My son is doing a play at school, and has to wear a black gentlemans outfit, and plays the part of a mourner. Would a black suit with a cream waistcoat and tie be ok.
Black, of course, and with trimmings. In deep mourning (and especially at the funeral itself) black suit (tail or frock-coat), black necktie (wider and more obvious than today's ties), white shirt, black crepe wrapped around a black top-hat. Black kid gloves were essential. To get the feel, look at the outfits still worn by the mutes still used by a few old-fashioned undertakers. Their costume hasn't changed much since the Victorian period.
The rest of the time, in his ordinary suit, black gloves and armbands and black crepe on his hat were enough. The suit didn't need to be black, but dark colours would be worn.
Over time (a year for close family tapering down to a week or so for someone only slightly known) the mourning signs would be gradually dropped. The hatband went first, followed by the black gloves and armbands.
However, I suspect that much less would pass in production. If the lad is dressed in heavy black, the point will be made. Merchant Ivory would of course have the costume correct in every detail, but that sort of expense might be over the top for a school play.
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Would be black top hat and tails…
If you qwere poor you`d wear whatever smart clothes you had and a black armband….
References :
Go to this website and it will show you a picture
http://www.victoriana.com/Mens-Clothing/
References :
Black, of course, and with trimmings. In deep mourning (and especially at the funeral itself) black suit (tail or frock-coat), black necktie (wider and more obvious than today’s ties), white shirt, black crepe wrapped around a black top-hat. Black kid gloves were essential. To get the feel, look at the outfits still worn by the mutes still used by a few old-fashioned undertakers. Their costume hasn’t changed much since the Victorian period.
The rest of the time, in his ordinary suit, black gloves and armbands and black crepe on his hat were enough. The suit didn’t need to be black, but dark colours would be worn.
Over time (a year for close family tapering down to a week or so for someone only slightly known) the mourning signs would be gradually dropped. The hatband went first, followed by the black gloves and armbands.
However, I suspect that much less would pass in production. If the lad is dressed in heavy black, the point will be made. Merchant Ivory would of course have the costume correct in every detail, but that sort of expense might be over the top for a school play.
References :
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