The bow tie is really under-appreciated, in my opinion. I guess that is only natural when neckties of any kind are increasingly rare away from the office, for it is on social occasions that the bow tie finds its place. Too idiosyncratic for most professions, bow ties are a perfect change of pace for cocktail parties and the like. They say the occasion is a special one, worthy of a little extra effort.
It is that sort of extra effort that in my opinion separates the well dressed from the rest of us. Cary Grant looks natural in his neckerchiefs and ascots in To Catch a Thief, while those around him are open collared or conventionally four in handed. And that is not because he is Cary Grant, but rather because, done tastefully, those little touches of respect for those around him are well received.
See for yourself, the next time you are headed to a cocktail party. Wear a bow tie.
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As a 34-year old man who lives in London, I can say: absolutely not. The only time I could ever get away with a bow tie would be if I was in evening wear - a black or midnight blue one. Anything else and you're immediately perceived as either eccentric or attention-seeking. Or Doctor Who.
With you all the way Will. I love bow ties even in a semi casual environment in the fall/winter teamed with a cardigan or even peeping over a crew neck.
You may have been who I had in mind when I wrote that Richard. Play backgammon at the RAC one evening wearing a bow tie and you wouldn't get a second glance.
Actually Will I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I get enough stick for turning up to a pub afternoon in a cotton suit with no tie and a pocket square - even a four-in-hand is seen as laughably overdressed. I think maybe I just don't mix in the right circles for the way I'd like to dress.
If I really wanted to not get a second glance, I would wear jeans, t-shirt, and a shapeless coat of some kind.
Richard, as a 36 year old living in London, I say go for it! I have worn bow ties for the last 15 years - only occasionally, and generally on special occasions - and I have always found it well received. I agree if you wear them all the time you are regarded as to be avoided and I would not wear one to the office...
Good choice!
Defenetely bow ties are much more confortable than ties and we should wear it anytime we want, even with jeans it goes well!
Warmest Regards
Ayres Gonçalo
http://ayresbespoketailor.com/
It's just plucking up the courage though. As you say Will, even regular ties are now endangered so bow ties are seen as eccentric as carrying a cane or wearing a monocle.
When tie-wearing in hospital wards was stopped I thought maybe I could replace them with a bow tie, but it never happened. Everyone is either removes it and is open shirted or tucks their regular tie into their shirts. I know I shouldn't move with the crowd, but it's a bold move.
Will, what's the source of the photo? That's a wonderful collection of small patterned, neutral colored ties. MSM
I would generally agree with Richard that bow ties push it too far in most settings with the standard suit but I like the idea of adding an interesting bow tie to a casual ensemble like jeans, an intersting odd jacket, or something similar - a bit of flare and uniqueness to the usual drab casual look. definitely something to consider.
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