The Style Thread

[Shiny]

I was assuming he wanted them plainly for formal occasions. In that sense, I think black would be more appropriate.

[Omar]

You can only wear black with black suits, you can wear brown with navy, gray, khaki...

The coat I'm getting for this winter.

[Blake]

You can only wear black with black suits, you can wear brown with navy, gray, khaki...

The coat I'm getting for this winter.

 

 

 

Forgive me if I'm wrong, I'm looking at this on my phone screen, but isn't that picture black shoes with brown pants, what you just said not to do? Nice coat though.

[Scorcheddd]

Not bad. What are you looking for now? You have all the basics of a classic young man's wardrobe on that list, really. Blazers, of course. Some ties. Pocket squares. Just try new things. If you want to try bow ties (which I adore), try 'em. Or, if you like the look of a flower in one's lapel, go for it (although you'll need to have a tailor help you out - modern jackets were not built for boutonnieres).

 

My favorite classics website, which doesn't ignore the modern world: atailoredsuit.com

 

They're technically a website that sells custom-made clothing. But Antonio writes for Art of Manliness and there is a lot of information on that site.

 

I've got things like ties, a bow tie, a nice black pin stripe suit already (looking at a gray one as well at some point). I'm interested with the pocket square/flower thing though. That sounds like an awesome little addition. I've got a pretty nice Pulsar watch as well.

 

More on the blazer, what's the difference between a Blazer and a Suit Jacket? That's my biggest question for you.

 

I'm trying to create a new look for myself that I can get ready before running off to college, that's what my intent with this thread was way back when. Now I know more of what to look for.

 

My goal is for a Nice overall look, sort of like these kinds of looks, not the full on suit and tie, but not sloppy.

 

[hide=Looks]

[/hide]

 

To be honest' date=' I would scrap getting a cardigan, and instead get a lovely knit jumper. I find male cardigans extremely feminine. [/quote']

 

Only if they're tight. I have one and I hate wearing it, but I have a chunkier black one and it's pretty manly. It's in the details (buttons, collar, etc). Besides, Lord Cardigan was a man.

 

Scorchedddd, I wouldn't get all dress shoes. Get some casual kicks. Don't worry about being risky.

 

I honestly love the look of a mens cardigan, I feel like my biggest problem is I'm not entirely sure how to wear it to make it look it's best on me.

 

And I've got plenty of casual kicks, 3 colors of Converse, a pair of running/athletic shoes, and a pair of nice white shoes too. I just don't have a nice pair of dress shoes.

 

 

 

And Blake, I think he was referring only to suits when he said that

[Omar]

Blazers are meant to be worn on their own. Sports jackets are roughly constructed in the same way but they often use heavier, casual fabrics (corduroy or tweed for example). Suit jackets are blazers that come with pants. Don't wear a boutonniere if you're not going to a very formal event, it'll be out of place. Don't hesitate to pop a pocket square in though.

Blake, those shoes are deep brown, I think. Regardless, I wouldn't look to RRL's models for style cues.

[Lenticular_J]

Blazers are meant to be worn on their own. Sports jackets are roughly constructed in the same way but they often use heavier, casual fabrics (corduroy or tweed for example). Suit jackets are blazers that come with pants. Don't wear a boutonniere if you're not going to a very formal event, it'll be out of place. Don't hesitate to pop a pocket square in though.

Blake, those shoes are deep brown, I think. Regardless, I wouldn't look to RRL's models for style cues.

I think black is more versatile. It goes with anything. I think it was GQ that put it like this: "Black shoes are like whispering; you'll never speak out of turn, but you won't be heard too much either. Brown shoes are a bold, loud statement."

 

That said, I like brown shoes. Except with dark jeans; I find black shoes just look better in my eyes. Maybe a more tan shoe than I've got would be better, but I haven't a shoe like that.

 

Boutonnieres aren't for formal events alone. I think that's ridiculous. It's the same as a pocket square, although definitely bolder and necessitating proper care. It's a detail. A pocket square ups the style factor from just a tie, a flower ups it even higher. Wearing a tie, pocket square and flower in your lapel would certainly be overkill, I bet we'd both agree there. In fact, I think a boutonniere would look best alone, with the shirt unbuttoned once or twice.

 

I liked your explanation of the jackets, though. It doesn't matter much, but it's nice to know the proper differences.

[Shiny]

Sports Jackets have a looser cut than Blazers also. I do believe Blazers are slightly more form fitting than a suit jacket, though correct me if I am wrong.

[Scorcheddd]

Where's a good place to get the stuff I was talking about?

[Lenticular_J]

There's Gilt. Check places like Goodwill, particularly for shoes - tailors and cobblers can fix anything that isn't destroyed. Keep an eye out for sales at J. Crew, Express, Banana Republic. Good stuff.

[Saru Inc]

While this may or may not called classy, I ordered some new MIRRORED aviators from Amazon.com. They arrived today, and they are see through. *sigh* Now I have to see if I ordered the wrong kind, or if they sent me the wrong kind.

 

 

 

Also I bought some plaid, looks good.

[Lenticular_J]

I love my mirrored aviators. Unfortunately I broke all my pairs. They weren't suited for the concrete industry. A little too dark to be good for driving, also...

[Omar]

Blazers are meant to be worn on their own. Sports jackets are roughly constructed in the same way but they often use heavier, casual fabrics (corduroy or tweed for example). Suit jackets are blazers that come with pants. Don't wear a boutonniere if you're not going to a very formal event, it'll be out of place. Don't hesitate to pop a pocket square in though.

Blake, those shoes are deep brown, I think. Regardless, I wouldn't look to RRL's models for style cues.

I think black is more versatile. It goes with anything. I think it was GQ that put it like this: "Black shoes are like whispering; you'll never speak out of turn, but you won't be heard too much either. Brown shoes are a bold, loud statement."

