Will the current preppy movement restore the ascot to the prominence it has restored the bow tie? Personally, I will wear the traditional clothing I have always worn with no consideration toward popular culture. So, in conclusion of a few days of Topic of Debate, what are your conclusions in regards to the ascot?
28 comments:
The ascot is an affectation that few Americans can pull off. Leave it to the Brits.
Ascot: no way Jose
Like you, I wear what I wear because I like it, not because the latest fashion trend dictates that I should. I was wearing braces (suspenders), bow ties and tweeds long before Doctor Who made them popular again. I'm wearing an ascot (cravat) as I type this. Although that's not to say I wouldn't be happy to see these items of clothing enjoying a resurgence as a result of popular culture.
You should wear your ascot, Richard. It says a lot about who you are.
I can see wearing it to a party in Georgetown. I once saw a gentleman wearing one in Gerogetown at 1789. At first I thought it was a bit much, but it grew on me. For me, I think they are a bit like whale embroidered pants-at first I think no but then after a while I think differently. I think you may be right that ascots may make a comeback-particularly among the high end college crowd (like those who attend Georgetown for instance)
I would never wear one. And I don't own a bow tie either
Smashing look for next flight to a RL store
Lets leave Richard alone about the Georgetown incident. I am wondering why Richard does not have a proper front hallway?
I was in the Brooks on Madison this morning. Bought a pair of British tan penny loafers....back in the day gentlemen in prep school only wore Bass Weejuns (just not the same quality today).
The store was rather busy (due to their sale), but is that any excuse for the poor service I received? Not rude, but just not the service one would expect from BB. Perhaps if the salesman had an ascot he would have been more interested in my shoes than in the phone conversation he was having.
He just needs to be spanked.
Whatever, man. You just buy things because you see them in Rugby ads.
No, it will not make a come back.
I concur with my dear Anonymous Brother @ 5:06. WASPs need a grand foyer in their stately homes. Richard's front door appears to open directly to his living room. I'm not convinced that the old man doesn't live in a studio apartment, to be honest. Come Richard, take a picture of the great hallway!
All the cool kids are wearing them.
Meaning Chuck Bass.
Richard had to get rid of the hall to make room for his giant chair. Nothing says WASP like overstuffed furniture, you know.
Richard, I applaud your indestructibly thick skin. You seem to stay above the really nasty stuff year after year... somehow. I couldn't do it.
As for the ascot, play it WAY down and never puff it out like your neck has puked, and you will do well. Many of the best boys boarding schools allowed them as the ONLY alternative to a tie.
If you take it easy on the ol' boy and give it some rest, your ascot should fully recover.
I think Ralphy Lauren has a plan to revive the ascot. Keep it hush-hush, but the patchwork tweed ascot is going to be the next big thing. People will be flying in from all over the acquire the blasted thing!
Holy cow, the captcha for this comment reads HELLYES.
I am not sure how it is not possible that Richard does not have BOTH overstuffed large furniture AND a grand central hallway...any self respecting WASP with Richard's status has these simple items.
I personally take all of my fashion cues from Thurston Howell III.
I wore one for Halloween when I was Thurston Howell III, The only other time an Ascot looks nice is with a WW2 Raf officers service dress Battle of Britain era.
I do not see why an ascot is viewed as so much different than a tie.I own 2....only wear them once in a great while in a particular setting with particular people. I think they are a nice alternative to a tie...and really fail to see why so much derision is piled on...
Very, very tough to pull off. Setting is key--family gathering/dinner at home with intimates might work . . .Also, if one's 60+ and reasonably thin and distinguished looking, it's possible to get away with . . .Added benefit for the older man in that the cravat/ascot hides the neck wattle . . .
A gentleman does not show chest hair or an undershirt.
The ascot is the solution.
While I'd like to think so, I'm afraid it shall remain....a brit affectation.
I am going to assume we are talking about the "day cravat", worn under an open collar casually, as opposed to the Ascot tie worn over the collar with Victorian and rented morning attire.
I don't know what full recovery means, but some people should wear them and some should not. I personally love them but only wear them to intimate venues such as holiday cocktail parties at private homes with a sport jacket (not blazer, which calls for a tie), though might wear even more casually with a v-neck sweater for walkabout, or maybe an activity such as skeet shooting. For the former the pattern could be a foulard, club stripe, or tartan, for the latter maybe a tartan or a hunting pattern (hard to come by, but found one in Rome on my honeymoon)
3 mistakes to avoid;
1. It is not formal wear, but casual wear. Sport jacket tops, becomes too fussy with a blazer and shiny buttons. And certainly no suits or evening wear as some Hollywood types have attempted
2. Minimal exposure. A high second button and a collar that stands up well by itself are key. The picture above is showing too much silk and plays in to unfortunate stereotypes.
3. Avoid pocket squares, silk overkill, so patch pocket jackets work best.
PS observed on a trip to London on a Sat morning in Harrods with respective family in tow: American ex-pat Wall Street/City type wearing slightly baggy khakis, weejuns, polo shirt, golf wind pullover; UK City type in trim casual trousers, strap loafers, spread collar unbuttoned, discreet cravat, and moleskin sport jacket.
Just sayin'....
Why does everyone get so worked up about cravats/Ascots? Like hats, if you have the confidence to wear one and it makes you happy, JUST DO IT. I've worn them on and off since I was 19 (I'm now 43), under polo shirts, shirts or crew neck sweaters. I've worn them with suits, odd jackets, leather jackets, denim jackets. People may have occasionally commented, but no one has ever scoffed. Perhaps because I'm a 6'4" and 18st rugby player......yes, I'm also a 'Brit'.
Sophisticated,Chic & Flamboyant.......Absolutely Yes...
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