A. J. H., from Northampton, asks whether coloured socks for gents are vulgar.
Jeeves would say so. Claude Cattermole (“Catsmeat”) Potter-Pirbright, Beau Brummel and Arbiter Elegantiae of the Drones Club, would disagree. Male feet are such funny appendages that I see nothing inappropriate in decorating them with the colours of your old regiment or cricket club. Vulgarity lies in the eye of the beholder. PH
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Bill Batt, Sunderland: “Any one of dirty fingernails, dirty teeth, open flies, rear cleavage and pink socks is vulgar.”
Kitty Ricardo, London W14: “A man could have a crumpled and pouched visage like W. H. Auden’s, yet still be divinely attractive so long as he sported scarlet socks.”
Christina O’Hanlon, Leeds: “There is no way that any sensitive female could countenance intercourse of even the most innocuous variety with a man who wears WHITE socks. As for fawn — only if one averted one’s eyes and shuddered . . .”
Sue Parkes, Halesowen: “Yes, coloured socks for men are vulgar. But chacun à son goût.”
Readers are invited to send their responses to this week’s question by February 9. A selection will be printed in a fortnight. Email etiket@thetimes.co.uk
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What is the appropriate amount to tip? I am embarrassed by my boyfriend’s overtipping.
Ann G, Battersea