The Way of the Chap at Wattsfest 2010
Wattsfest has not had a theme in the past, and so it is with great excitement, not to mention a little trepidation, that we hereby announce The Way of the Chap at Wattsfest 2010.
Chap Clothing
First and foremost this is a dressing up theme so let’s start with a list of suggested garments.
For the Gentlemen:
Tweed
Jackets (with or without leather elbow patches)
Waistcoats, cardigans or tank-tops
Trousers (with an immaculate crease of course) or plus-fours
Braces for one’s trousers
Silk pocket-handkerchiefs
Neckties or Cravats
Flat caps or Trilbies
Smoking pipes
Finely groomed moustaches
For the Ladies:
High-waisted trousers or skirts
Jackets
Long, elegant dresses
Short hair
Dainty hats
Gloves
Cigarette holders
Short-heeled shoes
A collection of images have been compiled at the bottom of this page for your reference. Further inspiration may also be found by conducting a search for 1930’s or 40’s fashion.
A note for would-be cross dressers: we will most happily welcome any ladies preferring to dress as 'Chappettes' but gentlemen ought not dress as ladies simply because doing such a thing would distract from the splendour of one's moustache.
Chap Etiquette
There is more to The Way of the Chap than just wearing a splendid outfit and therefore we are seeking to bring about at Wattsfest the manners and charm of a by-gone era. For example a gentleman does not wear a hat simply for it to idly sit on his head; he must develop the practice of ‘doffing’ to accompany a cheery greeting, such as ‘how do you do?’.
Here is an additional list to help the unaccustomed become more familiar with Chap Etiquette and Behaviour:
Chivalry, e.g. offering one’s seat to a lady or laying down one’s overcoat for a lady to cross a muddy puddle
Smoking a pipe
Saying ‘how do you do?’ and doffing one’s hat
Drinking ale and gin and tonics
Asking ladies to dance
Reciting romantic poetry
Offering to help erect a fellow camper’s tent
Giving guidance and support to others less able to handle their liquor
Further reading and research can be found on the website for The Chap Magazine including articles, photographs and the essential Chap Manifesto.
The Chap Reference Gallery
Roll over and click on the orange squares for a collection of images to help you select the appropriate clothing:
