Fashion

History of Bolo Ties: The Western Classic

Imagine a hot, sandy western landscape. Horses racing across the scene carrying their chief cowboy. You know the look, a checkered shirt, slightly loose jeans, and his light brown hat. But what’s that thing around his neck? Oh… it’s his bolo tie! The fashion accessory that has become synonymous with cowboys and western films seems to have lost a bit of its hidden meaning and history. So today, we’re going to dive deep into the question: ‘What is the history of Bolo Ties?’

The History of Bolo Ties: The Short Answer

The origins of the Bolo tie come from a small western anecdote. One day, a cowboy named Victor Emanuel Cedarstaff was riding his horse when his hat blew off. When he was afraid of losing his hatband, he cleverly slipped it around his neck. It’s believed that his companion sarcastically complemented Cedarstaff’s ‘tie’, and a new icon was born. Cedarstaff soon fashioned the Bolo tie and in the late 1940s, he patented the design himself.

The History of Bolo Ties: The Longer Answer

Now, this short explanation of the history of Bolo Ties may make for a decent anecdote to impress your friends at a western-themed cocktail party, but it doesn’t paint the whole picture. You might still have plenty of questions in mind. Things such as who was this cowboy? Where did he find this idea and how did it spread so quickly?

If that’s the case, then read on to get a more complete picture of the history of Bolo Ties.

But Who Created the Bolo Tie?

Now our previous anecdote would suggest that the first Bolo ties were sported around the 1930s and the 1940s. But upon closer inspection, we can see that Bolo ties were an accessory of the native Americans. It becomes unclear at this stage for us to understand whether the native Americans or Victor E. Cedarstaff was the true pioneer of this icon. But what we can agree on, is that the idea spread like wildfire in the mid-20th century.

For the native Americans trekking across the land, they would often adopt the practice of wearing a handkerchief of some sort of a ‘loop’ around their necks. At the time, these ties were worn out of practicality no more than fashion. Even Argentine cowboys had been spotted with similar Bolo ties.

But of course, there is international debate over the true origins of the tie. The southwestern United States claims the Native Americans created the accessory, while others will credit Victor E. for the discovery. But just further south, Argentinian historians claim they were the founders, calling it the ‘Lariat Tie’. Just across the Atlantic Ocean then, the British have their own ‘bootlace tie’, which soared in popularity during the 1950s.

How has the Design Changed?

Some of the earliest Bolo ties worn by Native Americans were made up of no more than a simple piece of string and some shell-like structures. Since these were first designed for personal use as opposed to trading, they featured no antiques or signatures. Looking back, this ‘era’ of Bolo ties was marked by extremely high quality, detailed finishes, and bright turquoise stones.

Since then, small aspects of the tie have changed, but one thing has remained constant: that it is placed underneath the shirt collar. Some variations can include the lace itself, which may be braided. Additionally, some models have Bolo tips, to make them easier to be put through the Bolo slide.

The Bolo slide is the area with the most variations. It may be metal, stone, or plastic. Some stones can come in all kinds of shapes, resembling people, animals, or abstract figures. The surface can be smooth, ingrained, or textured.

It seems that there are one hundred and one different ways that the Bolo tie has arisen, depending on who you ask (and where they’re from!) But what all can agree on, is that wherever you go, you are sure to meet a range of different styles and designed, since after all, it’s a personal statement, not just a fashion accessory.

Are Bolo Ties Formal?

Simple question, but a complicated answer. Truthfully, it all depends on what you choose to wear your Bolo tie with. However, the good news is, that there are seemingly endless ways you can wear your Bolo Tie.

The first thing you will want to bear in mind is that the Bolo tie has string connotations of southwestern America. If you’re in this region, then a Bolo tie won’t look so out of place. If you’re on the east coast, unless you’re at a club or town where breaking some of the fashion rules are more acceptable, then it might look slightly out of place.

But whether or not the tie looks out of place will depend on what you wear it with. For example, Bolo ties go great with a casual or western-style shirt, but it won’t give you a very formal look. You could alternatively, try it with a suit. Since these were made to be worn like regular ties, it slips easily underneath your collar. You don’t need a special western-style suit to wear, just your very own traditional suit is perfect. Just a button-down Oxford shirt and you’re good to go!

