A Dandy Gentleman’s Outfit

A gentleman as defined by principles. Do not clothes define principles in a man of gentle nature?

However, your class will often govern, because you wish to announce, you're either subversive, or not and the world should know that.

So clothing becomes a way of expressing your philosophical or political beliefs. Or you're just protecting your self from the elements, being functional, or can't afford to lash out.

But let's not forget from were the path to manhood began. Remember the lectures from Mum, "cleanliness is next to godliness" "manners make eth man" "respect your elders" "honesty is the best policy" "clean your finger nails" "wash behind your ears" don't forget your handkerchief" Then came along the girlfriend, who said she'd love you truly, but some one pulled away the gang plank and life plunged you cruelly. "A lesson in love" who could you tell about it? Mum.

A lesson in love, the title of a big hit for Jimmy Barnes, he could belt out a rock and roll song. Hearing it on record is one thing seeing he on stage in action is another.

Mums prepare their sons' for the burdensome life ahead she arms them with a set of principles to guide, foundational to a true gentleman.

Just like the tie that Mum bought, you, were in high school, now left to hang darkly, never to see the light of day.

Well open up your wardrobe, because school ties have never been far from the catwalks. Traditionalists wear nothing other than stripes, justly so, in keeping with their past education or even regimental status, an untainted style.

Then there is dandyism, which comes and goes like the tide, the tide nigh. And it's rising, jewellery on the crest of the wave, not just cufflinks, bracelets and pendants too; the name to look for is Vivienne Westwood.

Now, a sincere dandy will have at his fingertips a fine silk tie draped and, after flitting around, upon placing it in breast pocket, it is transformed into a pocket square: Just another form of decoration, but functional. The correct size 300mm x 300mm, imperial measurements one foot square, it must be silk.

And even while Beau Brummell's ashes were being scattered, dandyism lived on.

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The well-dressed man about town should wear clothes that are simple, functional and discreet', George Bryan "Beau" Brummell commanded in the early 19th century. By advocating well-cut, tailored clothes, Brummell essentially invented what has come to be known as the "British look."

Brummell rejected 18th century frills (dandy man). His mandate, a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth, survives today as the dark business suit, white shirt and silk tie

He was particularly adamant about the whiteness of his cravats. As he made his daily rounds from the park, various gentleman's clubs and fashionable homes, Brummell would stop and change his cravat as often as three times a day. He preferred neck cloths that were lightly starched and carefully folded.

The simplicity of Brummell's uniform was adopted by everyone from many working men to his friend, the Prince Regent, later King George IV. For the first time, poorer men hoping to make their way in the world could easily imitate upper class fashion.

Well, perhaps climbing the ladder for some is a way out; but not for the likes of Jimmy Barnes.

Then, like now the dark suit and tie, dandy outfit have their place in society and, you don't need to be a gentleman to wear either.

But let's fall back on all the things Mum would preach lectureously.

It's all history, we learn.