Maybe it is a bit odd to write the second posting of this blog over an out-dated piece of men's neckwear, but I think the resurgence of the ascot's presence does a great job of illustrating the power of retrochronofantism. Take a decent looking man and put him in a shirt and tie and he's a Dell worker or some other typical office monkey. Take that same man and put him in an ascot, and all of a sudden he's a hotty or at least a man of steamy intrigue. Same thing even if the man is not that good looking to begin with. He becomes someone with more dignity, more discernment simply because he chose an older, more traditional throat-throttler than the rest of society.
Can an ascot be worn badly? Yes, I do believe it can as Fred from Scooby Doo or Ken from the Barbie line demonstrate. Well developed pectoral muscles certainly compliment the ascot, but they should not be its only backdrop. Also, if the ends of the tie are just flopping around, it's no longer an ascot-it's a neck scarf, that thing French women in black leggings and berets wear when grocery shopping or aiding the resistance.
The fantastic thing about ascots is in present times they don't have to be that complicated. You can either tie them like a regular tie or tie them in a square knot. Some even come practically tied for you. They can sit over your shirt but under your jacket. Although, I think we'll all agree the nicest look is that flirty open collar with the ascot peeking out just around the throat. Men, I don't know if you are aware of this, but we women do think about your neck and that lovely little hollow at the base of the throat and not in some weird, angsty Twilight way...well, not always.
So here's to the ascot, reminder from the past that at one time men took as much care and pride in their dressing (if not more so) as the women. It encourages us that good looks are never completely lost and that borrowing a little bit from yesterday can be the item that sets you apart for today and tomorrow.
*PS- Pictures posted here are not my own. They are images from the web that I thought demonstrated ascot very nicely. No harm meant. Licentia mihi unus.
After reading your profile on the right it seems odd that you mention that you're an English Teacher and then proceed to employ the "comma splice" with apparent alacrity. Perhaps you wished to "speak" with something of an informal tone. ;)
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