Chaps Day: Lytham St.Anne's Upstanding Young Gentlemen's Society's Annual Event

How to introduce this epic event, I'll try to encapsulate the whole day in three words: 

Legendary, Debauchery & Anarchy

You'll understand from the videos & pictures at the bottom of the page, just how much chaos we actually cause in one day, no less. Now a little history, this momentous day occurs each year on the day of birth for the master of mayhem, Mr. Jonathan Taylor, our dear friend. This day is conveniently around the dates of the Grand National in the first week of April. It's attended by close friends religiously but the invite extends to friends of friends, randoms met on drunken nights out & basically anyone willing to test their bodies binge drinking limits. At this point if the following doesn't seem like your cup of tea, then i wouldn't bother reading on: Just expect to drink from a strangers deck shoe, funnel a pint & be cashed in over the bar, you have been warned! If this frenzy still sounds appealing, it'll be held on the 5th April 2014 in Lytham-over-sands (Lytham St. Annes) typically beginning at Salter's Wharf (Map) if they'll let us back in..... This year I predict we'll see the largest gathering of gracious gentlemen & chivalrous chaps than ever before & an event not to be missed.

Appropriate Attire

Now the tradition follows quintessential genteel rules for formal meetings, starting from the head down. 

Head wear is imperative, whether it's the traditional flat cap, a sharp fedora, the essential trilby or a dapper panama, maybe even a bowler hat.

Neck wear is crucial but you do have a choice of more than just a tie. Be different & try a cravat or bow tie & remember your silk pocket square of any pattern to mix it up.

Shirts, usually a patterned white or light blue 'tattersall' pattern are common. Coloured plaid is not normally worn. The shirt is one of the least interesting as its a base to layer. 

The Waistcoat is key, a classic part of British fashion. Aim for a real blast of colour that can match or offset the rest of the tweed. A jumper or a sweater are great alternatives as well.

Tweed sports jacket, the most important part of the wardrobe. all shades are welcome green, brown, grey or mixed. Windowpane or glen check patterns are what I've chosen this year. Harris Tweed is a great shout, if you can get your hands on it. 

Plus Fours or Breeks, are a style used in shooting / hunting, they end at just below the knee & have a buckle to tighten. No jeans but if you are struggling just roll up some chinos to knee height. 

Socks: Knee high with garters.

Leather shoes, preferably brogues. Apparently brogueing, was invented in Scotland and Ireland to allow bog water to drain away from the leather shoes. "& now you know, thanks Wikipedia". Some sturdy leather boots would serve well here too.

Alternatives include the Cricket Enthusiast, Panama Man with Panama hat, The gentile Explorer or Safari 'Zulu' Solider / British Solider. 

Cricket Enthusiast

Great example of different styles together.

Previous Chaps Day Images:

   

Chaps Day Video's 

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Chaps Winter Holiday Video's

 

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Closing Paragraph

Now that you've marveled at the images, are astonished by the videos & still want to prove yourself this year for Chaps 2014, meet all of us at Salter's Wharf (Map) at high noon (12:00pm) on the 5th April 2014. The weather will not effect the outcome, chaps day will always carry on but the route is defined on the day. 

Some final words: 

• Dress to impress
• Bring some cash to bet on the Grand National
• First timers are required to partake in an initiation 
• Anythings goes

Legendary: