Simplicity of Form

There are two basic reasons to wear clothes: utility and ornamentation.  I know I’m oversimplifying a bit, but stay with me.  Some clothing you wouldn’t wear if you didn’t’ have to and other things you’d wear every day if you could.  The best clothes and effects though balance form and function, and the best of these approach perfection in their simplicity.

The tie bar is a great example.  It’s a simple geometric piece of silver or gold-toned metal sometimes attached to a clip.  And when anything more, it’s more garish than appealing.  About as simple as it gets, yet both indispensable and beautiful.  The obvious functional aspect is holding your tie in place (thought I’m sure you didn’t need me telling you that), but it’s beauty goes far beyond the object itself.

Yes there is something clean and elegant about the bar, but it’s the way it sculpts your chest that really stands out.  The curve of your tie adds another dimension to the sweep of lapels and blank canvas of shirtfront.  The monotony of soft fabric draped over your midsection is broken up by a glint of metal and the eye is given a reference point.  All thanks to a simple little bar.

Sometimes ornament can be an end in itself.  Ties are pure ornament.  No gentleman could ever be said to need a tie, but let’s be honest we need ties.  But again, simplicity reigns supreme.  The beautifully folded swathe of silk  in a rich and delightful pattern is in many ways as clean and tidy as the bar that holds it in place.  It might not have a function per se, but there is very little that is superfluous about it.

Sock garters are the exact opposite – all function.  Awkward, cumbersome, and not particularly elegant to work with, they were pure purpose.  A mess of clips and straps,  the garter went the way of the Dodo bird the very moment hosiery could stand at attention on its own.

Double cuffs held together with simple silver or mother of pearl instead of flashy jewels, a quiet wristwatch instead of an overly-complex monstrosity, and a shirt fitted to a T rather than boldly monogrammed.  Like most things, less really is more.