Readers may think I'm fairly random at times, and today is the epitome of randomness. I've had the above illustration since before I began writing ASW, and I've never found a reason to use it. But it's a great image with some great clothes, and it's one of the few remaining that I haven't posted. So today's the day.
The popularity of derby style hats on the men is of course because the original derby was a hard shell hat that would help break a fall from horseback. And, if they're not poseurs, the men wearing jodhpurs will be riding hard a bit later in the day.
The countryside is also the original domain of the glen check suit, and there's a particularly nice version on the fourth figure from the left edge. I prefer a large black on white check unadorned with colored overchecks, just like the one he's wearing. There's also a paddock style jacket on the man in the upper right, standing on the coach for a better view.
Exchange the riding breeches for trousers, replace the riding boots with brown suede chukkas and these clothes would look better than most of the odd jacket and trouser combinations we see on today's streets.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Chasing in the Shires
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5 comments:
Hope you don't mind, Will, but I'm going to steal this and make it the wallpaper on my computer screen. Nice post.
eautiful picture, Will, thanks. I like the polka dot ascot on the fellow in the center of the picture.
Will, what's your view of wearing riding jackets as everyday odd jackets? I don't mean the scarlet hunting or dressage jackets, but rather the tweed high-buttoning, high-waist jackets which can be seen on websites for riding outfitters.
Examples:
http://www.countrysupplies.com/item.asp?i=1270
http://www.countrysupplies.com/item.asp?i=1083
Perfectly appropriate if you keep horses. Otherwise I'd be concerned it might be a bit like wearing biking shorts to the beach, or ski pants to the grocery store.
Most of the true riding jackets I've seen for men are a bit shorter than the accepted length for lounge suits/odd jackets. Whether that's because the OTR ones are not fitted as carefullly as a tailored suit/odd jacket, or for some functional reason, I don't know. The riding jackets I've seen (and worn) are also quite flared in the skirt, which makes sense since the jacket has to accommodate the riding position while remaining buttoned.
Thus they look a bit odd "off the horse", but if you're comfortable in it, go for it!
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