You will want to bear in mind however that even in the most rural areas of the southwest, a Bolo tie may not be a perfect replacement for a necktie, especially in a professional context. At the end of the day, it is a fashion accessory and a personal statement, rather than a staple of a professional work uniform.

What Other Names are There for a Bolo Tie?

Like we mentioned earlier, there are more names for a Bolo tie than there are countries on the map. Each country and culture has its claim to the history of the name. Some of the most common name variations include “Bola Tie”, “Cowboy Tie”, “String Tie”, and not to mention the South American variant “Lariat Tie” and the British “Bootlace Tie”. Whatever you decide to call it, as long as it is a braided cord that is worn like a necktie, then it’s a Bolo tie.

How Long are Bolo Ties?

So if this piece has convinced you that Bolo ties are a nice fashion accessory to have, then this bit is for you. Nowadays, Bolo ties come in two varying lengths. One is regular, and the other is a larger size. The regular tie is about 38 inches from one knot to the other. The longer ties are about 42 inches long, giving an extra two inches on each side.

Are Bolo Ties Still Cool?

There’s no doubt Bolo ties have been around a long time. So like any fashion craze which survives the test of time, it of course has had its ups and downs. During the 1950s, just after the initial discovery, Bolo ties were all the rage. If you lived in one of the Southwestern states, you would wear them everywhere. Even politicians and businessmen would wear them in place of traditional neckties.

Just a little later, the craze died out. But during the 1980s, stars like Stray Cats and Brian Setzer brought around a revival by wearing them in their music videos and on television. But after this craze, the Bolo tie-died down again (like most 80’s fashion trends). Towards the turn of the century, it became more of an accessory worn by Indians and Cowboys living in the American southwest.

Slowly, but surely, the Bolo tie is coming back into fashion. Recent celebrity spotting with the iconic western-style piece has triggered this mini-revival. NFL star Philip Rivers was the first to cause a stir with them when he wore it to a press conference. Even Bruno Mars has been spotted sporting one. And perhaps most impressively of all, even famous rapper Snoop Dogg has admitted to being a fan of the style piece.

Bolo ties are available from almost any large chain fashion retailer or western clothing site.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, there are many different ways that the Bolo tie has come about. Wherever you go in the world, you will come across different names, styles, textures, and backstories to this style piece. One thing which you can be sure of is that as long as it is a braided string and is worn around the neck, it can be called a Bolo tie.

There are endless ways you can wear this piece. Most of which are incredibly stylish and offer a real western vibe to your outfit. Just make sure that you have the know-how to pull it off right! And if you want to learn more about frosted tips, check out our article on them.

And remember, stay stylish!

Casual Friday Theme Ideas for Work: Our Top 10

Picture the scene below. One day there was a group of executives, all laced up in their black suits neatly dotted around a large table of a windowless conference room. Members from each department of a large corporation were based at the top of this large skyscraper. They were discussing efficiency within their company.

They suggested that they should set out plans to increase employee productivity and motivation. Believing that this would generate better morale and spirit within the team. So there we have it, the idea of a casual Friday work outfit was born.

Casual Friday work outfits have become a staple of new, upcoming startups who want to attract the best young talent and gain a reputation for a stress—free work environment. It’s effective, too! With 61% of employees showing higher output on casual dress days (https://hive.com/blog/office-dress-productivity/) But like with all trends, they come, employees get bored of them and now it’s back to square one for the HR department.

So to help spice things up, we’ve put together 10 of the best casual Friday theme ideas for the office to make your next Casual Friday the best one yet. So if you’re a manager, pay close attention to these ideas to share with your employees. If you’re an employee? Well, you could share these with your HR department, or keep fantasizing… whatever’s best for you.

Casual Friday Theme Ideas for Work

1.) Hat Day

We’ll start things off with our list of casual Friday theme ideas gently with a nice simple addition: a hat day. If the idea of crazy-themed casual Fridays is relatively new to your office, then this would be a great way to ease people into it. Encourage all of your office workers to wear their favorite or funniest hat to work. This can be their baseball team’s favorite hat, their coziest winter hat, or even some kind of cultural reflection, (think of Sombreros or Ushankas for your international employees).

