Men headed for President-elect Barack Obama's Swearing-in ceremony and Inaugural Parade next Tuesday are going to have to survive for hours in damp, near-freezing temperatures.
Even the somewhat prepared gentlemen in the Esquire illustration are likely to be uncomfortable. For one thing, those umbrellas are prohibited security risks that will likely become assets of Homeland Security. And the cold is going to penetrate their shirt fronts while they are being detained.
Hat, gloves, a cashmere or wool scarf, overcoat and the heaviest suit in the closet are all called for this year. Ear muffs should not be totally out of the question either.
There's no rain in the forecast at this time, but the well prepared will also pack a lined raincoat and a waterproof head covering. After all, it is better to bring too much than too little on any major expedition. Men who are not dressed for the weather will lose their opportunity to observe history in the making.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dressing to Watch History
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
6 comments:
Will,
if only I could afford to dress myself that well as I prepare to pack myself into the sardine can that will be the National Mall this Tuesday! In my defense, however, I will be wearing (non rented) black tie to the ball in the evening! Will you be in DC for the inauguration?
Shameek
A Norwegian friend of mine once told me: "There is no such things as bad weather, only bad clothes."
Micah,
I love that quote!
Admiral Byrd said it.
As for the Inauguration here in DC the toughest challenge is standing in the cold for so long. The cold seeps up through your feet, and there's no good shoe that can stop it. Stamping your feet helps, but you can't do it for the eight hours or so you'll be outside. I guess I could wear my old Army Matterhorns...
My grandfather was a funeral director who taught me to wear long underwear under your suit if you are going to be out in the cold for some period of time. Very invisible under a suit. This was with the old style fabrics. The new high tech fabrics only make it better.
As you say, umbrellas will most likely be confiscated. Therefore, the best advice against rain and cold (for one's head at least) is: wear a hat!
Perhaps this inauguration could herald the return of the fedora to the heads of well-dressed gentlemen, in the same way that many see JFK's inauguration as heralding the beginning of the end for such headgear.
Yes we can!
Post a Comment