I propose to you, the members of King’s College London Mountaineering Club (hereafter referred to as “the Club”) here present:
Firstly, that the dress code written by the late Mr. Haris Ahmed BMedSci – for the occasion of the 2008 annual general meeting of King’s College London Mountaineering Club (hereafter referred to as “the Dress Code” and reproduced in Appendix 1 below) – should become the official dress of the Club.
Secondly, that the Dress Code shall be known, within the Club, as “Haris Dress” in due deference to its creator.
Thirdly, that the Dress Code shall be the attire prescribed for formal occasions of the Club including, but not limited to, annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings.
Fourthly, that wearing of the Dress Code to ordinary committee meetings of the Club should be encouraged, but not made compulsory.
Finally, that when the Dress Code is prescribed for an event, any Club member in attendance not adhering adequately to the Dress Code (in the opinion of the Chair of the meeting or senior Club official present), shall be made to realise the error of their ways. This shall be achieved by the administration of a suitable challenge, as decided upon by the Club official previously mentioned or by the mass of club members present.
Andrew Feneley, London (28th April 2010)
For the Gentlemen:
The word of the day is debonair.
Upon the shoulders:
A blazer is the minimum requirement. Tweed is highly recommended: light enough to be pressed into adequate creases, but coarse enough to the touch.Appropriate patterns and colours are blue windowpane check on mustard brown, rust brown overcheck on dark brown, RAF blue herringbone or pale ginger houndstooth on beige.
Gentlemen may look to Edward VII, Robert Donat, Gilbert & Sullivan, Alfonso XIII of Spain and Dylan Thomas for inspiration.
It is unnecessary to remind you that Harris tweed is the only acceptable demarcation (as protected under the Harris Tweed Act, 1993: "a pure virgin wool fabric spun, dyed and finished in the Outer Hebrides and hand-woven on the islands of Lewis, Harris, Uist or Barra").
Remember to look for the key signs of your tweed's heritage, namely a bespoke tailor's details on the inside of the inner pocket, urine stains and a few well placed moth holes.
A note upon faux tweeds: these are easily distinguished by their (usually) Prince of Wales check having been superimposed upon a plain woollen fabric. These are NOT acceptable.
Under the jacket:
Plain, pastel or subtly checked shirts, preferably in flannel. Short sleeves are not permitted.
Upon the throat:
Bright cravat or repeat-pattern tie- woollen or knitted ties often blend more harmoniously with a well chosen tweed. Remember a matching silk handkerchief for the jacket breast pocket. Bow ties may be worn by request.
Upon the legs:
Tweed trousers are recommended. Moleskin trousers or corduroy are acceptable (avoid lurid colours such as cherry red, mustard and electric blue if possible).
Under NO circumstances are jeans permitted. You shall be made to remove them.
Upon the head:
A flat or eight-sectioned cap is recommended, or a trilby for a more transatlantic look. Under no circumstances should your cranial adornment be displaying a check pattern.
Upon the feet:
Full brogues or a pair of matt-polished Oxfords are required (no half-brogues). All shoes must have laces and a weight no less than 1/3 pound. These should be complemented with a pair of Argyle socks.
Accessories:
All watches shall be removed and be replaced with hunter pocket watches. A carriage clock may be carried with prior written notification. A walking cane may be utilised (no crook handles please).
Gentlemen are reminded to pay attention to four golden rules of fashion:
NEVER mix the parts of different suits.
NEVER cross your tweeds.
NEVER wear a blazer with jeans.
NEVER wear jeans.
Please be aware that those gentlemen not complying with the here-prescribed code shall not be allowed to attend the AGM. The Waterfront Bar is an esteemed and exclusive venue and those who choose not to dress appropriately may be refused entry at the door. KCLMC does not hold itself responsible for those who are refused entry upon sartorial grounds.
For the ladies:
Please look pretty.
