Men's Lapel Flowers & Boutonnieres
Men ranging from kings to soldiers have adorned themselves with flowers for centuries.
A freshly picked flower symbolizes ephemeral beauty and the urgency to embrace the present moment before it slips away.
In both nature and human culture until recent times, males often flaunt vibrant colors and adornments to assert their presence and prowess among society, peers, and potential mates.
Simply observe the scene outside my window: the Red-Winged Blackbird proudly displays its natural boutonniere, a testament to this timeless display of adornment and distinction.
From the untamed mane of a lion to the resplendent feathers of a peacock, males across the globe understand the power of making a statement rather than blending into the background.
The Masculine Appeal of a Flower Few aspects of men's fashion enjoy widespread understanding among the general populace. Even fewer are those distinctive touches that define a gentleman's attire—like the precisely folded pocket square, the understated elegance of cufflinks, or the meticulous tailoring of pleated trousers—that imbue genuine character.
Men often adhere closely to their preferred style, rarely straying from what they know. Yet, overlooking these subtle embellishments can deny an outfit the chance to transcend from merely decent to truly elegant and unforgettable.
Among these underappreciated details is the boutonniere, or buttonhole. This small but ever-present feature on the left lapel of a jacket is frequently overlooked and seldom utilized to its full potential.
Here lies the gentleman's guide to understanding the significance of this tiny aperture, selecting the appropriate adornment for it, and a few essential pointers to maximize its impact.
A Buttonhole Without A Button?
The left lapel of a custom suit jacket or sport coat often features a conspicuous buttonhole near the collar, despite the absence of a corresponding button on the opposite lapel.
Fashion novices are often puzzled by this asymmetry, wondering about the historical purpose of buttoning up lapels, especially before the prevalence of overcoats.
Indeed, the origins of the modern lapel buttonhole lie in a charming tale involving Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Legend has it that on their wedding day, Queen Victoria presented Prince Albert with a small bouquet of flowers. This gesture sparked a trend where gentlemen began to adorn their lapels with similar boutonnieres, thus popularizing the buttonhole as a decorative feature rather than a functional one.
Today, this tradition endures as a subtle yet significant detail in men's fashion, adding a touch of elegance and personal expression to formal attire.
Here are some essential points to remember when wearing a boutonniere:
- Use Fresh, Real Flowers: Always opt for fresh, real flowers over artificial ones. Authenticity is key in gentlemanly attire, much like avoiding cardboard pocket squares or clip-on ties.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you choose to wear both a flower and a pocket square, ensure they complement each other without overwhelming your look. Fresh flowers have a limited lifespan, so remove the pocket square if your outfit feels too busy.
- Coordinate Colors: Harmonize the color of your boutonniere with the rest of your outfit, including your suit, shirt, necktie, and pocket square. A cohesive color scheme enhances the overall elegance of your ensemble.
- Keep It Simple: A boutonniere consists of a single flower; avoid adding baby's breath or visible leaves. The focus should be on the flower itself, maintaining a clean and elegant appearance.
- Consider Alternative Holders: Explore options like small vases that hang from the lapel buttonhole or attach discreetly with a magnet on the back of the lapel. Ensure the holder is subtle and does not cause the lapel to bulge, keeping the flower as the focal point.
- Symbolic Use: In some cultures, like wearing poppy flowers on specific days such as Veterans Day or Armistice Day, boutonnieres carry symbolic meaning. Respect these traditions if you choose to wear flowers for commemorative purposes.
