DRESSING FOR A ROYAL AUDIENCE | FORMAL DAY DRESS (MORNING WEAR).

In this video I take you through my decision to wear formal day dress (morning dress) when I was recently invited to an audience with HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.

We revisit the origin story of this mighty garment and consider its application in modern daily life.

Don't forget to check out my Instagram feed for daily chap updates: chapsguide

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Equipment used in this filming of this video (Amazon links):

#chapsguide #ashjones #styleformen

[ZachGorham]

Congratulations on the award Ash! I love morning wear and wish there were more occasions to wear it in this day and age. Here in North America you almost never see it.

[themoderndandy]

"Who on Earth has a full set of morning dress in their wardrobe ready for just such an occasion?"
Don't be preposterous. I have three sets. One would simply not fit the bill.
I'm not joking on owning three, by the way. One black, one charcoal, and one light grey suit, plus a stroller if you want to include that.

A few notes to really dig deep into morning dress:
- Balmoral or button boots with a black, grey, or white insert are permissable.
- Socks can be clocked or plain, but never crazy. They should be black or grey.
- Trousers can be checked or matching a three piece suit, along with the standard striped. Never plain and mis-matching. Trousers should never have cuffs.
- Braces are a wise idea.
- The shirt is permitted to be a Winchester (contrast collar) shirt in a variety of colors. It can be striped or plain, but it must have white collars and cuffs. Traditionally, the collar is detachable and starched, and either turn down or club-collared (not wing-tipped). The shirt should always come with single or double cuffs and be worn with cufflinks.
- The waistcoat should always have the bottom button buttoned, even if it's single breasted. This goes for black tie and white tie, too! Traditional colors are black, light grey, buff, or robin blue.
- The coat can be light grey (with at least matching trousers, and only in summer), charcoal, or black. It should have peak lapels. It should have one button, and be closable either normally or with a link front (extra button).
- The tie can have varying patterns, but grey checks are the most traditional. Technically, bow ties may be worn. A black tie should be skipped unless worn to a state funeral.
- Pocket squares should be relatively conservative.
- While our host may chose to wear a Rolex and still be stylish, traditional authorities recommend a pocket watch or no watch. A wrist watch is considered too informal for morning dress by many.
- Braces should be button, tie should be self-tie, and pocket square shouldn't be pre-folded.
- The fit should be close and body-hugging without being tight. Remember: even if you think it fits, unless you really know what you're doing, like our host here, see a tailor!

Optional Accessories:
- A black top hat, either in a silk plush or satin collapsible variety, or light grey felt with a matching light grey suit in summer (a top hat is mandatory at Royal Ascot).
- A tightly-wrapped black umbrella, or a walking stick.
- Dress gloves in chamois or grey.
- A dark, conservative paletot (a double breasted, peak lapel overcoat) for cold weather.
- Spats in light grey or white.
- Slips underneath the waistcoat, to give the impression of a "double waistcoat".
- A tie pin or tack.

Variations:
The Stroller(US)/Black Lounge Suit(UK)/Stresseman(Germany)
- Daytime semi-formal, the daytime equivolent of black tie.
- Swap out the morning coat for a black or charcoal suit coat, preferably with peak lapels. The suit may be single or double breasted.
- The trousers should be striped or checked.
- Appropriate hats include the bowler or homburg, or the boater in summer.
- The waistcoat can be skipped with a double breasted coat.

The Ultra-Formal
- Incompatible with the stroller.
- Considered obsolete by some traditional authorities, and banned at Royal Ascot.
- Swap out the turn down collar of your shirt for a detachable wing tip collar.
- Put on a self-tie formal ascot/formal cravat/plastron in silver. Tie it in a wedding/scrunchie knot (essentially a four-in-hand) or barrel knot. If tied in a barrel knot, secure it with a tie stick pin.

This should be comprehensive enough to cover every base!

[mikefortney]

Congratulations on your award. You don’t often get a chance to put all your skills to the test. You did excellent.

[markbroomhead]

Congratulations on the award Ashe, it must have been well deserved.

[the_poseidon_adventure]

Congratulations Ash! I love the channel. It always puts me in a great frame of mind for the day. Much appreciated.

[trumphy]

Congratulations on the recognition you received for service to the Country.

[travisreese]

Congratulations. What a stupendous honor. Having served with many officers of the Commonwealth it has been exciting to learn about these Royal honors to citizens. As a man also of Welsh extraction, I had no idea there was a national dress. That was interesting to learn. Thanks for a great channel and fascinating discussions.

[alexanderdylanthomas]

Congratulations on the well-deserved award Ash! Lovely to see the morning suit in use... As a whole outfit it just exudes propriety and elegance. I'm slowly in the process of building mine now as you say via ebay and vintage stores, where exceptional examples can be found for very little. I was lucky enough to come across a Rubinacci bespoke morning coat in charcoal grey flannel that fits perfectly for 60 Australian dollars (around 35 pounds)! Patience can be a virtue when it comes to assembling a classic wardrobe... Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[Konsaliki]

Came for the morning attire, stayed for the stories surrounding this acquisition of yours. Thanks, Ash!

[btyc]

What a wonderful video. Firstly congratulations on the recognition for your service. This video is proof positive that being well dressed has nothing to do with spending lots of money, but more so being thoughtful in your purchases.

[gordon]

Congratulations on your award and you do look very smart indeed

[MF-dggp]

Congratulations, Ash. Whatever it is you are doing on your channel, it is obvious that you have put a lot of thought & effort into it. And so it is, I imagine, with everything you do in life. A kind & elegant gentleman, (with a tad of non-conformity, of course).

[cadet]

Ash, BZ on your award. I recently discovered your channel and have really taken a liking to your charisma and knowledge. I too am a serviceman, who is currently at the start of their career. I relate with the importance of a smart dressed chap! May you and your family be well over the holidays and all the best with the new year.

[蘇煥傑-mr]

Live in South Korea, wear frock coat or morning coat everyday whenever the weather allows

[thenicklas]

It's a pleasure again to be on the "Chap's Guide with you Ash !

[sanantoniotonight]

Ash, I would love to see a video about the award. I think you probably want to keep it low key, but I think it is something that deserves to be shared! Congratulations, Steve

[tonywaters]

Congratulations Ash! So classy. Well done! 👏🏼

[silasmoser]

I really enjoyed this video on morning dress.

Would love to see a video with your thoughts on cufflinks if you get the time.

[ronaldpoppe]

Ash. You made me smile when you said EBay as I said it with you. 😁 congratulations on your MBE. I acquired my Coast Guard aux. Mess dress on EBay and have worn it often. For awards ceremonies and also to a few balls. Thank you for the history of the morning suit I hope always liked the style and look of the morning suit. Cheers Ron

[philipklink]

I can understand why you felt a million dollars Ash, because you certainly looked it. Congrats on your award. A treasured moment in all respects. Have a great Christmas. Cheers! Phil