Reader Questions

From CJ
"My question concerns a debate a colleague and I are having. He believes that it is acceptable to wear cream trousers for the autumn and winter season, calling it 'winter white.' I believe very much to the contrary. A glass of Woodford Reserve is riding on the answer!"

Seasonal colors follow what we see in nature and there's plenty of white around once the snow begins to fall. So, were I you, I would pay up.

Of course, knowing that you can wear a color is not the same as having a place to wear it. I'd wear a navy jacket and winter white trousers on a sunny Sunday afternoon to a party in a winter garden. The green jacketed gentleman in the illustration is wearing his in a clubhouse on what looks like an autumnal day.

From Jocke
"Do you have any good picture examples of different ways to wear neckerchiefs? And also tips on where to buy them?"

I thought I could find a illustration that answered both of these questions but, alas, the men in the illustration are wearing an ascot in one case and toweling in the other. I recall there's a decent illustration in Flusser's Dressing the Man.

There are only two ways that I know of to wear neckerchiefs. Start with a silk square. If it's at least 36", you can roll it up and tie it as a four in hand. Or, if it's the more common 27" variety, roll it up and tie a square knot. The ends may be worn in or out of your open shirt collar, but in is a bit more discreet.

They are not on the web site but if you call the store you'll find that London's New & Lingwood carries a variety of 27" patterns for £75 apiece (about $150).