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In a world of constant change and uncertainty, often surrounded by unsound choices and poor advice, 'Keep Calm and Wear Tan Cords' is wise counsel. There's a group of Trads over on that Tumblr blogging site who demonstrate that tan cords are a sound foundation for life in a postmodern and highly diverse world. In an age when many traditional clothiers have disappeared, and those that are still around court the low rise trouser and the slimmest-possible-fit, men who still enjoy traditional shades of tan corduroy cut on a reasonable silhouette are quietly going about their business. When the weather gets cold, tan khakis are put away, and in their place, tan cords are taken out. More often than not, corduroy trousers in shades of tan are often seen with Shetland sweaters, tweed jackets and tartan flannel. Wearing tan corduroy imparts a mellow glow, like that second glass of red wine, or a cup of hot chocolate and a few cookies. It's sort of like the comfort food of Trad clothing. No seasoned Trad would think of leaving home without it on a weekend expedition to The Liquor Locker, the Weekend-Warrior-Craftsman-Center or Yesteryear's-Antiques-on Main-Street.
Like khakis, tan cords go through various life stages. The near new stage: These clean and crisp cords are often worn with a tweed jacket or Shetland sweater on the weekend to brunch or dinner or to keep one warm while sitting in a drafty pew. The broken-in stage: These cords get worn on those endless trips to the store, because somebody didn't write a shopping list, and hence forgot everything they were supposed to get. The well-worn stage: Cords in this stage, like their owners, are often balding and only good for raking leaves and generally getting in the way around the house - or taking a nap on the sofa.
Action shots from over at tumblr:
. Known as 'HTJ' because spelling 'Heavy Tweed Jacket' is a pain for everyone, including HTJ.
Maxminimus with Nantucket red socks and tassels. He knows the value of adding a bit of color. I need some cool socks instead a big drawer full of navy and grey.
Longwing with something nice from the cellar. See how relaxed a guy wearing tan cords looks? Sweet. I'd have time to sit down with a glass of wine, too, if I had raked all those leaves in the yard like I should have done two weeks ago.
PABblog. Out and about getting things done. A man in tan cordings is a man who Gets. Things. Done. Tan cords also keep a guy warm while out surging about the pond of life - and they look good with a favorite old hunting jacket to boot.
The Object Lesson. Tan cords with birds. Let's face it, Trad guys are Sportsmen. Even when they can't be outdoors, they can't help but convey that Sporting Spirit indoors. TOL looks mighty relaxed, too. See what I mean about tan cords? They are a stress reducer. I expect that someone will write a Ph.D. dissertation on the mental and spiritual benefits of tan corduroy. It's only a matter of time.
In a world where uniforms have fallen on hard times, Trad guys still wear a Weekend Uniform: Cords, sweater, oxford shirt, loafers. Repeat. This uniform is repeated wherever they go. Some folks roll their eyes, but these guys just keep moving onward to new Trad vistas.
Whether it's walking the dog,
standing in the supermarket parking lot on the mobile phone to see if anything has been forgotten (always a wise idea),
or making a trip to the post office to send Christmas cards, tan cords have been helping guys put one foot in front to the other for years.
No matter the shade, 'Keep Calm and Wear Tan Cords' is a sound and heartwarming attitude to bring to life's cold weather tasks.
Thanks for reading HTJ during 2012. All the best to you in 2013.
