but now wear the same pattern of tunic as their male colleagues. "Walking-out order" is worn for more formal occasions. Walking-out order consists of the red serge tunic, a blue and gold waist belt with brass buckle, stirrup overalls, pants known in RCMP slang as "banana pants", with congress boots and spurs. Formerly, female RCMP members wore the same tunic and waist belt as their male counterparts, as well as a long skirt and black shoes. However, a 1990 an order in council stipulated that female members of the RCMP would wear the same Review Order uniform as male Mounties. Commissioned officers Commissioned officers (inspectors and above) wear similar pattern red serge tunics to non-commissioned ranks. However, their collars are solid dark blue, as are their sleeve cuffs, while non-commissioned ranks have dark blue gorget patches only. Officers do not wear any badge of qualification, specialism or long service on their tunics. Commissioned badges of rank are based on the Commonwealth style of military badges consisting of crown, star and sword and baton worn on the epaulettes. The yellow stripe on officers' breeches and males' overalls is finer material and wider than for constables and NCOs. Officers' high brown boots are of the cavalry officer's pattern. Officers also wear the cavalry pattern Sam Browne belt. This has D-rings for sword frogs, and the cross strap has a whistle and is worn over the right shoulder. In full-dress order, officers wear the post-1945 style gold and purple sword belt with the pattern 1908 cavalry officer's sword, as well as detachable gold wire plaited shoulder cords. Officers have the option of wearing a campaign hat or forage cap with Red Serge. The mess dress worn by commissioned officers has a scarlet cutaway jacket. From the force's formation in 1873 to 1904, the universal pattern foreign service helmet was standard issue. However, many in the field preferred to ride wearing non-regulation cowboy hats and these subsequently became uniform issue in the form of the campaign hat. An RCMP officer wearing the Red Serge is an internationally recognized Canadian icon. The Red Serge is not worn as working dress when an officer is on normal duty, but is reserved for occasions such as civic ceremonies, musical rides, ceremonial parades, e.g. when escorting government dignitaries. Also, for public relations or related special events such as school career days or guard duty at Parliament in Ottawa.