Let the Countdown Begin!
The tree has been ransacked, the menorah candles have become a sad puddle of wax, the gym memberships have been purchased, last year's will power has been found and dusted off, and the champagne is on ice. We are one step closer to stepping over the threshold of 2011, but before we do, let's go back my bow tie wearing friends. Let's go back to "simpler times,"to the days when people went to a real- life bookstore as opposed to browsing their Kindle's virtual bookshelves from their bedrooms, and to a time when Harry Potter was the name of the local saloon owner. And DARE we venture to a time when the Apple empire did not rule the world? (You might want to pack a snack for this trip).
In honor of New Ye
ar's and bow tie wearers of earlier times, let's take a look at how the bow tie wearers' looks have evolved or remained the same over the past 100 or so years. Check out how the bow tie's versatility has allowed looks to go from conservative to groovy, and from fly to sick. If you're not convinced already, you'll see that a bow tie can achieve almost any kind of look someone is going for, and is anything but boring. For those who are stuck in a fashion rut, get inspired, and start the new year off right with a better styled you.
** NOTE TO YOU! This Could Be a Good Time: If you're a bow tie wearer hosting a last minute New Year's Eve shindig at your place, or like any excuse to throw a party, make your event a little extra spectacular by using this post as a guide to put on a blast from the past, bow tie wearers of earlier times bash.There's definitely ingredients here for a smashing good time!
Countdown Begins in 3...2...1
Early 1900s-- Think sack coats, vests, and "pegged topped trousers," use this young gentleman below as an example that in 1910 a guy could show a little leg and get away with it;)
1920s-- Think suit jackets, specifically, single- breasted peaked lapel jackets, narrow and straight- legged trousers, and double breasted vests. For formal occasions the short tuxedos with the tailcoat were very popular. However, it should be reminded that they are no longer cool.
1930s & 1940s-- Women started to rock the bow tie (even if it was just a part of a uniform), pairing it with a fitted, long, nylon coat and open-toe heels. The bow tie although did not abandon formal wear, did start to be used to branch out into day wear. The war made fashion all about practicality, forcing men to get rid of vests, pocket flaps, and pleats on their trousers. Instead, high- waisted slacks, loose fitted jackets, and the zoot suit were crowd pleasers during such rough times.
1950s-- Conservatism meets Rock and Roll. Think neutral dark colored suits (navy, gray, or black), less structured than seen in previous decades, but still heavy materials. A more casual look was put together by using collegiate looking blazers and sweaters. And for finishing touches, slicked back hair, pocket handkerchiefs, and a clean shave were givens of the clean-cut fifties man. Channel the Pleasantville, wholesome, American apple pie side of you to accomplish this look.
1970s-- See 1960s description.There's a lot of great stuff that came out of the 1970s such as the music (okay minus the disco fever area), however, the wardrobe options not so much. What I will say about the 1970s is that they weren't shy of wearing color or patterns that we see time and time again in today's fashion. Despite some fashion faux pas, if anything, the 70s taught us that a classic black butterfly bow tie can somehow still manage to pull almost any look together.
Ain't no party, like a ruffled shirt party!
1990s-- Between the androgenous punk era of the 1970s and 1980s, and the early 90s' grunge influence, it seems like bow tie wearers might have been exhausted to experience so much glitter and plaid all at once. However all fun was not lost, as the bow tie itself became a place of play. Sporting fantastically whimsical prints, and experimenting with different shades of the same colors, the 90s created new ground for putting together simple but intriguing looks while making the bow tie the centerpiece.
Early 2000s- 2010 Anything Goes! From leather jackets, to jeans, to sneakers, to a sweet pair of shades, in the year 2010, there's really nothing off limits to the bow tie wearer. Paired with a classic black tux always creates asafe winning look, but there's also plenty of room for creativity. You can give any look personality with the help of a bow tie, but also have the ability to shush a loud looking jacket or print with a solid colored bow tie. And even if you want to channel the better part of the 70s, you can exude an overall sense of personality and have a look and bow tie to match. If the clock is ticking, and you haven't thought of a good and reasonable New Year's resolution yet, try experimenting with your wardrobe and some bow ties in order to create some unique bow tie friendly looks. I'm sure you'll end up with some stylish results;)
Meshing a textured light gray tweed peacoat, a v-neck sweater, pastel or bold undertones, a tan blazer, a forties/fifties inspired fedora, and a distinguished pair of reddish brown specks, Sean is able to use the bow tie to achieve an interesting balance with his style between the put- together professor and the page six fashion success story. Sean truly serves as an excellent example as to how brushing up on your history can serve your style well.
OoOTie Bow Tie Picks: The Paisley, The Mystery Tie, Black on Copper, The Black Tie, and The Gatsby.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sean Lennon's godfather is Elton John? True story.
Wise Words From a Bow Tie Wearer:
In honor of New Ye
ar's and bow tie wearers of earlier times, let's take a look at how the bow tie wearers' looks have evolved or remained the same over the past 100 or so years. Check out how the bow tie's versatility has allowed looks to go from conservative to groovy, and from fly to sick. If you're not convinced already, you'll see that a bow tie can achieve almost any kind of look someone is going for, and is anything but boring. For those who are stuck in a fashion rut, get inspired, and start the new year off right with a better styled you.
