Wearing a PC in the Daytime??

[davedove]

I have a slight "problem" with this, and it has nothing to do with a bright red tie, or a sparkly vest (or wearing clown shoes for that matter).

It's about "easing the restrictions", which to me seems to be PC speak for "dumbing down". The problem, as I see it, is where does one draw the line? Let's start with "creative" black tie.

Dinner jacket with Levis and cowboy boots = creative? Okay, now add a western shirt. Are we still being creative? How about a bolo tie instead of a bow tie? Still "creative black tie"?

See, the problem is that there is no "definition" to the word "creative". In finger painting the "definition" is also the boundary-- in this instance the edge of the paper. But in dress, especially formal dress, if you don't have a solid definition, you have no boundary, and it becomes a situation where the wearer assumes an entitlement to dress as they please, irrespective of the wishes of their host or hostess. Their justification (or cop out) being their sense of "creativity".

"Festive" black tie is a different kettle of fish. To begin with, black tie ocassions usually are "festive events"-- who has ever been invited to a black tie funeral? If the event is, say, a Christmas Party any self-assured gentleman would be quite comfortable in placing a sprig of holly in his lapel, or showing up at the door in dinner jacket and santa hat-- that's called "flair", and there is nothing wrong it, or with having having a bit of fun.

But this brings us back to the question of definition. When does "festive black tie" drift across the double yellow line of "appropriate attire" and have a head on collision with "social convention"? Well, driving becomes dangerous when people ignore the rules of the road, and that applies to dress sense as well. The very phrase "festive black tie" implies that you can't have a perfectly good time unless you arrive at the event in some sort of themed attire. Which is nonsense.

So, do we need to include a "relatively new category" in the encyclopedia of formal attire? No. Because wearing formal attire isn't about calling attention to how you are dressed. Formal attire is about calling attention to you as a person, because you are dressed like everyone else in the room, and people will focus on you, rather than how you are dressed.

Formal attire is about your personality, not the clown shoes you wore as part of your creatively festive attire.

If I've stepped on anyone's toes I'm sorry. But guys, that's what'll happen to you if you choose to wear clown shoes to a black tie event.

I actually basically agree with you and it is indeed a nebulous area. But such notions do exist. Does it exactly fit the conventions, no. And I suspect this "category" arose from those who didn't really know the conventions, or what was "proper." And we have all seen those who have puched the boundaries a bit too far (usually a celebrity).

I suspect that the classic black and white tie will be around for some time. After all, that's why they're called classic. But I also think the other notions will creep in as well, whether those who follow the strict definitions like it or not.

It may also wax and wane with general societal attitudes. As society becomes more liberal with dress, more options will creep in and yes, they will "degrade" the boundaries. Then, as more conservative dress comes back, the boundaries will again tighten.

Quite frankly, I doubt if I, like most of the folks here, will ever have the opportunity to attend a white tie event. And, so far, the closest I've come to a black tie event is on a cruise, which has really become black tie optional.

Oh, by the way, there is such a thing as a Western Tuxedo that is worn with shiny boots and a cowboy hat. That really only fits in a very specific situation though.

[Friday]

I wonder how much is the trend to Festive Formal wear start at the high school proms? Back in the dark ages of my high school prom the attire was tux and this was to be a black tux. Some bent with non-black vests. Now
when I look at what is considered appropriate formal wear for a prom I feel sick. You can't go to a prom in a kilt and argyle jacket but you can in the left overs from the trash bin behind the clown tent.

Perhaps there should be some training on what is and is not formal wear in school, but who would teach it?


And Dave - just because I have big feet is no reason to call them Clown Shoes

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Oh, by the way, there is such a thing as a Western Tuxedo that is worn with shiny boots and a cowboy hat. That really only fits in a very specific situation though.

I will admit to wearing one when I was the editor of FAR WEST Magazine, back in the late 70s...