The Dickey Causes Frightening Fashion Flashbacks

Posted by Bengtsson on September 23rd, 2015

The dickey is tricky.

The dickey is sleight of fashion and dishonest.

The dickey might be making a comeback.

The dickey, of course, is a faux collar or shirt meant to convey the impression that one is wearing the full garment underneath.

When I hear dickey, I think "Playboy After Dark" and Hugh Hefner and his friends sitting around at the mansion wearing turtleneck dickeys and being all hip and cool and pseudo.

If you are going to wear a turtleneck dickey, then you really should also wield a pipe. A turtleneck dickey without a pipe just doesn't work.

What is frightening about the dickey's comeback is that it could lead to the return of fashion trends from which we assumed we were safe.

Who knows what unfortunate styles from the past might make a comeback if the dickey catches on. I've made a list, which only scratches the surface of the horror that might follow.

The Full Skirt: The danger here is that if this skirt ever came back into vogue, someone would quickly put a poodle on it and I don't think anyone wants to go through that again.

Penny Loafers: Although they are still worn today, especially in preppy hoods, the fear is that if the style were to undergo a resurgence, the beyond lame practice of inserting a dime or quarters into the front of the shoes might follow.

Nehru Jacket: This jacket was named after the prime minister of India, but didn't really take off until The Beatles started wearing it. It really should be called The Beatles jacket, so they lucked out there.

The Fringe Vest: If you were going to San Francisco with flowers in your hair, then the fake leather fringe vest, accompanied by bell bottoms and blue-tinted granny glasses said all that needed to be said and doesn't need repeating.

The Full Cleveland: The style refers to the wearing of a matching white belt (preferably, plastic) and white shoes. Why it is not called The Full Miami Beach remains a mystery.

The Leisure Suit: Culturally, this item was a cross between the Nehru jacket and the Full Cleveland, although not as classy.

Harem Pants: These billowing pants were made famous for about 10 minutes by MC Hammer, who himself was famous for about 10 minutes. These pants are so ridiculous that even a matching white belt and shoes couldn't rescue them.

The Track Suit: At some point the track suit left the athletic arena and entered the adult mainstream. God might work in mysterious ways, but it is difficult to see how he was happy with the track suit in church (even the dressy velour numbers).

To assure that the track suit does not return, God needs to smite the dickey.

see more: vintage formal dresses