If you want to take things to the next level, you can always encourage them to dress their entire outfit around their hat. It may make for some crazy outfits, but if it boosts morale and the employees like it, it may be worth it.

This was our favorite from our time working in a tech office.

2.) Sports Day

Next on our list is a sports-themed day. For any kind of office or organization that works in the sports or fitness space, this is a must-do! Encourage your employees to wear something that has some reflection on their favorite sports team.

If you know your office has a strong football fan base, you could make it specific to that sport! The same applies to rugby, cricket, soccer, or any other sport! This idea works especially well during national sporting events, such as the Friday before the Super Bowl, or during the World Cup!

3.) The ‘I Need a Vacation’ Day

This is a personal favorite and one that always works well. Ask your employees to wear some kind of vacation-themed outfit or a shirt or top that comes from your favorite vacation place or the country in the world.

Believe us, there is nothing that will create a more laid-back atmosphere in your office than asking your employees to wear their favorite vacation outfits to the office. Maybe it tricks them into thinking they don’t need to stress small things out, but it certainly won’t harm that day’s productivity either.

4.) Vintage day

This one is another one of the most popular. Select a specific decade, either the ’50s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s, depending on your office’s preferences, and ask your employees to dress up as if they were heading to a party in that decade.

There are many variations of this style, too, you could ask them to dress in the decade that they were born in, (or turned 18), or their favorite decade, then ask the rest of the office to guess what decade they are dressed up as.

5.) Pajama Day

Of course, the classical option. We couldn’t have a list of the best casual Friday-themed ideas without including this option. It will no doubt cause a few laughs around the office and bring out some hilarious and also stylish PJ outfits.

Besides, if your office doesn’t have to spend much time thinking through their outfit then they may get some extra time sleeping, resulting in improved productivity. This option always proves popular with the offices and organizations it’s used on.

6.) Twin Day

Here is one of the most effective casual Friday-themed ideas in the eyes of management.: The twin day. On this day, you should encourage team members to partner up and make sure they coordinate their dress code for that day.

It’s a great way to encourage some bonding between team members and increase socialization. If your office or department has odd numbers, you can include triplets to ensure that nobody feels left out at all.

7.) College Day

This day will give employees the chance to show off their own school’s colors, school sweaters, or sports jerseys. You can even go as far as setting up a more college-like environment with “freshers” banners over the halls and red cups on the break room.

To take things to the next level, you could even host some freshers drinks after the working day is finished to encourage some bonding and socializing between team members.

8.) Special Character Day

On a special character day, you should ask your office staff to dress up as their favorite movie or television character. You can pick a theme of movies or shows depending on the nature and dynamic of your office.

Additionally, you can take turns in guessing who has dressed up as who, while offering some kind of prize for the best dressed (or most accurately dressed character.) Alternatives to this one can involve selecting a specific movie or franchise, and assigning each employee a character to dress up as – like a cowboy with a bolo tie or Star Wars.

9.) Crazy Socks Day

Perhaps your company is a little bit stricter on bending the rules when it comes to dress code and special occasions. In that case, you could try out this Crazy Socks Day idea.

Ask all of your employees to wear their favorite or craziest pair of socks, and you can even dish out some awards for the best socks. This is a great, yet extremely subtle way for you to give employees a little bit more freedom and to have something to look forward to for their casual Friday-themed outfit.

10.) Patriotic/International Day

For the patriotic-themed casual day, you could ask all of your employees to wear the color of the country in which you work. Based in the United States? Wear red white and blue. Same for the UK. Based in Ireland? Then make sure to iron your green sweater. The opportunities are endless for this one.

Alternatively, if you have a large base of international employees, you could always ask them to wear the colors of the country from which they come from. This is a great way for some of your international employees to feel more comfortable within your company and gives you a great chance to let them share more about their identity.

Bonus Idea: Hawaiian Shirt Day

This one is similar to the vacation day shirt. Asking your employees to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt is a great way to lighten the mood. Similar to the vacation idea, it can help them to feel more at ease and comfortable, without letting productivity drop at all.

