Too Traditional?

[David Thorpe]

...Basically, I think it's a question of doing the best we can with our attire, without crossing the border into fantasy or theatre, and to bear in mind how we can be as smartly dressed as possible for the occassion without over-doing it. I understand that to some (especially people here on this forum- bearing in mind it is a forum with a sartorial basis) this comes completely naturally, seeemingly without any effort at all. While others of us might struggle somewhat- but that's why we're here, to get advice, to get feedback, criticism and hopefully also pass on some of our own knowledge or wisdom.

Cheers,

Michael

Very well said.

[SlackerDrummer]

Just a thought to add fuel to the fire. David Pope posted this in a concurrent thread:

Button-down collar shirts seem to be much more popular here in the States than overseas and are often seen worn with a suit and tie, although this type of shirt is designed to be worn casually. Likewise, many men here in the South wear full brogues with business suits, although they are country shoes.

While it is true that button-down collars were designed for active pursuits and brogues were originally country shoes I think we are well past the point that these things are strictly relegated to these positions. It may show more class (or at least better fashion sense) to not wear button-downs or brogues with a suit, but at least in the United States we are well past the point where doing so is gauche. Remember clothing styles evolve. And before anyone complains that we are becoming less and less formal to our own detriment, I'd like to point out that it was only 100 years ago that, in some circles, it would have been unheard of to show up for dinner in a black tie. Black ties were relegated to day wear; white tie was the appropriate attire for dinner. Now white tie is reserved for state dinners and the fanciest do. Yet, we currently accept black tie today as formal wear.

Traditions change, albeit in an evolutionary sense. At some point things stop being traditional and start to become "living in the past" and I guess at some point, then, you can become "too traditional".

More thoughts, but I'll save them for later.