Dress codes and changing trends

[O'Callaghan]

Maybe I'm a pragmatist but unless I'm going to be able to get several uses out of a garment per year I won't bother purchasing one. I'll hire one.

Then again, due to the climate in my region, black tie events are usually reserved for winter. White tie events are literally non-existent, even among the upper class (middle class to the folks across the pond).

Darn it, though, those satin shawl lapels are fabulous! Now THAT is an Argyl jacket!

The folks across the pond include many who describe themselves as middle class who are really upper middle class, but they aren't upper class, which is different again. It's true that the American definition of middle class is so wide that it includes almost everyone, but your take on the definition of middle class on the other side of the pond is too simplistic.