The style thread

greenmachines I tried doing alterations to thrift finds for a brief moment but just due to my size, I end up having to take apart and completely recut them, and it's a lot more hassle than it's worth despite the cost. Though, seeing how my wardrobe of military surplus is getting more expensive (it's the price of new store items for some things), I may have to just suck it up and do that again.
 
get out of your pj's and dress for the day.
[...]
As for me, I mostly wear military surplus.

I submit a compromise:
Midway Rochefort.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have searched on a few names of people known to be stylish outside of work, scrolled through pages of their known outfits, and can offer this as one iconic name in nailing it, even with the tshirt: Paul Bettany. Ya, tall and slender / not fair, I get that but even on his slack days at the market, his grunge is better coordinated than most people's event-wear. And, big AND, he seems to be given the rad wear for his movie roles.... Dryden Voss. Some folks have great faces and great builds but on their off time, their style sucks or they just don't care to have any and that is totally their right to care not. Jude Law, great example, no suit looks bad on him but find him outside of work and it's no socks, gym pants and custom ripped old undershirt with a scarf.
 
Well...it seems that I opened a big can of...styles and ways of dressing oneselfo_O:oops::eek::whistle::p
Now, to be fair; you can wear anything anywhere if you have the "balls", or the sheer audacity, to do so;) There are soooo many styles to choose f that your head can spin faster than a dryer on the hot spin cycle! Besides, not knowing what people deal with in real life, I'm not the kind of man to make comments at someone wearing pajama bottoms at Wal-Mart because he/she forgot to buy milk to feed the kids in the morning...some people have difficult life and it's not my place to judge.

As I said before; context is key. Should I wear a neon outfit at a funeral? No; unless the family of the deceased asked for it:rolleyes:
Where to begin?

PoopaPapaPalp mentioned a very important aspect of life: personal hygiene and the routines of life that can have an impact on your day...every day.
Sure; you're wearing a good suit, but the Devil is in the details: nails are too long and dirty, shoes are scuffed and have not seen a shoe-polish from the day you've bought them...tie is badly knotted, curled shirt collar...etc. Stand straight, don't hunch, wear deodorant and comb your hair;)

These are things I'm going to see/check right away. Yes, my background is half Army and half Police and I'm 6'2" and slim...from Brussels, Belgium. (I know; it's a disease, but it's bigger than me:lol:). Being of European education/tradition, might be something strange to some and not to others...we'll see how it all pans out.

The fashion (High Fashion)Industry is like a weather vane; they can change measurements numbers, sizes at will (I will not talk about "Prêt-à-Porter") which is in another Galaxy altogether!
The big "change" in the last 10 years or so are "Vanity Sizing". What was a size 18 has morphed into a size 16 for example. It gives the consumer the feeling/idea that you've suddenly lost weight, which makes you happy...which makes you buy.
Usually, this industry works on a set of "Traditional height" (5'6"), so if you're not; it's going to be difficult to choose clothes that fit.
The "Off-The-Rack" option will be there if you have a trusted tailor that can modify said clothes.
Remember: you have to work with what you have, not with what you don't have! These tips/tricks will be inclusive; people come in a myriad of shape and size and height. This thread will respect and treats our members with decency and civility.:)
Traditionally, men are lucky to have so many different sizes and fits than women. We have numbers and sizes. Not so much in women's fashion.

Jackets:
Sizes:
from XXL to S or a number.
Brands will cut the jacket differently than others. So a "Sport Jacket" from XBrand (fictitious name) will fit you well, while a similar style from another will not. Try your jacket with the shirt, or knit, or combo you'll want to wear with it, in the store.
Different styles: one button, two buttons, three buttons, single breasted, double breasted, etc. Slit (American) or flap(English) or completely closed at the back (Italian).
Some have applied pockets (Blazer), some slit pockets, some have different type of collars and lapels (wide/narrow) some have closed flap at the sleeve and some have the "surgeon's sleeve" (you can unbutton the flap to roll it up your upper arm...more expensive jacket).
Lapels are also something to look for since they come in different designs and shapes.

Usually, the jacket should fit the width of your shoulders. Leave a little space (half an inch) in case you want to wear with the shirt/knit combo...or in case you've gain some weight.

Sleeves should stop above the protruding bone of your wrist. Right hand: the bone is at the right hand side. Vice-Versa for the left one.
Your shirt sleeve should be longer than your jacket's; going a little below that bone.

The jacket should singe your waist to give you a defined silhouette. The length (hem) is also a factor in terms of playing with optical tricks, i.e.: giving the people the illusion that you're taller/slimmer. Choose carefully between a slit, vent or closed back.
By singing your waist, the tailor will have to take some material on both sides of the jacket (side back seam) and doing so might change the look of a slit or a vent (not so much with a closed back). You'll want a straight back (from shoulder to butt) and not a jacket that follows the curvature of your spine or your butt.

