Gentlemen,
As most of you already know, the fashion world is full of options for the ladies out there, but we men don't have a lot of choices. If we want to look nice, our only real choice of neckwear is the tie. Now don't get my wrong, I love ties, but sometimes I just want to do something a little different. Sometimes, I want to stand out from the rest of the crowd. The ascot has been around for a very long time and it's due for a comeback.
Now, if you are one of those guys who goes out and wears nothing but his striped "getting laid" shirt as Louis C.K. would put it, then this post is not for you. You should stick to your lame shirt, jeans, and spikey hair combo. It's worked in the past, right?
This post is for the fashion oriented. The men out there who are tired of looking lame. The men who want to take risks. The men who want to stand out as wolves among the sheep of mediocrity. If, when going out, you see a sea of button downs and jeans that make you sick, read on.
First things first. A little about ascots.
Wikipedia, states that the ascot tie is, "a narrow neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale grey patterned silk. This wide, formal tie is usually patterned, folded over, and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack. It is usually reserved for wear with morning dress for formal daytime weddings and worn with a cutaway morning coat and striped grey trousers. This type of dress cravat is made of a thicker, woven type of silk similar to a modern tie and is traditionally either grey or black.
Now, I know you're thinking, "how do I put one of these on without looking like a complete tool?" Well, the answer is simple. In America we refer to a cravat as an ascot, but clearly this isn't the kind we want.
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| Al Pacino as Michael Corleone |
We want what's referred to as a "day cravat." Good old Wikipedia refers to the day cravat as, "The simple knot, with the Ascot inside the shirt." Yes, Fred from Scooby-Doo. However, not all ascot wearing men look lame. Michael Corleone, for instance.
Anyone who has worn as ascot before will tell you that they give you a more refined look. They also say that they are more comfortable than ties. Plus, they are a small way to add a little color to an otherwise bland outfit.
Before we get into specifics, lets learn how to tie our ascot. To the right is a simple picture explaining the knot. It's pretty easy. All you have to do is start to tie a tie, then stop about halfway through.
Now, let's consider how to pull one off. The simplest and most thought of way is paired with a suit. It's old school and classic for a reason, because it works. My only thought would be to wear one with a three piece suit. That way, you don't have a ton blank shirt showing if you open your jacket up. Plus, the vest will help keep our collar in place. My only issue with the picture to the left, is that they have it paired with a tux shirt. My rule of thumb is, if you aren't wearing a tux, don't wear a tux shirt. You're taking a risk with an ascot, don't mess it up with a stupid looking shirt. Not to mention, if you ARE wearing a tux, you should
be tying your ascot in the formal way.
For those of us who want to wear it out and about sans suit, switch out the pants and jacket with jeans. I still like the vest though. It allows you to tuck your shirt in without looking like an idiot.
A point of style. Remember, you will be wearing something different, so please play it down. You probably don't want to wear a bright red one. You'll look pretentious. Trying getting a nice soft pattern with subdued colors. I saw a guy wearing a white one the other day, too and it looked really dumb. Why wear a white ascot with a white shirt? No one even knows you have it on.
Remember to wear it with confidence, but don't walk around like a douche. The best way to pull it off, is to act like you aren't even wearing it. Believe me, people will notice.
A lot of celebrities are sporting ascots now. Ashton Kutcher, David Beckham, and Jeremy Piven have all been seen out and about with their day cravats.
If you want to know wear to buy ascots, try your local suit store. They may not have them in store, but they could probably order them for you. They will probably be a bit pricey though. I have found a ton of good ascots on
amazon, including all of the ones pictured above, for around $20. (Just click on the caption if you want to get one of those)
The ascot is a way to get away from the boring ways of dress. If you have the confidence and swagger to pull it off, you should put it on with pride. Walk away from the doldrums of mediocrity and join the club of men with style.
Please, let me know if you have tried sporting an ascot and how it's worked for you.