This is also a great way for employees to let their hair down a little bit and ease them with any stress they may be feeling. A bonus too is that this idea tends to work particularly well during the winter months if your office is situated in colder climates.

Parting Thoughts

In conclusion, then, a casual Friday work dress code is a great way to boost employee morale, increase productivity and even make your entire office atmosphere more enjoyable. Particularly with younger generations, such a small feature can have a huge impact upon whether o tint they decide to stay in the office.

If you need some kind of way to spice things up for your casual Friday, we hope that this article has been of use to you. But remember to keep it fun, light-hearted, without creating something else for your employees to worry about.

Most importantly of all, have fun!

And remember, stay stylish!

Casual Dress Fridays, Yoga Class Wednesdays, Ping Pong Tables on the second floor.

These are just some of the ways that tech companies have revolutionized office culture. But there’s one subtle yet obvious change that separates these cultures from those in other industries.

That’s right, you guessed it. It’s the dress code.

understanding the unique nuances of business casual attire can be crucial.

Importantly, it is necessary to get a sense of what constitutes a business casual dress code in your specific environment, as there is often a great deal of flexibility inherent in this dress standard.

For instance, business casual dress typically straddles the line between informal and professional; it’s not uncommon to see a CEO in a navy blazer paired with a crisp, clean shirt and smart trousers, and perhaps even a pair of stylish sandals in more laid-back offices.

Clothes, in this setting, can convey a sense of professionalism without seeming overly formal, underscoring the innovative and approachable nature of the tech industry.

How to Dress in the Tech Industry: The Simple Answer

To summarise how to dress in the tech industry in two simple words would be smart casual.  Something along the lines of dress slack or chinos, a button-down shirt with dark socks paired with dress shoes. Jeans, shorts, and athletic socks are a no-go.

For our female readers, this would be something along the lines of dress slacks and a skirt, blouse, sweater with an optional jacket or hosiery.

Closed-toe shoes are normally best, but peep-toes may be suitable as well.

Except for all the glitters just isn’t quite gold. Because there is one drawback.

The one drawback is that it is tricky for employees to know what is included in the guidelines of their dress code. No-one wants to have an unexpected meeting with HR, which is why we have got you covered, in this inclusive guide on how to dress in the tech industry!

By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to choose the best outfits for your workplace.

How to Dress in the Tech Industry: Broken Down

The Shirt

This is the closest link to the ‘traditional’ element of the dress code.

It’s here to remind us that yes, underneath all of the ping pong tables and yoga classes that we are, indeed, still at work.

Normally depending on the company itself, there should be a button-down shirt. There is still an endless variety of prints, folds, and colors that you can choose from. If you’re closer to the business or sales side of things, then a blue, grey, white, or black option might go best.

They’re normally worn over the jeans with an optional sweater available to wear over it as-well.

It probably goes without saying, but the collar should be folded down, too. T-shirts are a possibility depending on the company, but you should opt for solid colors for interviews.

For women, the button-down shirt isn’t as popular, since it can be a little bit awkward for women’s body shapes. Other possible alternatives besides shirts include blouses and silhouettes, but nothing too fancy.

Sweaters are perfect, as are cardigans but blazers are a little too formal.

Jeans

Most companies are happy for their employees to wear jeans. But that doesn’t mean just any pair of jeans.

I don’t think that the management at say Google would be too happy if their employees turned up wearing washed light blue jeans with rips at the kneecaps.

Jeans normally refer to dark blue or black jeans without any cuts, decorations, or any other kind of fashion trend.

This generally applies to both men and women, but of course, women will have the entire other option of skirts or a dress. Women should wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

The only thing they need to be aware of is that the dress isn’t too short.

At least to the knee area, and you’re fine.  The last thing you need to be aware of is that there is often a stigma about dressing up too fancy for ladies. Sometimes it’s best to dress so that you don’t stick out.

Outerwear

Of course, the outerwear will depend on your geographical location and your climate. Of course, you’ll have different outerwear during a hot summer in Silicon Valley than a cold winter morning in New York City, or anywhere in Europe.

