stocks & cravats
Posted by P. Bingham on January 25, 1998 at 20:49:58:
In response to Stocks and cravats: another question, written by ElaineL on January 23, 1998 at 13:01:26
Elaine,
Here is what "Fabric of Society" says on page 98 (which was quoted from an Albert Smith, who wrote "The History of the Gent" (1847)
... And then the stocks - what marvelous cravats they form! Blue always the favorite color - blue with gold sprigs! Blue with crimson floss-silk flowers! Blue Joinvilles with rainbow ends! And, if they are black and long, they are fashioned into quaint conceits: frills of black satin down the front, or bands of the same fabric looking like an imitation of crimped skate; or studs of jet made like buttons, as if the gent wore a cheap, black satin shirt, and that was where it fastened..."
Now, this speech is in regards to the Gent rather than a Gentleman (the Gent being someone who wants to be a gentleman but is far to flamboyant in his clothes...)
This is the only reference I could find that may refer to your question. But I must say that "and then the stocks! what marvelous cravats they form" confuses me greatly. (can anyone comment on this?) Also, keep in mind that the colors that are mentioned would not necessarily reflect the colors of the Regency, this was some twenty years later...
As far as colors: If black was worn, it would be done so during the day...just as other colors were worn. White was generally worn at night or formal occasions during the day. When was a stock worn rather than a cravat? During the regency, I don't think it mattered. They were both worn interchangeably. I do believe that the stock was a little more formal than the cravat, though.
Quick note, I do see a mention, from the same Mr. Albert Smith, "We met the next Gent in the boxes at one of the theaters, whither he had come in a full-dress of a light blue stock, and cleaned white gloves re-dirtied." This is referring to a gentleman in full-dress at the theater. During the Regency, it was not the fashion to be formally dressed at the theater... the ladies often wore bonnets.
Sorry I could not be more of help!
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