When I was in college, I had a couple of Professors that called me "The Renaissance Man" for a couple of reasons. But, primarily because I dressed for class. I didn't just show up for class dressed the same way I crawled out of the rack that morning like so many of my class mates. I didn't begin my matriculation until I was 30. While I didn't normally wear a Sport Jacket, I did wear ties and avoided tennis shoes.
As for Top Hats, and Bowlers, starched collars (separate from shirts), real bow ties, pocket-watches, gaiters, cuff-links, the button fly, and sock suspenders; I believe this is where the the 19th Century maintains its fashion ascendancy over the day to day of modern attire. These so called Modern Fashions, while some are quite nice are influenced by modern materials, and convenience, they are lacking the quality of demonstrating one's personal dignity.
I don't believe there are many that would argue that a well tailored tux with tails (worn with proper accoutrements) isn't preferable to a pair of blue jeans and a polo or tee shirt for a proper night on the town.
But, in a like mind, I don't think anyone would consider working in construction while wearing a suit and tie either.
Maybe it's just that many in modern times have lost a sense of personal dignity. It's a shame that dressing properly is now limited to Proms, Funerals, and Weddings instead of the cultural norm.
Thank God for the pipe.
My soap box has now been relegated to the recycle bin.
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