In warmer climates, fleeces and sweaters are popular. As long as the colors aren’t anything too eye-catching, then it should get the green light.

In colder climates, slim-lined black coats are all the rage. Classic overcoats and trench coats are equally as popular. Black is extremely popular since it can offer a hint of chic and sophistication without screaming “I just casually threw this on”.

But no matter what you choose, just make sure that it fits your workplace and the look that you’re going for without drawing any attention to yourself.

When you’re in doubt, try to go for a classical style over any trendy outfit.

Shoes

For men, the best option is some kind of formal sneaker choice or just simple tie shoes. Of course, sneakers come in every shape and color underneath the sun.

It’s on your own company’s dress code and strictness that you can judge which sneakers are acceptable and which ones aren’t. I don’t think we should have to mention but flip-flops are a no-no.

For women, flats or more formal sneakers are best. Wedges or any small heel is OK too. High heels however are considered a little bit more formal and aren’t suited for tech companies.

Just make sure to choose colors that you like, and you will be okay. After all, it’s the silhouette that matters most.

Accessories

When it comes to the final touches in your outfits, accessories make big difference. This means you need to be just as cautious when using them.

When it comes to makeup, perfume, and cologne you have to be careful.

Not only can things go wrong for you when you put on too much, but some people may be allergic to them. So either go easy with it or don’t go at all.

Make sure you keep in mind how close people will be to you before you put it on in the morning.

When it comes to jewelry, men should probably go easy. For women, a minimal style isn’t bad either just keep in mind that it’s better to go without than too many.

With watches or other wristwear, Apple watches, classy automatic watches (or quartz), or fit bits are acceptable, but you know that these are never really a fashion statement either.

How to Dress in the Tech Industry: Extra Tips

We hope that the above advice has given you a pretty solid idea about how to dress. At the end of the day, smart casual isn’t simple, and like all fashion styles, comes with a strong degree of subjectivity and ambiguity.

Just to offer some extra advice, take a look at some of these simple tips which can go a long way in helping you look your best.

Look Before the Leap

If you are new to the company, make sure you get a fair idea of the company’s dress codes before you start experimenting. Until then, it’s best to stay on the more conservative side of things until you get a fair idea.

Even for the interview itself, it’s normally best to go for a more formal version of smart casual. It doesn’t matter whether the interviewer opposite you has shorts, flip-flops, and a Hawaiian shirt. You want to make a good impression in the interview, and the best way to do so is by dressing professionally.

Keep a Level of Consistency

This one is quite obvious again, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you have a dark blue button-down shirt on Monday, don’t swap it for ripped jeans and a red t-shirt on Friday. While most workplaces have a ‘casual Friday’ theme, it doesn’t mean you should go overboard. Stick within the guides outlined above and you won’t run into any trouble with HR!

A good rule of thumb is that no matter what you wear, it should be suitable enough for a meeting with your boss or best client. If you wouldn’t wear it to see them, then it may not be the best choice to wear to the office at all!

What’s a Tech Company Anyways?

Tech start-ups have become well-known in the United States for their especially relaxed attitude towards the dress code of their employees. It was the first real shift away from the classic business shirt and tie. One review even found that a whopping 60% of companies in the tech industry have a ‘casual’ dress code (https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/tech-dress-code-lowdown/)

It seems to work, too! With 60% of employees claiming that they want to work at companies that promote a casual dress code! (https://www.changerecruitmentgroup.com/knowledge-centre/should-your-company-adopt-a-casual-dress-code) There are seemingly endless upsides to it! More attractive work environment, happier employees, more diversity, and greater productivity.

Wrapping it up

In today’s fast-evolving tech industry, it’s important to consider the dress code when aiming for success.

Many companies still expect candidates to dress in business attire for interviews, even those conducted online.

Despite the casual wear-to-work styles promoted by some tech CEOs, the majority of employees in the tech industry, from developers to managers, benefit from a more professional dress code.

This includes khakis, button-ups, and even neutral-toned business professional clothing.

Dressing like a business professional may feel unusual, especially for those used to the hoodie and drawstring pants typically found in a tech employee’s closet.

