Reader Questions

From Tom

"Is it any more correct to wear white trousers, as opposed to cream, with black, navy and multi-striped regatta blazers?

I think Gene Kelly sported cream in 'An American In Paris,' but my idol Fred Astaire always seemed to favour white. Though, admittedly, it's hard to be sure, in some old B&W photos."

Apparel Arts called them white flannels in the copy accompanying this illustration, but they look cream to me. In addition to its good looks, cream doesn't show every spot quite as brilliantly as white.

From Duff

"How many ties does a man really need?"

Ignoring the very real temptation to over-think any question about wardrobe size, I've written that a man needs about two dozen. Twelve solids in various weaves, and twelve patterned. Check out the search function!