Dress codes and changing trends

[Nathan]

I finally got an old catalogue, Fraser Ross, which illustrates and describes the Dress Argyll. Note the white tie

Whenever I see these old photos and magazine illustrations of the Argyll as white tie evening wear, I have to point out that they aren't a depiction of a modern Argyll. The peaked or shawl silk-faced lapels elevate those Argylls significantly. Sure it shares many characteristics of the modern BBSBA but those differences are not to be overlooked. I would suggest that if you had an Argyll made in velvet or with satin or silk lapels today it would still qualify for the most formal of occasions but the standard issue can't be pushed much further than less formal black tie IMHO.

[creagdhubh]

Whenever I see these old photos and magazine illustrations of the Argyll as white tie evening wear, I have to point out that they aren't a depiction of a modern Argyll. The peaked or shawl silk-faced lapels elevate those Argylls significantly. Sure it shares many characteristics of the modern BBSBA but those differences are not to be overlooked. I would suggest that if you had an Argyll made in velvet or with satin or silk lapels today it would still qualify for the most formal of occasions but the standard issue can't be pushed much further than less formal black tie IMHO.

I agree. Personally, I would love to have an 'Argyll' style jacket made in the same manner as shown above. The peaked silk-faced lapels, elongated (Van Dyke) jacket pockets with braiding, and a trim, tailored cut. All smashing indeed--especially when paired with a 3-4 button waistcoat with lapels; quite appropriate for a white/black tie event.

[BCAC]

I agree. Personally, I would love to have an 'Argyll' style jacket made in the same manner as shown above. The peaked silk-faced lapels, elongated (Van Dyke) jacket pockets with braiding, and a trim, tailored cut. All smashing indeed--especially when paired with a 3-4 button waistcoat with lapels; quite appropriate for a white/black tie event.

I am tempted to say that if you go bespoke, and are willing to pay the price, you can have any style jacket that you wish. The only problem being convincing your wife/partner (and/or your bank manager).

[creagdhubh]

I am tempted to say that if you go bespoke, and are willing to pay the price, you can have any style jacket that you wish. The only problem being convincing your wife/partner (and/or your bank manager).

This is true!

[Machaggisnz]

I'm loving the shin length sporran in that old photo, given that most of the advice I hear about sporran length these days is that it should never extend past the edge of the kilt. He surely rocks the longer version.

[TheOfficialBren]

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!

[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.