However, a candidate’s dress during the hiring process influences their hiring decisions significantly, serving as a reflection of their potential fit into the company culture.

Despite the tech industry’s luxury of casualness, it’s still a good idea to dress formally if you’re unsure. In addition to looking polished, this also creates a cohesive first impression.

While the company may not explicitly enforce a professional dress code, it’s beneficial to dress appropriately and avoid clothing that may distract from your effectiveness.

The aim is not to adopt an entirely new wardrobe but to find a balance between functionality and formality.

Whether you’re applying as a tech CEO or working a similar job, remember that your attire, like your skills and experience, can play a vital role in convincing your prospective manager that you’re the right fit for their team.

The History of Corsages and Boutonnieres: Know the Facts

Mark the date on your calendar. Grab your invites. Gas up your limousine. Get a date for a hair-do and get your reception booked. Oh, don’t forget your corsage or boutonnieres either! So today, we’re going to take a deep dive and answer a burning question in many readers’ minds: What is the history of corsages and boutonnieres?

Yes, of course, with the long list of things to prepare before your special wedding day, it’s easy to forget about perhaps the most traditional part of the entire celebration: the corsage and boutonniere. Don’t forget, those little flowers you get have been around for an awful lot longer than most of our western wedding traditions.

The History of Corsages and Boutonnieres: The Short Answer

Well to put it simply, the word corsage comes from the French language and refers to the bodice of a dress. They were flowers that were typically pinned to the fabric of the dress’s bodice in an attempt to ward off evil spirits.

This position changed over several years, and with the turn of the 20th century, it became increasingly popular to wear corsages on the wrist and shoulders which we are used to today. Boutonnieres, on the other hand, have always stayed in the same place – on the buttonhole or pocket of the man’s suit.

History of Corsages and Boutonnieres: The In-Depth Answer

But of course, you didn’t come here to read a quick couple of lines about where corsages and boutonnieres come from, which is why we’re going to wind our way through the slightly longer (and more interesting) history of these beautiful little flowers.

History of Corsages

The history of these fabulous little flowers dates back to the 16th century. In Greece, the tradition of wearing corsages was born. Like said before, these little flowers and herbs were placed on the woman’s dress to fend off evil spirits and disease.

This idea and belief date back even further, specifically to the Great Plague of London, when the idea of using flowers to protect oneself from infection and sickness became common. (Like the “Ring Around the Rosie” nursery rhyme line “A pocket full of posies”).

Another popular reason, although not quite as pleasant, is that flowers would effectively mask the effects of bad breath and lack of bathing. Not quite what a bride would like to hear on her special day, is it?

But by the early 19th century, corsages (like all romantic traditions) became commercialized and were viewed as a common courting gift, frequently used at formal dances and balls. During the 20th century, the position of corsages shifted from the waist towards the shoulder and wrist. They became a common wedding accessory for brides, the bride’s mother and grandmother.

During the 1950s, some older women kept the tradition of pinning corsages over the shoulder, to conceal the unflattering effects of gravity on the body. Additionally, it became commonplace to wear the corsage flower upside down. With the bow on top, to preserve the blossom and ensure it did not dry up and ruin the flower’s appearance.

History of Corsage Sizes

It’s not just the style of corsages which have changed so dramatically, the sizes have too. Between the 1930s, and the 1940’s, the sizes of corsages almost halved. A wartime shortage and wild increase in the price of flowers are the likely causes of this shift.

Further increases in the cost of flowers and movements towards a less-formal society have made corsages even smaller. Nowadays, most corsages for weddings, formal dances, or funerals are limited to just a few small buds.

History of Boutonnieres

Now onto the Boutonnieres, which have traditionally become closely associated with grooms. The word itself comes from the late French word for ‘Buttonhole’. It refers to a single flower that is placed through the buttonhole next to the handkerchief’s pocket. The reason they are worn is that like with corsages, it was believed they could fight off evil spirits or disease. Boutonnieres were first sported around the same time as corsages, around the 16th century.

