Tie Me Up

In a conversation yesterday, someone asked Seattlest if he needed to wear a tie to Lampreia. We said we wore a jacket when we've gone, but no tie. In fact, we added, we doubted there was a restaurant in Seattle that required a tie, except maybe Canlis.

Someone later mentioned that even Canlis doesn't require a tie -- they just encourage it. Which got us thinking. Yes, Seattle is a casual town, which is especially noticeable when you move here from somewhere else. The further east you're coming from, the more lackadaisical our fashion sense seems. Our already-meager tie collection has dwindled to two out-of-fashion ties since moving here.

Where do you need to wear a tie in this city?

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By James in Arts & Events on May 25, 2006 11:00 AM

Comments [rss]

Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

Well Chris in my observation in Democratic politics the older members of the party are more willing to wear T-shirts and Berkinstocks at party functions. If you are a young wannabe political wonk you need to wear a tie so the older folks with grey pony-tails and NPR T-shirts will take you seriously.

Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy is a Deadhead

Ryan

I wore a tie to the MacBeth opera last Saturday. I certainly wasn't out of place. However, there were very many people who wore jeans without thinking twice. I, for one, welcome the diversity of wardrobe in Seattle. Everybody should be comfortable, no? I happened to feel most comfortable in a suit and tie at the opera while others didn't. Not a big deal.

Seth

Sorry about "where." I tried to take it back, but I'd already clicked "post." I meant "wear," obviously.

I, too, frequently wear a tie to work at a place where my boss's boss wears shorts (that shows you how far up on the totem pole I am) and there's one guy who wears shorts year-round. I'm keeping a chart, and he's worn pants twice since March.

Anyway, I get the interview thing all the time.

COMTE

Jake not to be contrarian or disrepectful of elected officials, but in my experience (some years ago) working with the 32nd District Dems, local and state officials and candidates were about 50/50 on their own tie-wearing protocols, so I don't think it's that hard-and-fast a rule.

Of course, things could have gotten a little more formal since then.

Adam Phillabaum

Audrey: if you hadn't pointed it out... I would have. Thank you.

I wear a tie to work sometimes. Why? not because its required, but because it makes everyone think I'm going to an interview somewhere else.

Audrey

One cannot "where" an article of clothing. Good God.

Seth

A better question--is there anywhere in Seattle where you can't where shorts? As far as I can tell, no.

Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

You need to where a tie in Seattle at most political functions where you are going to be meeting with elected officials or cannidates. When I started my political training class I made damn sure to learn how to tie a tie and wear one to just about every function. You would not believe the baby-boomers that would wear T-shirts and Berkenstocks when they are meeting with their freaking congreeman. I know it is a relaxed city but give me a freaking break. I got all of my dress jackets at Goodwill for about 10 bucks a pop.