02 January 2012

The Plaid of Christmas Past

While sorting through some photos looking for ones for what I thought might be a new post, I stumbled across a number of Tartan drenched vanity shots from Christmas week, and decided that timeliness, or lack of it, should be no deterrent in discussing them. I sure do like the old Scottish weave.
I think I took this photo for a post about understatement in holiday dress. However, upon review I can see that their is nothing understated about this. Big bad black watch plaid, splashed across a flannel jacket, which is actually half of a suit, wide 1970s lapels and all. True, a white square and solid navy blue wool tie may have had the chance to hold things in check, but the by now infamous custom shirt and collar pin have other things to say about it.

This ensemble, for a night on the job Christmas Eve is far more traditional, and perhaps wearable. A knitted merino wool vest in goldenrod and a lightly hued tartan Viyella tie actually are anchored this time with a navy flannel blazer and charcoal slacks.
Christmas Day, on the other hand, is no time to mess around. What else is a guy going to do with a pair of pants such as these? Don't half step with this stuff. Wear them like you mean it, behave as though such garments are completely normal, and get down on the floor to assist two children still clad in their pyjamas mid-afternoon in the construction of a new model train set. Because thats what holidays, and plaid pants, are for.

Happy New Year.

10 comments:

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said...

I recognize that train set!

Happy New Year,

Ulrich von B.

Yankee-Whisky-Papa said...

Happy New Year! Get that tartan suit ready....

ourboy said...

My wife bought me some Woolrich black watch trousers from Bonobos. She doesn't normally splurge like that on me. They are exquisite, despite that hint of itch one gets from fine wool.

John Whittet said...

As I'm sure you're aware, the black watch blazer you so kindly shared with me last year (around this time) has become one of my favorite pieces.

Great during the holidays, and seriously the one thing that gets me a compliment from a stranger every time I wear it.

Cheers!

notanymore said...

Yay, trains!

Claude said...

HUZZAH!

oxford cloth button down said...

That second outfit is great. The color/fabric combinations are perfect.

ajvphilp said...

Happy New Year to you too. Love the blog, not only when you feature tartan! -Alastair (in Edinburgh, Scotland)

Pancho said...

"timeliness, or lack of it, should be no deterrent in discussing them..."

I say you were being timely when you put up this post. I'm a great believer in observing all 12 days of Christmas.

It fits so well with the season, maybe plaid should now be considered the fourth Christmas "color" (after red, green and gold).

ATH said...

Wow, that tartan sport coat is awesome!