By the end of the 19th century, the boutonnieres became a symbol of elegance, luxury, and of a man who paid attention to his dress. The choice of boutonnieres was almost as cardinal as the choice of shoes. Nowadays, boutonnieres have survived through both World Wars, and are a staple of the male wedding costume. Grooms, their groomsmen, and the bride’s father are spoilt for choice when it comes to boutonnieres types. With all sorts from classic, to bold styles being available to them.

To accommodate a flower, the suit itself must meet specific demands, such as a strong sewn inner lining, alongside a buttonhole in the left lapel.

Unfortunately for the old-fashioned stylists among us, boutonnieres are slowly falling out of the limelight. They are replaced by cheaper and less elegant lapel pins. The reason for this is that most coats and jackets nowadays don’t have a lapel latch underneath the buttonhole, which makes wearing boutonnieres almost impossible.

I know what you’re thinking at this stage. Probably something along the lines of, ‘can’t we just pin them to the surface of the lapel instead?’ But I have bad news. That is, that it never looks as elegant as we imagine, and it can be potentially damaging to the garment itself.

History of Corsages and Boutonnieres: Why Do We Wear Corsages to Prom?

Corsages were first used at wedding parties in the 16th century. But soon, the tradition spilt over into other formal events, including formal dances and funerals. We remember wearing Boutonnieres in middle school when we had frosted tips.

During the Victorian era, men would send bouquets to the lady they admired in the hope that she would choose to wear it at an event they were attending together. This remains one of the few formal traditions which have stood the test of time, and remain such an important role in formal occasions nowadays.

History of Corsages and Boutonnieres: How Are Wrist Corsages Presented?

When it comes to formal events, it’s incredibly important that you know how to present the corsage properly. The traditional thing to do is to show her the corsage and then ask if she would allow you to help her put it on.

If she accepts, then make sure you’ve read the next section of this article!

Putting on a Wrist Corsage

Wrists corsages are an awful lot easier than the pin-on style, but still require some knowledge, and maybe a little bit of practice to put them on correctly. The corsage is usually worn on the left hand because the majority of people nowadays are right-handed, but this tradition doesn’t need to be forced.

If unsure, you can always ask your date which hand she would like the corsage on. Once you know, you can slide on the elastic band and straighten the flower on top of her wrist.

History of Corsages and Boutonnieres: Who All Gets One?

So now that we’ve talked about the history and tradition behind these beautiful little flower buds, let’s get into some details about who is expected to wear one. Truth be told, there is no etiquette that dictates who wears one, and who doesn’t. But traditionally, the bride and groom (of course), their parents and grandparents will wear one. Often the ring bearer will wear one as well.

Normally, the flowers of the bride and groom are different from everyone else’s. Of course, if there is someone at your one wedding who is particularly important to you, such as a family friend, you can include them as well. Keep in mind though that at this stage, it can be easy to hurt feelings by not including someone to wear a corsage or boutonniere.

Are They Outdated?

It’s easy to see the rich history of this wedding tradition, having dated back to 16th century Greece. The old-fashioned associations with this tradition will of course lead us to wonder, has it become outdated?

And the answer is no! Just because it’s a tradition with rich history doesn’t mean it still can’t be used today. The corsage is the perfect way for a couple to sprinkle a little bit of elegance and class into their wedding style plans. If you’re fearful of this accessory appearing outdated at your next event, then you have nothing to worry about! But you probably shouldn’t wear it to the office.

Even a look at some of the fanciest weddings amongst celebrities will prove this point. Corsages are in no way outdated and will still be seen at many ceremonies across the world nowadays.

Wrapping it up

So much of our wedding culture has shifted in the last century. The dream ideal of the ‘big white wedding’ has squeezed many traditions out the door to make room for the modernization of this romantic celebration.

By keeping small traditions like this a part of these rich ceremonies, it gives us something to mark the occasion by, and to remember the roots of our style and culture throughout the centuries.

Thanks for reading!

Are you lacking combination ideas for a blue blazer? Well, you’re in the right place. Here we share the most awesome blue blazer combinations which are lovely

Don’t have enough time to think about what to pull off with your daily look to make it completely absolute and stunning? So, here is the solution to all your wardrobe issues. This article will make a path to guide you for the best combinations that can be pulled off with your blue blazer.

