Apparently the impulse in men to look good but not too good is not a modern one. Comics artist and author Kate Beaton sympathizes with the coxcomb, as defined by this 1855 etiquette book, as a gentlemen who’s handsome but too conscious of it. He’s fit but he knows it. And according to 1855 social wisdom, that invites women to toy with the coxcomb’s heart.
I’m all for a clothing philosophy of, to paraphrase, “just wear dope stuff,” but be sure you’re not wearing something that screams “Trifle with me!”
–Pete
