When I’m not sitting at a computer writing stories, I often spend time traveling around New England, entertaining at banquets, conferences and conventions with stories.
Over the years I’ve noticed a change in what people wear to such events. Not too long ago, if there was a dinner at a conference or convention, almost everyone in attendance would be dressed in what used to be known as their Sunday best – tie, jacket and dress pants for men; fancy dress for women. For other less-formal occasions, men in Maine have been more comfortable in things like khaki pants, checkered shirts and work boots.
I don’t know when things changed. It was probably back in the 1990s, when no one was paying attention, but at some point things did change and the attire of people at banquets and other dressy occasions started getting more casual.
The other day I entertained at a luncheon and of the more than 250 people there, I was – surprisingly – the most formally dressed person in the hall. There were a few sport coats in the room, but most of the men wore jeans, short-sleeved sport shirts and sneakers. Don’t get me wrong, here, I’m not complaining. I’m just observing.
As a storyteller, I’ve always tended to dress on the casual side of the fashion spectrum, favoring things like dress khakis, blue Oxford shirts and, for more formal occasions, a brass-buttoned navy blue blazer. I’ve never been much for things like dark blue business suits, starched white shirts and red ties. In fact – other than a few speakers – I can’t remember the last stuffed shirt I encountered at a convention, but I’m sure whoever was wearing it saw himself as a very important person.
The way I see it, khaki, which comes from a Hindi word meaning “dust” or “ashes,” has almost always been considered acceptable dress for men in Maine when attending a social event. The U.S. Army has known about the stylish look of khaki ever since it adapted the fabric in 1898, during the Spanish-American War. Even before that the British adapted khakis for their soldiers in India in the 1880s, and eventually the fabric went from the Far East to Down East.
Here in Maine, whether you’re on your way to a bean supper or company banquet you’ll seldom feel out of place if you’re wearing a classic pair of clean khakis. Remember, if you really want to make a good impression, make sure that your khakis are freshly laundered and pressed with a knife-sharp crease. Clean, matching socks also help complete the look.
Some don’t like to put on airs by wearing something as formal as a blue blazer. For those individuals, Maine fashion has long provided the classic chamois shirt. In Maine, a clean, pressed, un-patched chamois shirt will trump a stodgy blue blazer any day of the week. Maine politicians have known about the stylish look of the chamois shirt for years and have often been photographed walking around Maine greeting voters in this classic L.L. Bean shirt. That’s why we say, whether you’re attending a Down East bean supper, clam bake or a dinner with the governor, you’ll never be out of place in Maine dressed in clean khaki slacks and a forest green chamois shirt. For more Maine fashion tips you can e-mail me here at Storyteller Central at mainestoryteller@yahoo.com. We can talk about your next banquet or convention and I’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have.
In fact, I’m on my way to a banquet right now. I just need a clean pair of matching socks and I’ll be ready.
John McDonald is the author of “A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar,” “Down the road a piece” and “The Maine Dictionary.” Contact him at Mainestoryteller@yahoo.com.
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