question that he is the type of Rebbe, going to the type of place, where he would normally be expected to come on time with a tie…