From Alon
As a student, there is little of your good taste that I can put into practice on a daily basis. I need hardly tell you that a full dress suit would be out of place on campus, particularly in the very poorly attired faculty of music. Is there any advice you can give to a younger audience on looking trimmed and elegant but not so out of place so as to be denounced as a "bourgeois pig" by one's peers? Oh, and if it takes into account a student budget, that, too, would be greatly appreciated!
Is Charlie Watts bourgeois? He dresses well enough to be in the Best Dressed Hall of Fame. And many other musicians dress well today across the spectrum from classical to pop. Music provides an environment where a man can wear great clothing without worrying about keeping everything muted so as not to offend.
Musicians or not, my advice to young men is to buy neutrals first so you can wear them frequently while your wardrobe is limited. Invest in one or two signature pieces, such as a great scarf, for when you want to add brio. And don't be afraid of vintage clothing.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
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5 comments:
I would not take Will's advice to "buy neutrals" too strictly; you would look out of place in a gray flanel suit or a dark gray super 100s. Do wear a jacket with an elegant cut, but try casual fabrics in modern colors. Simply by wearing a well fitting jacket and avoiding jogging shoes, blue jeans and anything baggy, you will already look much more elegant than the rest.
I have one rule on going to school: DON'T COMBINE A TIE WITH A JACKET. It works perfect for me, if I wear a jacket, I don't wear a tie and the other way round. Vests can be worn as often as possible, it's getting back in fashion and matching trousers and vest always looks stylish.
I have to second Will's observation to not be afraid of vintage clothing. You can find amazingly well cut and constructed garments that work well on their own or with jeans. For example, a great vintage overcoat, a Harris Tweed sportcoat (or blue blazer), a cashmere turtleneck, good jeans and ankle boots will go a long way during the winter, if I remember correctly...
Regarding Visconde's advice: a jacket with no tie is fine and good, but a tie-with-no-jacket-or-sweater look is what lots of insufficiently fashionable college students wear when they want to dress up. It looks very prep school to me--it makes the wearer look about 12 years old. I do not recommend it. It is improper, but more importantly, it is not effective for making you look good.
Thank you for posting my question, Will. I appreciate everyone's advice.
Much of what I've read here I've already had in mind, the only problem is acquiring said items! :D
- Alon
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