Quotation: Brummell's Rules

"By 1801, the Brummell look was required uniform for Almack's - which meant his evening costume, consisting of white cravat and waistcoat, dark blue or black tailcoat and black knee breeches and stockings or tight black pantaloons. A 'solemn proclamation' went out from the club that only 'silk stockings, thin shoes and white neckclothes [were to be] invariably worn.' Wider trousers, or any addition of color, were unacceptable. Brummell's rules for men's attire at Almack's began to pare down men's evening wear to the formal black and white that has remained, evolving by the end of the 19th century into the even more structured 'white tie and tails.'"

- Beau Brummell, Ian Kelly