 

That said, I like brown shoes. Except with dark jeans; I find black shoes just look better in my eyes. Maybe a more tan shoe than I've got would be better, but I haven't a shoe like that.

 

I'd say black is more classic, but it doesn't fit with most neutrals, and they make up most of my wardrobe. Brown is more versatile for me. From the looks OP posted, I gather he's got the same taste in colors. I'll have to buy gray desert boots if I ever want to put black jeans on again.

 

Boutonnieres aren't for formal events alone. I think that's ridiculous. It's the same as a pocket square, although definitely bolder and necessitating proper care. It's a detail. A pocket square ups the style factor from just a tie, a flower ups it even higher. Wearing a tie, pocket square and flower in your lapel would certainly be overkill, I bet we'd both agree there. In fact, I think a boutonniere would look best alone, with the shirt unbuttoned once or twice.

 

They're not for formal events only but they're very rarely worn anywhere else. That's why they would look out of place to me. Besides, I'm not a fan of jackets without ties, let alone jackets with a boutonnière without a tie... But, in the end, it's all opinions.

 

I liked your explanation of the jackets, though. It doesn't matter much, but it's nice to know the proper differences.

 

I'll add to it that a reply to Shiny. Since suits and blazers have widely varied fits (think sack suits VS Dior skinny suits, or blazers by the same crowds), you can't really base the names on fit.

 

OP, check out J.Press for Urban Outfitters. It's a traditional Ivy League brand, and that specific collection is a lot more affordable. I wouldn't consider J.Crew or Banana Republic good stuff, but that's only from what I've heard. I do concur with Lent on the fact that thrifting will be a solid help, especially in the US. Check out An Affordable Wardrobe's shop, I'm sure you'll find something you love and the owner seems to have the same build as you. It's also very easy on the wallet, and I can vouch for the quality myself. http://anaffordablewardrobe.bigcartel.com/

 

[Edit] I just asked the blog writer to start stocking thrift find that don't fit him. We'll see where this goes; fingers crossed!

[TTanT]

Winetr Dance is coming up for me, and my girlfriend is thinking of wearing a purple dress.

 

What're all of your opinions on purple ties? (A dark purple.)

[Omar]

I don't like them. I don't like the color, and I think I would like it even less in silk. If you had to wear a purple tie, you'd have to go black, and I don't like black; you could try gray but I think the tie would overpower it. Regardless, if you're wearing it to match your girlfriend then it doesn't matter, just go with it.

[Scorcheddd]

I say go for a white tie. That'd be cool if you found a way to do it right, if you got her to wear a white accent that'd be cool too

[Lenticular_J]

I hate the idea of matching couples. Unless they're matching by both looking good individually. It just screams complete dependence on the other person (not in a good way), namely the girl. It's saying "Hey guys, you can't figure out how to dress yourselves, so here's a strip of fabric which you give you another girl who will pick out your clothes for you. Which you will wear wrong."

 

Ack. Go naked. John Mayer would do it

[Omar]

I hate the idea of matching couples. Unless they're matching by both looking good individually. It just screams complete dependence on the other person (not in a good way), namely the girl. It's saying "Hey guys, you can't figure out how to dress yourselves, so here's a strip of fabric which you give you another girl who will pick out your clothes for you. Which you will wear wrong."

 

Ack. Go naked. John Mayer would do it

Yeah, but he wears drop crotch pants. I'm alright with people matching, I think it's cute. What about wearing purple socks? You can consider them a part of your outfit and at the same time not.

[Lenticular_J]

I hate the idea of matching couples. Unless they're matching by both looking good individually. It just screams complete dependence on the other person (not in a good way), namely the girl. It's saying "Hey guys, you can't figure out how to dress yourselves, so here's a strip of fabric which you give you another girl who will pick out your clothes for you. Which you will wear wrong."

 

Ack. Go naked. John Mayer would do it

Yeah, but he wears drop crotch pants. I'm alright with people matching, I think it's cute. What about wearing purple socks? You can consider them a part of your outfit and at the same time not.

Fair point. He wears them because it's funny, I think. If I had a status like John Mayer, I might do stupid stuff also. But just occasionally.

 

Oh, here's this:

[hide][/hide]

[Omar]

According to GQ he does it to draw even more attention to his crotch. That's the funniest thing I've read from them.

Also, that's a thumbnail :(

[Sam]

Hello, classy dressers of TIF. I have 2 questions.

 

I was bought a black 3/4 pea coat yesterday, can anyone suggest some stuff to wear with it?

 

I have some cinos but I NEVER use them, how can I use them in a smart-casual outfit?

 

cheers.

[Shiny]

@Sam: I'm assuming your coat is mainly for utility purposes as opposed to looking classy, as they are quite heavy and good at keeping at cold. Correct? Anyway, just a white shirt, and whatever on bottom.

[Sam]

It's reasonably heavy, but I do intend to use it in a classy outfits if I can match it up.

[Omar]

Hello, classy dressers of TIF. I have 2 questions.

 

• I was bought a black 3/4 pea coat yesterday, can anyone suggest some stuff to wear with it?

 

• I have some cinos but I NEVER use them, how can I use them in a smart-casual outfit?

 

cheers.

a) A scarf. If it's a black coat, and it's the only one you have, you won't be able to match it with all the clothes in your wardrobe. To hide whatever you're wearing underneath, get a scarf. Red and black plaid will work, anything that's not a dark color really.

b) The exact same way you wear jeans, but you'll have to coordinate your colors differently I suppose.

[Sam]

They are beige cinos, I forgot to add.

[Omar]

Same thing goes... Chinos aren't very formal, and khakis even less so. You can wear whatever you find matches.