** NOTE TO YOU! This Could Be a Good Time: If you're a bow tie wearer hosting a last minute New Year's Eve shindig at your place, or like any excuse to throw a party, make your event a little extra spectacular by using this post as a guide to put on a blast from the past, bow tie wearers of earlier times bash.There's definitely ingredients here for a smashing good time!
Countdown Begins in 3...2...1
Early 1900s-- Think sack coats, vests, and "pegged topped trousers," use this young gentleman below as an example that in 1910 a guy could show a little leg and get away with it;)
1920s-- Think suit jackets, specifically, single- breasted peaked lapel jackets, narrow and straight- legged trousers, and double breasted vests. For formal occasions the short tuxedos with the tailcoat were very popular. However, it should be reminded that they are no longer cool.
1930s & 1940s-- Women started to rock the bow tie (even if it was just a part of a uniform), pairing it with a fitted, long, nylon coat and open-toe heels. The bow tie although did not abandon formal wear, did start to be used to branch out into day wear. The war made fashion all about practicality, forcing men to get rid of vests, pocket flaps, and pleats on their trousers. Instead, high- waisted slacks, loose fitted jackets, and the zoot suit were crowd pleasers during such rough times.
1950s-- Conservatism meets Rock and Roll. Think neutral dark colored suits (navy, gray, or black), less structured than seen in previous decades, but still heavy materials. A more casual look was put together by using collegiate looking blazers and sweaters. And for finishing touches, slicked back hair, pocket handkerchiefs, and a clean shave were givens of the clean-cut fifties man. Channel the Pleasantville, wholesome, American apple pie side of you to accomplish this look. 
1960s-- Although the 60s and 70s were all about revolution, there wasn't too much revolution for menswear at that time. Collars on shirts, belts, pant legs, lapels, and ties did get wider, and there were some glimpses of the infamous unfortunate ruffled collared shirt in the 1960s. For those seeking a more studious look, and hoping to ease into the anti-conformist 1960s from the conventional 1950s, a pair of thick framed glasses can do the trick and convey a subtle sense of artsy/ professor-like individuality. And for those who are all about creating some adventure in their wardrobe, and love the 1960s, but do NOT love the ruffled shirt, a patterned or colorful bow tie can easily help make you the life of the party.
1970s-- See 1960s description.There's a lot of great stuff that came out of the 1970s such as the music (okay minus the disco fever area), however, the wardrobe options not so much. What I will say about the 1970s is that they weren't shy of wearing color or patterns that we see time and time again in today's fashion. Despite some fashion faux pas, if anything, the 70s taught us that a classic black butterfly bow tie can somehow still manage to pull almost any look together.
"Hey, how you doin."
Ain't no party, like a ruffled shirt party!
1980s-- Michael shows off some of the great strides for menswear and the bow tie that were achieved in the 1980s. Bow ties are no longer limited to strictly formal wear, or really any kind of suit-like ensemble, but still can convey a sense of stylish sophistication. As seen in the 1970s, a black bow tie can elevate any look, and can even make a red sparkly sweater, jeans, and a white collared shirt seem pretty rad.
1990s-- Between the androgenous punk era of the 1970s and 1980s, and the early 90s' grunge influence, it seems like bow tie wearers might have been exhausted to experience so much glitter and plaid all at once. However all fun was not lost, as the bow tie itself became a place of play. Sporting fantastically whimsical prints, and experimenting with different shades of the same colors, the 90s created new ground for putting together simple but intriguing looks while making the bow tie the centerpiece.
Early 2000s- 2010 Anything Goes! From leather jackets, to jeans, to sneakers, to a sweet pair of shades, in the year 2010, there's really nothing off limits to the bow tie wearer. Paired with a classic black tux always creates a
Keep the eyes on the Bow Tie!
Bow Tie Lover of the Week: Sean Lennon
Like father, like son, when it comes to making great music and a pretty awesome wardrobe to boot. Perhaps more often called John Lennon's son rather than by his birth name, Sean still manages to create a strong presence with the help of his fashion-history book inspired looks. Although it's unclear as to how well Sean did in history during school, what's clear is that his wardrobe certainly shows that he at the very least, studied the pictures included in his old textbook.
Like father, like son, when it comes to making great music and a pretty awesome wardrobe to boot. Perhaps more often called John Lennon's son rather than by his birth name, Sean still manages to create a strong presence with the help of his fashion-history book inspired looks. Although it's unclear as to how well Sean did in history during school, what's clear is that his wardrobe certainly shows that he at the very least, studied the pictures included in his old textbook. 
Meshing a textured light gray tweed peacoat, a v-neck sweater, pastel or bold undertones, a tan blazer, a forties/fifties inspired fedora, and a distinguished pair of reddish brown specks, Sean is able to use the bow tie to achieve an interesting balance with his style between the put- together professor and the page six fashion success story. Sean truly serves as an excellent example as to how brushing up on your history can serve your style well.
OoOTie Bow Tie Picks: The Paisley, The Mystery Tie, Black on Copper, The Black Tie, and The Gatsby.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sean Lennon's godfather is Elton John? True story.
Wise Words From a Bow Tie Wearer:
"A best-seller was a book which somehow sold well because it was selling well. "---Daniel J. Boorstin
Question of the Week: What's your favorite fashion decade?
Happy New Year's Everybody! Talk to you next year.
Question of the Week: What's your favorite fashion decade?
Happy New Year's Everybody! Talk to you next year.