The front should also have a straight look. I tend to put the buckle of my belt at the side of my pants (one loop over to the right) to avoid the bulge of it deforming the front of my jacket (that's just me; the crazy Belgian:lol:). Since your tie is over your belt (and belt buckle) nobody sees my trick!

There; I'm sure I've missed some details...they'll be answer with the on-going discussion:)
 
Sorry if I vomit posts out today but obsession is the theme of today's reasearch. Found an article that I will call "picked 15 random people and called them style leaders", the usual mass market hype. It even listed Jude, coinc, and showed him looking like he woke up under a bridge (with associated stolen bicycle) as though not washing your clothes this week was a style. They literally just picked all the lead actors from 2021-22 but said it was about style. Long story short, I found Alex Turner and am adding his style to my list of likes/follows. I don't do social anything outside therpf and know little of new folks (15 years or so). But out of the men in the article, only this kid stands out. The others are slobs that show up on magazine covers wearing what they were handed 15 minutes before the cover shoot. Again, personal choice is personal freedom but don't call them stylish when they aren't.
 
I'm a jeans and black t shirt guy. I mean everyday. My idea of dressing up is a brand new black t shirt, that is still dark black. Not dark gray like most of them get. When they make a darker color than black, I'll switch to that, ; )
There is. Truly. I don't know the material name but it has nearly no reflective quality, like looking into the end of a broken pencil lead.
 
Sorry if I vomit posts out today but obsession is the theme of today's reasearch. Found an article that I will call "picked 15 random people and called them style leaders", the usual mass market hype. It even listed Jude, coinc, and showed him looking like he woke up under a bridge (with associated stolen bicycle) as though not washing your clothes this week was a style. They literally just picked all the lead actors from 2021-22 but said it was about style. Long story short, I found Alex Turner and am adding his style to my list of likes/follows. I don't do social anything outside therpf and know little of new folks (15 years or so). But out of the men in the article, only this kid stands out. The others are slobs that show up on magazine covers wearing what they were handed 15 minutes before the cover shoot. Again, personal choice is personal freedom but don't call them stylish when they aren't.
Well, I sure am not pushing people to be clothed like the actors in Kingsman ;) When I was teaching French; my clients were civil servants for the Government of Canada and I had classes with the National Defense...and all of those students wore their dressed uniforms (Captains, Colonels, etc)
So, no need to say that I was dressed like in Kingsman! Context once again: you represent the image of your school and also a professional image on top of that.
Not everyone has had the same education/life that I had, growing up. I knew how to dress, eating at McDonald's as well at a banquet with Kings and Queens. Again; your mileage will differ from others for sure.
My everyday outfit, since the '70s and when I'm not working, is: Mexican cow-boy boots, jeans, Western belt and shirt with, sometimes, a vest and a baseball hat:p Surprise!!
 
Dark jeans with a clean solid color T-shirt (black specifically) with no logos or images is to me a classic style and always looks good. A small V neck, not the gaudy deep V some men's shirts have now that act as if all men are built with chests like Ahhhnold from the 80's, looks good on most people. It certainly helps if you're fit and if you're really fit you could get away with a plain white t-shirt with V neck but that's typically reserved for the models and pretty boys who can get away with looking stylish without any effort.

A properly tailored blazer helps too. Years ago I used to wear a solid color tee with a vest and blazer, dark jeans with a belt and nice dress shoes. I can wear a suit if the ocassion calls for it, but I've only worn a few that I ever felt I looked any good in. Something else to consider if you're looking to draw some attention from the ladies is that often what they find attractive on men is not always what men feel comfortable or good wearing. My wife likes me in clothing I would never willingly choose myself. It can be a struggle at times. She's always trying to style my hair too. :lol:
 
Well, I sure am not pushing people to be clothed like the actors in Kingsman ;) When I was teaching French; my clients were civil servants for the Government of Canada and I had classes with the National Defense...and all of those students wore their dressed uniforms (Captains, Colonels, etc)
So, no need to say that I was dressed like in Kingsman! Context once again: you represent the image of your school and also a professional image on top of that.
Not everyone has had the same education/life that I had, growing up. I knew how to dress, eating at McDonald's as well at a banquet with Kings and Queens. Again; your mileage will differ from others for sure.
My everyday outfit, since the '70s and when I'm not working, is: Mexican cow-boy boots, jeans, Western belt and shirt with, sometimes, a vest and a baseball hat:p Surprise!!
Hey cool. I was a big Dallas fan back in the 80s. Dressed like JR Ewing a lot. Suit and tie, cowboy boots and a black stetson. Wish I could go back and undo that. People probably thought I was a few cattle short of a ranch, ; ) But that's a common look now where I'm from.
 
