In my early navy days we dressed as gentlemen do, properly for dinner. Bow ties (invariably hand tied) and mess undress every night (medal miniatures, white mess jackets with epaulettes in summer and black in winter - gold stripes on the sleeves).
Mess dress (the next step up) was for more formal dinners. Stiff, detachable collars, stiff fronted shirt with studs, patent leather shoes, white or black waistcoats with gold buttons.
Dinner was a very convivial affair, especially in large ships such as an aircraft carrier and even more so if there was no night flying ie a hundred or so officers at a loose end - and about half a dozen sober due for night watches. Often the ship’s band would play some background themes as the officers gathered on the teak-laid quarterdeck for pre-dinner drinks as the sun set. Beer was tapped from a keg.
The bugle would sound Officers Dinner Call and off we’d troop down to the wardroom, following in the wake of the mess president where swarms of stewards did us proud. No rush. No fuss.
Any number would linger for hours over port and cigars discussing matters of some importance whilst others adjourned to the bar and discussed matters of importance. Some apparently did a bit of paperwork too.
The captain and (if embarked) the admiral were messed separately - from each other and from the officers - and so needed company and often invited a smattering of chaps up for dinner. Depending on the personalities, such invitations were gold or lead.
Today, apparently, they wear camouflage all day, every day. Not the same atmosphere. Sad.