With the changes in the wardrobe style, there came a big change in the combinations of blazers as well. The old prince cut khaki blazer or that black blazers have been replaced with these blue blazers. Blue blazer is something which is a must in your wardrobe. All you have to do is to sort out the outfit you want to wear with this blazer. Or the other way round you can select the outfit as per your blazer. The choice completely belongs to you. Blue blazer can be worn as a formal, casual formal or casually as well. Be it a man or women, anybody can wear this blazer with the outfit no matter what the temperature or season is. If you’re looking to get your man a blue blazer, have no fear! This guide will help you get him a blazer that will compliment his sense of style.

Blue blazer combinations

1. Colour of the shirt

After the selection of the upper wear-the absolute blue blazer. The next question that would come to your mind is the color of the shirt. What color of the shirt would go well while pairing with the blue blazer? So, as per the versatility of this blue blazer any shirt can go well to make it a pretty outfit. But to make it simple and more stylish we chose classics like white, black and grey for you. This is a great option for smart-casual at a tech office.

• Pairing with white

Making a combination that looks more impactful and classy. There is no competition with a white shirt. You can opt for a Chinese collar or normal white shirt to be paired up with this blue blazer.

• Thinking about black

Men’s fashion wardrobe is incomplete without black. So, you can pair up your blue blazer with a black shirt to make it more formal and clean look.

2. Let’s swap shirt with a t-shirt

Be it winter or summers, blazers are something that don’t need a kind of weather recommendation to be worn. To make your look uber chic, casual and more comfortable. All you can do is to swap your shirt with a linen t-shirt. Pairing everything with white sneakers and pulling off this blue blazer will give you a casual yet smart look. Adding a boutonniere could really upgrade your outfit as well!

3. Footwear

When done with the outfit the next thought that comes is the footwear. Most of us confuse blazer with only formal shoes. But there is something more than that. Classics have been changed to modern so is the footwear. Adding a pair of sneakers to your outfit will complete your look giving it some depth and dimension.

4. Pant color – Do matter

While adding a blue blazer to complete your outfit, even paint color does matter a lot. You can’t just pair up your blazer with any of the pants you wish to. Wearing khaki, black, white or grey pants would complete your look.

5. Semi –casual look

The combination of a blue blazer with a white t-shirt and ripped solid blue jeans gives you a solid combo when you want to look cool and stylish.

6. Casual Business look

For an outfit to give the vibes of being formal, consider teaming up a blue blazer with navy blue chinos. Adding a final touch with brown leather loafers will add depth to the attire.

7. Classic combination

The classic and casual combination of the blue blazer is to pull it with a white shirt and white chinos. This is completely a classic look with a timeless effort for being stylish. It will give you an easy choice without digging too much into your wardrobe.

8. Street style combination

If you are looking for a street style combination then it would not take much much struggling with your wardrobe. Blazer is not just a piece that can be added only with formals or pants. For those in search of trying something new, this combination is apt for them. Blue blazer and a short is among the most versatile collection in any men’s wear fashion. Finishing them with a green or black low top sneakers will be a completely safe ensemble and give an edgier look.

9. Men’s wear essential combinations

• If you are wearing a casual outfit then, a blue blazer and grey skinny jeans are something you must have in your wardrobe. If we talk about men’s fashion wardrobe then these are essential things. Introducing them with light color matte shoe will ensemble them giving a stylish casual look.
• If you are on a mission to showcase your polished side then a blue blazer with a white t-shirt and white chinos will make your look aesthetic. Finally, finishing them with white sneakers will ensemble the whole look.

Take care- while you wear

1. When searching for a perfect pair go with the one that comforts you.
2. Don’t add too many colors to your outfit.
3. While making a formal look, add one or two accessories to it.
4. Be confident with your outfit.
5. Go for simple yet smart pairs.

Also read: 340 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR GIRLFRIEND

The final note:

Wearing something is not just draping your attire. It is an art. Make sure what you are wearing suits you. It must be of proper measurements to be laid down on your strong build physique giving you stunning an edgier look. Last but not the least, clothes give you comfort but the way you carry them will define you. So, you can try any of the combinations and slay your look with confidence.