In one of his films, Cary Grant arrived at his office, removed his jacket and his oxfords and slipped into a cardigan sweater and tassel loafers for the day. Years later, author Bruce Boyer wrote that the scene was the beginning of business casual.
I admit that his cardigan looked lighter and more comfortable than any suit jacket and I tried to emulate Mr. Grant one winter. I bought a gray Scottish cashmere version and brought it into the office with a pair of Alden tassel moccasins. But I was back to wearing my jacket and regular shoes after just a couple of weeks.
For one thing, the office was often a bit too warm for a sweater. And, more importantly, I discovered that it just took too long to change my shoes and a jacket every time I was going to lunch or a meeting, and back again when I returned. It's one thing to wear clothes and quite another to be dressing and undressing several extra times each day.
But the sweater was a worthwhile purchase overall as it serves me still. I wear it instead of a jacket for casual daytime entertaining on the weekend, with a pair of patterned trousers, an ecru silk shirt with a button down collar, slip-on shoes and a scarf.
The pictured John Laing of Scotland's classic cardigan model is from San Francisco's Cable Car Clothiers. These are rather steep at $595 but similar models are available from many reputable men's stores and online. One source that I've never tried is Brora Scottish Cashmere which has cardigans for £239.00 (about $400 ex VAT) . And I've seen them on sale elsewhere for half of that price.
Just remember that a cardigan should button, not zip. How else can a man leave the bottom button unbuttoned?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Cary Grant Did It
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6 comments:
A cardigan is a useful item for layering. Here in Southern California, it can get quite cold in the mornings and evenings, especially near the ocean. A cardigan is very appropriate for when the chill sets in. You can pick up quality cardigans for much less than the $400 quoted here. J. Press and Brooks Brothers are just two retailers selling quality cardigans. I have my eye on the Fair Isle cardigan offered by BB.
Cashmere for much less? Let us know where.
Ah, I thought your post was about cardigans in general, not just cashmere cardigans. Still, I have seen good quality cashmere cardigans for approximately $200-300. Retailers such as Land's End sometimes sell them for even less.
You mention tassel loafers. I would be interested to know your thoughts. Are they appropriate for business wear? On a recent business trip to the financial district in San Francisco, I saw two gentlemen wearing flannel suits with tassel loafers. I don't have a problem with this, but I know some people draw the line at wearing them with business suits.
There is cashmere and there is cashmere. I don't think the inexpensive Chinese stuff that Land's End uses is as good as merino.
Re tassels. I've worn them once in a while, with a Friday suit.
Generally, no. But that's true of slip-ons in general.
zip cardigans with a double zipper allow you to keep the bottom of the cardigan slightly ajar. a zipper is a nice pairing with a heavier weight wool cardigan as opposed to a light weight cashmere one.
When sitting, I unbutton the lower button. When standing, I fasten the lower button and unbutton the upper one.
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