The tie that binds

Though necktie-less informal Fridays abound in offices, male models in fashion ads mostly go without ties (and seem to have trouble buttoning their shirts) and some years ago in Israel, a Labor Party member of the Knesset went to court with his outraged complaint that a newspaper had reported he was seen wearing a tie, the sartorial silken flourish may not be finished quite yet.

The New York Times reports that the Bush White House, in a reversal of Clinton-era informality, has ordered that men must wear ties and jackets at all times in the Oval Office. Women must wear “proper business attire.”

More importantly, there are signs of change here in Maine. When the present mayor of Ellsworth, Robert Crosthwaite, first joined the city council in 1998, only he and Lawrence King wore neckties to council meetings. Mr. Crosthwaite suggested that councilors obey the dress code they require of the City Hall staff. His proposal went over as well as a polka-dot tie with a plaid flannel shirt. This year, when Councilor Jonathan Mahon began showing up in a full suit and tie, Mr. King murmured to Mr. Crosthwaite that his motion might now stand a chance of passing.

But the other councilors stick to the shirtsleeves look, sometimes including blue jeans. Mr. Mahon’s wife, Michelle, explained that her husband would prefer no tie but often has just returned from an appointment in Augusta and hasn’t had time to change out of his business clothes. Whether out of necessity, as in Mr, Mahon’s case, or from a desire to follow the president’s example, the cravat is making a comeback.