A man--lucky creature--is not expected to change his clothes as frequently
as a woman must. He wears morning dress until dinner, unless he is to
attend some afternoon function, like a wedding or a reception. Dinner is
now almost universally at six or half after six o'clock. Before that hour,
save in the exception noted above, he wears a business suit, a derby or
"soft" hat, tan shoes if he prefers them, or laced calf-skin shoes with
heavy soles. The coat may be sack or cutaway. Such an outfit is correct
for traveling wear. A white shirt, or one of striped madras, is worn, with
a white linen collar. The tie is usually a four-in-hand in some dark
shade.
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The cutaway coat is correct for church wear. In summer it largely takes
the place of the frock coat, which, with the silk hat, is usually "out of
season," so to speak, from about the middle of May until about the same
time in September. Straw or felt hats are worn.
Tweed flannel and cheviot suits are favorite summer wear for men, Flannel
trousers, white with flannel shirt and leather belt, constitute the usual
wear for tennis, golf, etc., and blue cheviot or serge for yachting.
Afternoon Wear.--For formal afternoon wear the double-breasted frock coat
of black worsted, with waistcoat of the same or of white duck, is
reserved, dark gray pin-stripe trousers are worn with it, patent leather
shoes, gray gloves, silk hat and standing linen collar. The standing
collar is for formal wear. This attire is suitable for all social affairs
between noon and evening.
After dinner evening clothes--the "dress suit"--are worn. This has been
fully described in the chapter on wedding etiquette, under the head of
correct dress.
Incongruity in Dress.--A man must avoid incongruities in dress. Tan shoes
are inadmissible with formal afternoon dress. They do not accompany a silk
hat. A lawn tie is never worn save with evening clothes, nor a turn-down
collar with them. Gloves should be inconspicuous. A man's hands encased in
bright tan gloves make one think of sugar-cured hams.
The Tuxedo is a dinner coat, hence never seen before six o'clock; it must
not be worn at a theatre party, or if a man escorts ladies. It may be worn
in summer at informal dinners, and at summer hotels. Silk hat, white
waistcoat, or white lawn tie are not correct wear with a Tuxedo.