Can we define THCD?

[Father Bill]

I need to say, I was very skeptical of this project and thought it would degenerate into divisiveness. My respect and admiration go to the OP for greater perspective than my own, to more than one marvellous wordsmiths (one obviously leading the effort!) and to all who contributed to date for their thoughtful, honest and helpful sharing of their perspectives. This has an obvious future as a powerful guide to those who wish to dress within such guidelines. Kudos!

[Nathan]

Just a thought. The OP asked if we could define THCD and I think that we probably have, largely thanks to Colin's skill with words and considerable understanding of the matter in hand. Steve the owner of this website was pretty keen that we should come up with a definition too and whilst he has been silent since Colin's post, he is, no doubt, watching points. So, without being too presumptuous we certainly have come up with a definition in words, that by in large seems to have been met with little disagreement. Mission accomplished then?

I think now we are getting bogged down in the detail, which is inevitable, which might be better in another thread, or threads? Definitions of aspects of THCD are important and pictures will most certainly help, of that there is no doubt. I do wonder though, if it might be better now, if a "day thread", a "black tie" thread, a "casual thread", etc., with eventually perhaps, individual "attire headings" might be a better way to go from now on? Then someone in the future wanting to know about say, "formal day wear" could go to the relevant heading to do their research? By doing it that way, it matters not how many pictures are posted, the more the better, and discussed, which again should be helpful for any future reference.

Just a thought.

I see where you're coming from, but I do think that one new thread should be sufficient to achieve this if it were structured something like this:

Post 1: Colin's post final tweak definition.
Post 2: Smart Casual
Post 3: Daywear
Post 4: Formal Daywear
Post 5: Black Tie
Post 6: White Tie
Post 7: Outdoor activities and practical variations

We are close to consensus on what these subsequent posts should be and I am open to tweaks.

This would give the author of each subsequent post up to 10 photos to illustrate a particular mode.

Ultimately, Steve and the mods would decide if such a thread would be a worthy sticky, but even if it wasn't, it would be there to share the single link whenever someone asked, "what the heck is THCD, anyway?"

[davidlpope]

I see where you're coming from, but I do think that one new thread should be sufficient to achieve this if it were structured something like this:

Post 1: Colin's post final tweak definition.
Post 2: Smart Casual
Post 3: Daywear
Post 4: Formal Daywear
Post 5: Black Tie
Post 6: White Tie
Post 7: Outdoor activities and practical variations

We are close to consensus on what these subsequent posts should be and I am open to tweaks.

This would give the author of each subsequent post up to 10 photos to illustrate a particular mode.

Ultimately, Steve and the mods would decide if such a thread would be a worthy sticky, but even if it wasn't, it would be there to share the single link whenever someone asked, "what the heck is THCD, anyway?"

I think this is the way to go. I nominate Colin and Nathan to put it together, with supervision by Jock... . Hopefully Steve will give us a sticky.

[davidlpope]

I need to say, I was very skeptical of this project and thought it would degenerate into divisiveness. My respect and admiration go to the OP for greater perspective than my own, to more than one marvellous wordsmiths (one obviously leading the effort!) and to all who contributed to date for their thoughtful, honest and helpful sharing of their perspectives. This has an obvious future as a powerful guide to those who wish to dress within such guidelines. Kudos!

Thanks. I think you'll find that we're a pretty respectful lot. Discussions usually run smoothly enough when folks who self-identify as THCD-wearers are involved. It only seems to get hairy when others feel like they're chafing under the "rules" of THCD, when they don't self-identify as such. I'm thankful that Steve has set aside this forum for us.

[Jock Scot]

I think this is the way to go. I nominate Colin and Nathan to put it together, with supervision by Jock... . Hopefully Steve will give us a sticky.

I am sure that Colin and Nathan are more than capable of putting something together without my help. I am, as always, just a PM away should they need to consult.

[Nathan]

I'm willing to give it a whirl and somewhat honoured, to be honest. Hopefully Colin can take a break from his dissertation to work with me on this.

Jock, thanks for the vote of confidence. Hopefully, you won't mind if we use photographic examples of you in the thread. I've seen your BBSA and your tweed outfits as well as the smart casual look you sported in your thread about breaking in a new Balmoral bonnet. These would be most helpful IMHO.

In fact, if anyone who regularly contributes to xmarks and posts photos of themselves here does not want us to use their photos in our examples, please send me a PM.

Slainte!

Nathan

[creagdhubh]

Thanks. I think you'll find that we're a pretty respectful lot. Discussions usually run smoothly enough when folks who self-identify as THCD-wearers are involved. It only seems to get hairy when others feel like they're chafing under the "rules" of THCD, when they don't self-identify as such. I'm thankful that Steve has set aside this forum for us.

Precisely. Well said, David.

[Jock Scot]

Help yourself Nathan and don't hesitate to ask if you want more pictures. Sadly a fire and an irate ex-wife-----not connected events, I hasten to add!---- put paid to many of my pictures, including most of my formal evening attire ones.

[creagdhubh]

I'm thinking open-neck broadcloth shirt with sleeves rolled up, kilt, sporran and strap, kilt hose, and a pair of Wellies/hiking boots/LL Bean camp mocs.

Once you lose the pulled-up kilt hose or put on a golf shirt, I think you've lost the THCD...

I agree, David. Below are examples of the furthest I would go in regards to being "casual" within the confines of THCD. Obviously, much of what I am wearing has to do with certain contextual factors such as the weather, which arguably, is one the biggest contextual factors of all.

[Nathan]

Help yourself Nathan and don't hesitate to ask if you want more pictures. Sadly a fire and an irate ex-wife-----not connected events, I hasten to add!---- put paid to many of my pictures, including most of my formal evening attire ones.

Thanks, Jock. I tried to PM you with my email address in order to take you up on your offer of photos but it says you've exceeded your limit for personal messages.