Sashes and Jewels

[Danihel Laurieir]

The Jaune Sabre Herald has discreetly inquired about the preferences of my wife—the Contéiçá—in regards to certain sartorial matters.

As communicated to me, here is her mind:

She recommends that the Count wear a green sash with his white tie and tails. This means, apparently, that the Countess will wear emeralds. This pleases the Countess because emerald is the superior color in Talossa's flag, a color that signifies eternal spring and the promise of new beginnings. A further logical consequence of this decision is--so am I told--that Dukes will wear red sashes and Duchesses will festoon themselves with rubies.

I asked the Countess to couch her preferences in terms of recommendations to the College. She acquiesced to this request and will happily—with a genuine smile—endorse whatever sartorial niceties the College might prefer.

[Trotxâ]

Three cheers for the Contéiçá!

The College accepts the beautiful Contéiçá's recommendation, and will suggest that the citizen's of the Kingdom be instructed in the following:

Evening dress (also known as full evening dress) or white tie is the most formal dress code that exists today for civilians in Talossa. Like black tie, evening dress is generally only worn after 6 p.m. Evening dress is more strictly regulated than other forms of dress, and properly consists of:

• Black tailcoat with silk (ribbed or satin) facings, sharply cut-away at the front
  
• Black trousers with two rows of braid down each leg
  
• White stiff-fronted shirt
  
• White stiff wing collar (attached to the shirt with collar studs)
  
• White bowtie
  
• White low-cut waistcoat
  
• Black silk socks
  
• Black patent leather shoes

Shirts, waistcoats and bow ties are now usually made of cotton marcella, although plain linen shirts and white or off-white silk ties and waistcoats are sometimes worn. Shirt studs and cuff links should be silver or white. A white handkerchief and flower may be worn. At occasions of state, and in the presence of royalty, state decorations are worn by those who have been awarded them: miniature medals plus up to four breast stars, a narrow neck riband and a broad riband (sash). The riband for a duke is red; the riband for a count is green.

Outdoors a black silk plush top hat is appropriate, with an opera cloak or overcoat, even during the summer. White gloves, scarf and cane are optional extras.

When the dress is described as white tie, a woman must wear a formal ball gown with her best accessories and jewelery. Where state decorations are specified, tiaras are usually worn by married women.