Black Tie means a bow tie not a black coloured tie

[Good Egg]

Am I the only person in the world who gets irritated by Hollywood prats and football playing chavs who wear black coloured ties with evening wear?

Until recently this was strictly an Anglo/American problem for celebs and the pointless millions who copy them but on Hogmanay I saw some prat on TV in full fig with regular black coloured tie on.

OK I hear you call: Lighten up, get a life, what does it matter?

Fair enough but you know these clown are only doing it because some prat turned up at the Oscars with black coloured tie because he did not realise it meant a bow tie and lemming like they all copy.

I can't wait until some clown turns up in the mess thusly clad.... It will elasticated ones next.

Rant over...

[chasem]

I agree. While I don't claim to be incredibly knowledgeable, I do feel that one should dress to the occasion. For me, I've never been to a black tie event, but other less formal, still dressy events. I get very frustrated seeing others show up in jeans or some other casual wear.

[bikeolounger]

I do not own, and refuse to buy, a full set of "black tie" garb. I would use such attire at most once every four or five years, and would have to manufacture reason to do that. I'm not likely to go to the trouble to rent formal wear, either--that level of formality is just too artificial for me. In short, if the invitation specifies "black tie," I won't be there. You need not worry about seeing me wearing a tartan tie over my tweed kilt at your precious black tie event.

Remember, gents, that kilts were originally WORK clothing for rural folks, not formal wear. My grandmother taught us to "put your best money in your everyday shoes," meaning buy good quality on what you will wear often. Don't spend money on stuff you won't use.

[chasem]

The point isn't whether the kilt should be dressed up or not, rather how frequently you see people who aren't dressed for the occasion.

[macwilkin]

I do not own, and refuse to buy, a full set of "black tie" garb. I would use such attire at most once every four or five years, and would have to manufacture reason to do that. I'm not likely to go to the trouble to rent formal wear, either--that level of formality is just too artificial for me. In short, if the invitation specifies "black tie," I won't be there. You need not worry about seeing me wearing a tartan tie over my tweed kilt at your precious black tie event.

Remember, gents, that kilts were originally WORK clothing for rural folks, not formal wear. My grandmother taught us to "put your best money in your everyday shoes," meaning buy good quality on what you will wear often. Don't spend money on stuff you won't use.

I've never understood the connotation that "rural" people somehow resent all manner of "proper" attire. I've heard this a lot here in SW Missouri, but if you look at photos from the late 19th century/early 20th century, people simply knew the levels of attire for certain functions. Robert Burns was a puir ploughman frae Ayr, but he also could socialise with the gentry, and benefited from it through patronage.

My grandfather and great-grandfather, for example, were Iowa farmers, but both owned suits (not just one), French-cuff shirts and other kit. Sure, they wore overalls in the fields, but when it was time to go to church or lodge, they wore their best, as they respected those institutions.

Yes, the kilt may have been "work" clothes at one time, but the kilt also could be "formal" attire as well -- the pedigree isn't really a good excuse for rejecting formal attire.

I'm afraid this post is just as judgemental of those of us who take pride in our formal attire as the people who judge those who do not wear it.

Regards,

Todd

[gilmore]

What is a prat?

What is a chav?

Should I be concerned?

[bikeolounger]

I've never understood the connotation that "rural" people somehow resent all manner of "proper" attire. I've heard this a lot here in SW Missouri, but if you look at photos from the late 19th century/early 20th century, people simply knew the levels of attire for certain functions. Robert Burns was a puir ploughman frae Ayr, but he also could socialise with the gentry, and benefited from it through patronage.

My grandfather and great-grandfather, for example, were Iowa farmers, but both owned suits (not just one), French-cuff shirts and other kit. Sure, they wore overalls in the fields, but when it was time to go to church or lodge, they wore their best, as they respected those institutions.

Yes, the kilt may have been "work" clothes at one time, but the kilt also could be "formal" attire as well -- the pedigree isn't really a good excuse for rejecting formal attire.

I'm afraid this post is just as judgemental of those of us who take pride in our formal attire as the people who judge those who do not wear it.

Regards,

Todd

And you misread my intent. The apparent judgemental voice was to make a point--that too many who wear formal attire who look down their noses at those of us who cannot justify the expenses involved in wearing the stuff. In general, I simply find that because I don't "fit in" for such formal occasions, I just don't go.

[starbkjrus]

Looks like the fashion police are on the move yet again.

[macwilkin]

And you misread my intent. The apparent judgemental voice was to make a point--that too many who wear formal attire who look down their noses at those of us who cannot justify the expenses involved in wearing the stuff. In general, I simply find that because I don't "fit in" for such formal occasions, I just don't go.

But aren't you being just as judgemental and making assumptions that everyone who wears formal attire thinks you don't "fit in"?

If you don't like formal attire, or can't justify purchasing it is one thing. I won't "look down my nose" at you over that -- but I do take exception at being judged as a snob just because I do wear formal attire.

T.

[macwilkin]

Looks like the fashion police are on the move yet again.

Dee, I hope you are not referring to those of us who consider ourselves traditionalists.

T.