Well, I sure am not pushing people to be clothed like the actors in Kingsman ;) When I was teaching French; my clients were civil servants for the Government of Canada and I had classes with the National Defense...and all of those students wore their dressed uniforms (Captains, Colonels, etc)
So, no need to say that I was dressed like in Kingsman! Context once again: you represent the image of your school and also a professional image on top of that.
Not everyone has had the same education/life that I had, growing up. I knew how to dress, eating at McDonald's as well at a banquet with Kings and Queens. Again; your mileage will differ from others for sure.
My everyday outfit, since the '70s and when I'm not working, is: Mexican cow-boy boots, jeans, Western belt and shirt with, sometimes, a vest and a baseball hat:p Surprise!!
I am going to be jumping all over so if anyone can give me some instructions on how to use the +reply, let me know. oops, figured it on accident

I treat clothes like most people treat decorating. I like many styles and will often just make my own. But in each, it should fit, it should be cohesive. I can unmatch to fit in but that is just urban camo at work.
Well...it seems that I opened a big can of...styles and ways of dressing oneselfo_O:oops::eek::whistle::p
Now, to be fair; you can wear anything anywhere if you have the "balls", or the sheer audacity, to do so;) There are soooo many styles to choose f that your head can spin faster than a dryer on the hot spin cycle! Besides, not knowing what people deal with in real life, I'm not the kind of man to make comments at someone wearing pajama bottoms at Wal-Mart because he/she forgot to buy milk to feed the kids in the morning...some people have difficult life and it's not my place to judge.

As I said before; context is key. Should I wear a neon outfit at a funeral? No; unless the family of the deceased asked for it:rolleyes:
Where to begin?

PoopaPapaPalp mentioned a very important aspect of life: personal hygiene and the routines of life that can have an impact on your day...every day.
Sure; you're wearing a good suit, but the Devil is in the details: nails are too long and dirty, shoes are scuffed and have not seen a shoe-polish from the day you've bought them...tie is badly knotted, curled shirt collar...etc. Stand straight, don't hunch, wear deodorant and comb your hair;)

These are things I'm going to see/check right away. Yes, my background is half Army and half Police and I'm 6'2" and slim...from Brussels, Belgium. (I know; it's a disease, but it's bigger than me:lol:). Being of European education/tradition, might be something strange to some and not to others...we'll see how it all pans out.

The fashion (High Fashion)Industry is like a weather vane; they can change measurements numbers, sizes at will (I will not talk about "Prêt-à-Porter") which is in another Galaxy altogether!
The big "change" in the last 10 years or so are "Vanity Sizing". What was a size 18 has morphed into a size 16 for example. It gives the consumer the feeling/idea that you've suddenly lost weight, which makes you happy...which makes you buy.
Usually, this industry works on a set of "Traditional height" (5'6"), so if you're not; it's going to be difficult to choose clothes that fit.
The "Off-The-Rack" option will be there if you have a trusted tailor that can modify said clothes.
Remember: you have to work with what you have, not with what you don't have! These tips/tricks will be inclusive; people come in a myriad of shape and size and height. This thread will respect and treats our members with decency and civility.:)
Traditionally, men are lucky to have so many different sizes and fits than women. We have numbers and sizes. Not so much in women's fashion.

Jackets:
Sizes:
from XXL to S or a number.
Brands will cut the jacket differently than others. So a "Sport Jacket" from XBrand (fictitious name) will fit you well, while a similar style from another will not. Try your jacket with the shirt, or knit, or combo you'll want to wear with it, in the store.
Different styles: one button, two buttons, three buttons, single breasted, double breasted, etc. Slit (American) or flap(English) or completely closed at the back (Italian).
Some have applied pockets (Blazer), some slit pockets, some have different type of collars and lapels (wide/narrow) some have closed flap at the sleeve and some have the "surgeon's sleeve" (you can unbutton the flap to roll it up your upper arm...more expensive jacket).
Lapels are also something to look for since they come in different designs and shapes.

Usually, the jacket should fit the width of your shoulders. Leave a little space (half an inch) in case you want to wear with the shirt/knit combo...or in case you've gain some weight.

Sleeves should stop above the protruding bone of your wrist. Right hand: the bone is at the right hand side. Vice-Versa for the left one.
Your shirt sleeve should be longer than your jacket's; going a little below that bone.

