Funny you all are mentioning "unusual" accrouments worn by the AF with their Mess Dress.
In most of the Fighter Units I was in, at least half the guys wore "Party Shirts" instead of the standard Dress White Tux shirt.
And what is a "Party Shirt", you may ask? Simple. Since only the front of the shirt and the sleeve cuffs are visible while you are wearing your Mess Dress coat, many of the guys would go to a local tailor to have the sleeves and back of the shirt replaced with fabric in something a bit more "colorful and unusual". So, during the "fromal" part of the Dining In / Dining Out, you fit right in and look to be in regs. After the Smoiking Lamp is lit and the festivities commence it is acceptable to remove your Mess Dress coat, and THAt is when you get to proudly display your party shirt.
A tradition that started in Korea or the Phillipines, I think.
Examples of what I am talking about are
here
BTW, since your DS's/DD's units tend to view the Dining Ins / Outs as opportunities to teach appropriate customs and courtesies, they tend to
"frown upon" any of the cadets wearing "non standard" uniform items. Tell them to save it until they go active duty in the AF.
2nd BTW, we're talking about getting a bunch of these for the groom, groomsmen, myself and the future in-law for our DS's Wedding next year. HAven't settled yet on the "color scheme".