Sartorial Discretion
The Art of Restraint
There are so few dress codes today that when we’re finally forced to get serious we naturally have questions. That’s why I often get asked about what to wear to weddings. In many situations we can get away with a lot—probably too much—but not always. Suddenly you have to wear something discrete and appropriate, which sounds easy, but is surprisingly hard.
I live for this sort of specificity and analysis. But it doesn’t always go according to plan. As I was leaving a fairly rarefied event one of the old-timers, leaned in and said, Wear socks next time. And ditch the Belgian Shoes. Now he was about four martinis deep, and laughed when he said it. But it was a useful exchange.
At the very least I realized he noticed I was nude around the ankles. And I started thinking—is that how I want to be remembered? I wasn’t on neutral territory. If you’re in London this happens more often, there are more rigorous dress codes and traditions. There are times to be playful and times when you don’t want to upset the equilibrium. It’s worth remembering that your decisions will be noted.
Here are some guidelines and principles to deal with when more is expected of you, sartorially speaking.