White
Tie, Court Dress, and Full Dress Uniforms
Gentlemen
Consists
of black tailcoat and trousers (usually with satin double or single
stripe), white piqué shirt with wing collar, white piqué
waistcoat with lapels and
three
buttons,
white
piqué bow tie. The most traditional shoes are black leather
or patent leather pumps, which often have a grosgrain bow. Black lace
ups are usually appropriate if not overly bulky. White formal gloves
are used. The
proper hat is a top hat. There
are variations in uniforms, national dress, etc. Specific components
are detailed in the regulations pertinent to each uniform.
1.
If a Grand Cross of an order is held, the sash of the order should
be worn. With a tailcoat, the sash is worn under the coat and over
the waistcoat. (Sometimes it is worn underneath the waistcoat as
well.) Most sashes are worn over the right shoulder, terminating with
the bow and badge at the left hip. Others are worn over the left
shoulder, terminating at the right hip. That is determined by the
regulations of the order. Also, some sashes are cut and finished with
small ribbon ties that go through a loop or buttonhole on the
waistcoat. This permits the sash to be worn lower and at a more
aesthetically pleasing angle. With uniforms, the wear of the sash is
similar, and generally governed by the regulations pertaining to that
uniform. Rarely
is more than one sash worn.
Which
sash to wear? Usually the sash of the highest grand cross held is
worn. This may be varied according to the event being attended or, as
appropriate, according to personal preference. If attending an event
of a foreign country or outside organisation, and a sash of an honour
therefrom is held, then protocol usually expects the wear of the host
country's or host organisation's decoration.
The same principles apply to neck badges and stars. This, however, is
very situationally dependent. Also, those who hold the grand crosses of
certain sashes may by custom of those orders wear the sashes of both,
with that of the higher-ranking order atop the other.

White
tie with sash, neck badge,
medals,
and collar.
2.
One neck badge/cross or an order or decoration may be worn. If two
grand crosses are held, the less senior may generally be worn on a
neck ribbon. If a sash is worn, a neck decoration is optional unless
specified in regulations. However, with a high-collared uniform,
generally up to three neck decorations may be worn, as governed by
the pertinent uniform regulations. The highest order is worn at the
neck, the second from the second button, and the third from the third
button.

White
tie with neck badge
and
medals
3.
The stars of the orders are worn in order of precedence. If two
stars are held, then that of the higher order, even if of lower rank,
is worn above the other, freqiently with the two stars forming a vertical line.
However, the line may be skewed as deemed necessary for practical or
aesthetic purposes. If stars of all three orders are
held, then they are commonly worn in a triangular formation. If four stars are
worn, then the fourth is typically worn below the line of the second and third
with the four stars forming a general pattern of a diamond.
Occasionally, merit stars and some other stars and crosses are
specified in the regulations to be worn on the right side.
4.
Miniature medals are worn at the discretion of the wearer, unless
specifically required by uniform regulations. Miniature
medals, if worn, should be mounted. These are usually on a single bar,
but this various by country. On a single bar they may be swing mounted
(each medal hanging from its own ribbon drape and left to swing free),
court mounted (each medal from its own ribbon drape attached to
corresponding backing ribbons covering a rigid board; the medals are
then sewn to the board to prevent swinging), or pontifical court
mounted (suspension ribbons brought through horizontally similar to a
neck badge and then looped behind and brought down behind the
medals, without a
rigid board; the medals are then sewn to the backing ribbons to prevent swinging).  Example of miniature medals worn with a Pontifical Court Mount.
5.
On
particularly formal or ceremonial occasions, a grand collar may be
worn. The specific wear of the collar is typically given in the rules
of the order. Typically they are pinned in the middle at each
shoulder so that approximately half of the collar is in the front,
and Is in the back.
Ladies
Ladies'
full dress attire consists of a formal, full-length gown (either
ankle-length or full-length, with or without a train), and
appropriate evening shoes. If the gown is sleeveless, then most
formally, elbow gloves are worn. Hats are generally considered
inappropriate with this level of dress, as are fascinators, unless
the weather is cold enough to require it.
1.
The principles that apply to sashes worn by gentlemen generally
apply to ladies. With an evening gown, the sash is worn over the gown
and often is affixed to the gown by a brooch at the shoulder or on
the back. Sometimes the specific course of the sash is altered
according to the gown for aesthetic purposes. Usually a lady's sash
is more narrow than that of a gentleman, though the same full-width
version may also correctly be used.
2.
Neck decorations are rarely worn by ladies with an evening dress for
aesthetic reasons. Similarly, the bar of miniature medals as worn by
gentlemen is not generally worn. Rather, decorations are typically
worn on the left side pendant from a bow of the ribbon of the
order/decoration. Usually only one or two decorations are worn in
that manner.
3.
Ladies wear stars in the same manner as gentlemen, pinned to the
evening gown. If the sash passes over where a star will be pinned,
then the star is pinned over the sash. Typically fewer stars are worn
on an evening gown for aesthetic reasons.
4.
n particularly formal or ceremonial occasions, a grand collar may be
worn. The specific wear of the collar is typically given in the rules
of the order. Typically they are pinned in the middle at each
shoulder so that approximately half of the collar is in the front,
and Is in the back.
Black
Tie (Smoking)
Gentlemen
Black
tie, or general evening dress for a gentleman consists of a black
evening jacket in a similar cut to a business suit, a black
waistcoat, a white shirt with pleats and either a winged collar or a
standard turn-down collar (usually a winged collar is considered too
formal, but is certainly not incorrect), and a black bow tie. Shoes
and gloves are as given for white tie above. The correct hat is
either a top hat or a Homburg, both in black. A fedora or similar hat
should be avoided, but is often considered tolerable when worn by
college students or young men due to the expense of the other hats.
In
summer or in tropical areas, regardless of the time of year, a white
dinner jacket is acceptable, though not required. The white jacket
may be worn with a black waistcoat or alternatively with a white
waistcoat of appropriate lightweight material. An appropriate straw
hat may be worn.
Variations
to the black evening jacket exist. Black tie uniforms have their own regulations.
1.
Sashes and collars are not worn.
2.
One neck badge may be worn, and is generally be of the highest
order/decoration. Some orders have badges that may be worn with black
tie pendant from the left lapel buttonhole, such as the Legion of the
Eagle or the Order of the Golden Fleece. This option is not used,
however, if a bar of miniature medal is worn.

