The (W)hole Story

I love wearing a buttonhole, and will usually take any chance I can get to shove a bloom in my lapel.  This evening I have the privilege of attending a cocktail hour and banquet for my university department, celebrating successful exams for the juniors and the completion of theses for the seniors, which is a perfect opportunity for horticultural expression.

Though there is little precedent for it, if any, a small white or pale yellow narcissus is my personal favorite for day-wear.  The standard rule, as Mr. Astaire does much to support, is a white carnation or gardenia for the sun-lit hours, and a red one for the evening.  The contrast between the deep red petals and dark suit or dinner jacket is difficult to beat – it’s a contrast of richness, rather than stark separation.  Orchids are indulgent, although sometimes fun if the occasion is informal enough.  Some may disagree, but a rose always seems out of place on a jacket to me.  Unless part of a wedding party, it just never looks quite right.

The important thing is to steer clear of those “prepared” buttonholes, with leafy paraphernalia distracting from the central bloom.  The key here is simple elegance, not turning your tailoring into a shrubbery.  Simply wrapping the slightly damp stem in a piece of foil or clear tape will prevent it from wilting for a few hours and keep the chlorophyll off your finery.