Some sartorially savvy swing dancers started the tradition of "Oc-Tie-ber" a couple of years ago, and it has since blossomed into an online event celebrated by a couple of hundred people around the country. It's a pretty simple idea, according to the group:
With the arrival of fall, men (and a few fashionably adventurous women) of style and good taste will once again bond together to demonstrate their embrace of dapper design and finely tailored fabrics. In short, a month long sartorial celebration of quality neckwear. How to participate? It's simple:
- Wear a tie each day (be it a long tie, bow tie, ascot, cravat, bolo, western double string tie or any other neckwear that expresses your personal style)
- Upload a photo of your finely attired dudeness wearing said tie with an optional description of the designer, type of knot, fabric, etc.
- Share the love by encouraging your friends to admire your bold fashion statement.
I was too busy to manage an entire month. But I did get to rock out some of my favorite ties during the month. I love wearing ties, which is one of the few accessories that men can acceptably wear to show a bit of personality and flair in a business and social setting.