Black
tie with neck decoration
3.
No more than one star is worn. If need not be that of the highest
order if the neck badge of the highest order is worn.
4.
Miniature medals are worn at the discretion of the wearer, unless
specifically required by uniform regulations.
5.
The specific decorations and number of decorations worn black tie
should correspond to the formality of the event. Usually, it is
traditional to wear only one type of decoration if decorations are
desired to be used, e.g., miniature medals or one star or one neck
badge. Rosettes should be avoided with evening attire.
Ladies
Ladies'
formal evening wear equivalent to black-tie typically consists of a
formal evening gown that may be floorlength (always without a train)
or to just below the knees. Gloves usage and style depends on the
occasion and personal preference. As with full dress, hats and
fascinators are not used in less the weather is sufficiently cold to
require it.
Ladies
wear decorations pendant from a bow pinned to the left side of the
dress, either full-size (equivalent to a gentleman's neck decoration)
or in miniature. Usually only one such decoration is worn, and sizes
are not mixed. One star may be pinned to the dress as usual. As for
gentlemen, the type and number of decorations should correspond to
the formality of the event (see gentlemen's black-tie, #5 above).
Morning
Dress
Gentlemen
Gentlemen's
formal morning dress consists, most formally, of a cutaway style
morning coat in black, with dark grey or light grey trousers, which
most traditionally are striped. The waistcoat is either grey or
black. The shirt is white with a winged collar. Shoes are black,
either slip-on or lace-up. The tie typically is black or grey, plain,
striped, or spotted, and is either in the four-in-hand or ascot
style. Sometimes a bow tie may be used. The correct hat is a black
top hat. The gloves are grey. Less formally, the cutaway coat may be
grey, in which case the top hat and gloves are both grey. On some
less formal occasions, coloured ties may be used. When used as daily
dress, the general trends above are followed, except that the coat is
not a cutaway, but rather a stroller, similar in style to a business
suit. The trousers may be plain or striped. The hat may alternatively
be a black or grey Homburg or fedora.
1.
If medals are worn, then they usually are full-size. However, some
areas have miniature medals as the custom. If that is the case, then
the custom generally should be followed. The miniature/informal badge
of certain orders, such as the Legion of the Eagle or the Order of
the Golden Fleece, maybe worn pendant from the buttonhole of the left
lapel, provided that no medal bar is worn.
2.
Sashes generally are not worn, but are on occasion. If used, they
are usually worn underneath the coat.
3.
Usually only one neck badge and one star may be worn.
4.
The specific decorations and number of decorations worn with morning
dress should correspond to the formality of the event. Usually, it is
traditional to wear only one type of decoration if decorations are
desired to be used, e.g., medals or one star or one neck badge. One
rosette may alternatively be worn in place of all other decorations. 5.
Miniature medals are not worn. Large medals, if worn, should be
mounted. These are usually on a single bar, but this various by
country. On a single bar they may be swing mounted (each medal hanging
from its own ribbon drape and left to swing free), court mounted (each
medal from its own ribbon drape attached to corresponding backing
ribbons covering a rigid board; the medals are then sewn to the board
to prevent swinging), or pontifical court mounted (as swing mounting,
but with the ribbon looped behind and brought down to the top of the
medal and finished in a point, without a rigid board; the medals are then sewn to the backing ribbons to prevent swinging).  Example of full-size medals worn with a Pontifical Court Mount.
Ladies
Morning
dress for ladies consists of a daytime formal dress typically from
floorlength to knee-length. Short kid gloves may be worn. An
appropriate formal hat or fascinator may be worn. Decorations, if
used, follow the customs pertaining to ladies' evening attire above.
Lounge
or Business Suits
Gentlemen
1.
The most appropriate insignia for a suit in general is a single
rosette. The miniature/informal badge of certain orders, such as the
Legion of the Eagle or the Order of the Golden Fleece, maybe worn
pendant from the buttonhole of the left lapel, provided that no medal
bar is worn.
2.
If worn, medals are full-size.

Business
suit
with large medals
3.
A single neck badge may be worn as the occasion warrants.
4.
Stars and collars are not worn.
Ladies
The
customs pertaining to the wear of decorations are identical to those
of gentlemen.
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