The end of the necktie?
There was a time when if a man wanted to look “smart” he wore a good suit, a long-sleeved white shirt, handmade shoes, and a designer silk tie.
Although other aspects of personal grooming complemented the outfit, adhering to a socially acceptable basic dress code was the mark of a respectable man.
It helped that the successful British economy over the last 20 years has enabled quality outfitting on good credit terms. Nevertheless, today’s increasingly cosmopolitan outlook and lifestyle, challenges the look that was always associated with social class and privilege.
In these changing times, protocols now reflect a loosening of traditional values. Wearing the right tie and formal wear still carries weight at certain social or public events, but even at these there is evidence of a more relaxed style.
The real differences of fashion are evident between the generations and age groups but the less structured “hippy” attitude of the 1960s has been transformed into a more laid-back designer mix of tastes.
What’s missing most often is the tie, which is overlooked more than any other piece of kit, not only in day-to-day wear but even at those most formal of affairs, the wedding. Top hats and tails may well remain in the closet, as the popularity of the theme wedding, which has no need to uphold tradition, has grown.
The tie has been a symbol of respectability for a couple of centuries and its legacy is unlikely to end just yet, given the opportunity it offers for colours and patterns, even if it currently appears to be retreating into hibernation for many men.
With the fall of the Windsor and the Four-in-Hand knots, perhaps men are well advised to get practising their skills in preparation for the rebirth of the tie at some unspecified future date, to be advised by the unpredictable world of fashion.
So stand out in a crowd, if you must. Wear a tie. Ties maketh man — or so they say.
