"The elevation of comfort above all other considerations, the flawed belief that informality equals conviviality, and downright laziness have resulted in a contradictory and illogical dress sense that would stump the most mondaine of time travellers beaming into a modern dinner party as he observed the crazy cocktail of sartorial semiotics about the table.
However, the tide - at least outside the shellsuit-wearing brigade - is turning. This is because of two fundamental human instincts that have been overlooked by the slobs. One is the ancient need of people to decorate themselves, which started long before the first murmuring of civilisation and continues today. The other is our very natural wish to please others, be admired by our peers and attract a mate. Add to this the security that a few unwritten rules can bring, and the enduring need for dressing up becomes clear
The first step is to forget the old British adage that it is ill bred to be overdressed. This guideline has outlived its shelf life, as it was conceived in a period when it was the accepted norm to dress up for any activity more than gardening. At this time overdressing meant being got up in a flashy, overly elaborate or embarrassing way and took no account of the modern invasion of sports-inspired clothes that has enslaved whole swathes of the nation into sweats and trainers
Now it is advisable and good manners to err on the over- rather than the underdressed when invited to a party. This is because by being seen to make an effort you are paying your host or hostess a great compliment, as well as making yourself look your most attractive. After all, the short time required for getting yourself dressed is negligible compared with the hours the hostess may have put in preparing the party."
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Quotation: Overdress for a Party
Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners, by John Morgan
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5 comments:
Wonderful! Wonderful! After years of "overdressing" for events perhaps I will be vidicated. While there have always been a few guests who appreciated my efforts many, mostly other men, have turned a critical eye my way and commented to their friends on my appearance.
I see nothing to argue with here. John Morgan (RIP) is missed. I used to read his columns in The Times every Saturday. He also wrote for GQ. I remember when he died, the investigators found an enormous wardrobe in his flat.
Our society does not value proper dress as it should, and it affects all areas of civilized life. By dressing our part with style, we actually perform an ethical public service. We must not hesitate to dress well whenever possible.
I am the only one in my office who wears a jacket and tie. I get questions daily as to why I am wearing a tie. Questions from people in wrinkled polo shirts, Dockers and square toe shoes.
Comment to this arrives late, nevertheless I have to bring it forth.
For long time I was only one in the office wearing suit, waistcoat, tie and proper shoes (use of waistcoat is vindicated by excess air conditioning if not due my admiration of the piece of men's attire).
I work in the premises of customer as representative of my employer. Hence I do feel that regardless of local habits, dress code or lack of it, I do have certain responsibility to maintain both professional image and reputation.
As one would guess, at the beginning my style was questioned and perhaps labelled a bit too much, however in time people accepted the fact that it will not change.
Everyone kept on dressing as ever before (sneakers, t-shirts etc).
Nearly two years later, I have witnessed gradual change. More men wear ties and suits - same people who considered t-shirt, shots and sandals as acceptable. Management seems to have gotten grip as well, no more creased shirts etc.
For me, it cost nearly nothing to wear acceptable clothes at the office, respect towards others is reason good enough to do so.
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