Some men fear the pocket square as well as the boutonniere, and this post is not for them. Others will dare to wear a square and find the flower a step too far. A third group likes either, but not together. But the usual list of great dressers wore them simultaneously.
If fear can be overcome, the principal obstacle to wearing a boutonniere is finding a fresh bloom in the mornings. Carnations are best. Choose red ones for day wear, or pink on sunny days, and ideally miniatures as the full-sized variety adds a non-trivial load to a light-weight summer lapel.
When there is a florist convenient to the morning's walk, the price of a single flower should be no more than a dollar (or some fraction of a euro). Often, in my experience, the person behind the counter will be so pleased to see the custom resurrected that she will make it a gift the first time or two.
Men in temperate climates will find that half a dozen plants in the garden or on the balcony will provide blooms most days year-round. And where the climate is not temperate, the serious hobbyist can glass in a small space for a surprisingly modest sum.
Fear not the boutonniere.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fear Not the Boutonniere
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17 comments:
At my brother's wedding, the boutonniere pinned to the lapel of my white linen jacket left a mark from where the stalk was pierced with a pin.
Is there a secret to avoiding this? Simply where darker fabrics?
Men's lapels are supposed to have a buttonhole. The stem is inserted through the buttonhole and slid under a silk thread on the back of the lapel that holds it in place. No pin means no stain.
If your jacket doesn't already have a lapel buttonhole a tailor can add it easily.
Fragrant boutonnieres are a bonus. The wearer, who usually doesn't get to see much of his flower, is the primary beneficiary of the fragrance.
I was struck by some photos of the Duke wearing a Lily of the Valley boutonniere while holding asparagus tips.
Generally, the emphasis is on the showiness of the flower. Here the balance was reversed.
On this sunny day, I've come as close as most men may ever get to this beautiful combination: I have some flowers--pink, yellow, and blue--showing on the pocket square peeking out of my lapel pocket.
I would love to wear a boutonniere, but considering that my jacket is off for most of the day, I'm afraid I would think it wasted.
Perhaps I should leave my jacket on, then.
Does putting the boutonniere in a small silver holder (like the one worn by Poirot, as portrayed by David Suchet on TV) and then pinning that to the jacket go too far?
(Does anyone know where I can find one of those silver holders?)
Jose, I found an excellent one at:
http://www.qualitysilver.co.uk/acatalog/silver_jewellery_posy_holder_L9383.html
Personally, I think they do belong to a different age. Perfect, however if wearing vintage clothing....
You'll get no argument from me, Will. For me though, one of the best aspects of utilising a thought-outdated accessory is that it now has a renewed ability to surprise
Will, perhaps what I like most about your posts is the unmistakable way in which you make the eccentric seem perfectly ordinary. A modest solarium for the purpose of cultivating lapel accessories? It's only logical.
Seriously though, I have a pressing boutonniere question. I am getting married in December. Thankfully, my bride has made the sober choice of navy blue for the bridesmaid dresses and the floral arrangements are to be for the most part white--hydrangeas, lilies, edelweiss, mistletoe—that sort of thing. She says I am to wear some sort of oblong lily; I’d rather a cream carnation. My preference has nothing to do with species; I’ve just always believed boutonnieres should be round and unadorned. Do you have thoughts on the matter? And by extension, as a married man yourself, advice on broaching the issue?
Frederick, the carnation is the better idea from the dress point of view.
Whether it is best for your relationship I cannot say.
I am the not the best source for marital advice. I would simply tell her she needs to understand she is not going to be dressing me. Ever.
In the modern day, I believe a wedding boutonniere may be more, shall we say, exuberant, than a simple carnation, but there are classic options besides carnations. Blue cornflowers and gardenias are also considered correct for black tie, so perhaps a (round white) gardenia can make both Frederick and his bride-to-be happy.
When I met Mrs. E. for our very first date, I stopped on the way to duck into a florist between the office and the restaurant. I forget what flower I chose, but it made quite an impact.
Nice post about boutonnieres. I styled a still-life story last year (suits on display forms), and asked a florist for simple examples (cornflowers, gardenias, etc). My boss, my peers and my assistant thought I was crazy, but the results were lovely. As you told Sean, though, the lapel MUST have a working buttonhole; flowers pinned to the front don't sit properly.
Mark Grischke
Fashion As a 2nd Language
Personally I am not at all a fan of carnations. They remind me of dreary English weddings in the Spring. The weather is blustery and everyone cheers the bride and groom but no one really wants to be outside for the photos. It starts to drizzle. Thoughts drift to the football (a.k.a. soccer) match that everyone wants to watch. The morning suit of top hats and tails are supposed to look sharp but the goom's pants are baggy and about four inches too long. The woman who rented the suit told the groom he looked smashing. She really believed it, just didn't know any better. There is a sheen on the wool that speaks of too many pressings. The hem of one of the sleeves is starting to come undone and the thick black thread catches my eye; I desparately want to pull it.
My therapist says that this reaction to carnation boutonnieres is a little odd. I suppose she has a point; nevertheless, I hope you see my point when I say they're not for me.
James: Thanks for the pointer; I too belong to another era.
Also, fear not the peak lapel!
I only have a surly flower shop near me, and the carnations available here are too small. :( But a bloomed rose is a good-looking substitute.
Brilliant post! Luckily I live in a place where inexpensive flowers abound: the Netherlands. And I've never worn a boutonniere for the sake of it - so shame on me.
Your classic taste is commendable.
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