The jacket should singe your waist to give you a defined silhouette. The length (hem) is also a factor in terms of playing with optical tricks, i.e.: giving the people the illusion that you're taller/slimmer. Choose carefully between a slit, vent or closed back.
By singing your waist, the tailor will have to take some material on both sides of the jacket (side back seam) and doing so might change the look of a slit or a vent (not so much with a closed back). You'll want a straight back (from shoulder to butt) and not a jacket that follows the curvature of your spine or your butt.

The front should also have a straight look. I tend to put the buckle of my belt at the side of my pants (one loop over to the right) to avoid the bulge of it deforming the front of my jacket (that's just me; the crazy Belgian:lol:). Since your tie is over your belt (and belt buckle) nobody sees my trick!

There; I'm sure I've missed some details...they'll be answer with the on-going discussion:)
I see the example in my mind of the 70s suit that hugged the shape of back and butt and consider that to be pop culture mobster from The Rockford Files. But, how do you get a suit to fit a bubble butt when or if you happen to be a bigger girth? Does the straight back suit help to hide the largess? Remember, total newb question, not a jest.
 
Dark jeans with a clean solid color T-shirt (black specifically) with no logos or images is to me a classic style and always looks good. A small V neck, not the gaudy deep V some men's shirts have now that act as if all men are built with chests like Ahhhnold from the 80's, looks good on most people. It certainly helps if you're fit and if you're really fit you could get away with a plain white t-shirt with V neck but that's typically reserved for the models and pretty boys who can get away with looking stylish without any effort.

A properly tailored blazer helps too. Years ago I used to wear a solid color tee with a vest and blazer, dark jeans with a belt and nice dress shoes. I can wear a suit if the ocassion calls for it, but I've only worn a few that I ever felt I looked any good in. Something else to consider if you're looking to draw some attention from the ladies is that often what they find attractive on men is not always what men feel comfortable or good wearing. My wife likes me in clothing I would never willingly choose myself. It can be a struggle at times. She's always trying to style my hair too. :lol:
This style, no collar shirt or unbuttoned button up, vest, jacket with jeans or honestly many other pants is one of my favorites and in my mind blends into the western style joberg described. This style works very well with and without numerous hats. To be honest, I think that it reaches across numerous ethnic and historical styles. Irish, British and Scottish (change of pattern, material, weave, and hat), 50s Greaser, Cowboy, 80s alternative/new wave, it just keeps going. I will try to post some examples in a single post of how it changes around the world but contains the same elements.
 
Hey cool. I was a big Dallas fan back in the 80s. Dressed like JR Ewing a lot. Suit and tie, cowboy boots and a black stetson. Wish I could go back and undo that. People probably thought I was a few cattle short of a ranch, ; ) But that's a common look now where I'm from.
Hahaha, now I am back to not understanding how +quote works.... I laughed so hard on your post I was wishing I had a second account so I could post a second laughing face.
 
Dark jeans with a clean solid color T-shirt (black specifically) with no logos or images is to me a classic style and always looks good. A small V neck, not the gaudy deep V some men's shirts have now that act as if all men are built with chests like Ahhhnold from the 80's, looks good on most people. It certainly helps if you're fit and if you're really fit you could get away with a plain white t-shirt with V neck but that's typically reserved for the models and pretty boys who can get away with looking stylish without any effort.

A properly tailored blazer helps too. Years ago I used to wear a solid color tee with a vest and blazer, dark jeans with a belt and nice dress shoes. I can wear a suit if the ocassion calls for it, but I've only worn a few that I ever felt I looked any good in. Something else to consider if you're looking to draw some attention from the ladies is that often what they find attractive on men is not always what men feel comfortable or good wearing. My wife likes me in clothing I would never willingly choose myself. It can be a struggle at times. She's always trying to style my hair too. :lol:
Trick with V neck or crew ones: if you have a heart shaped face (and, to a certain extend, a long neck) try not to wear V neck...anything!
It's just making your face, and neck, seem longer. If you have a squared or round face then, yes; wear V necks;)
Same with wearing a T-shirt with a jacket. First: sport jacket, second: check the shape of your head.
A collar will always alleviate the problem of a heart shaped face. Turtle necks will be your friend.
Shoes and belt should match in color: brown shoes + brown belt. I would go crazy with that stuff when the band of my watch was matching my belt + shoes (yeah...I know, crazyo_O).

A man should have about 15 different outfits (suits + mixed and match outfits). Don't get me started on shoes; I have 35 pairs to choose from, not counting cow-boy boots.
 
I am going to be jumping all over so if anyone can give me some instructions on how to use the +reply, let me know. oops, figured it on accident

I treat clothes like most people treat decorating. I like many styles and will often just make my own. But in each, it should fit, it should be cohesive. I can unmatch to fit in but that is just urban camo at work.

I see the example in my mind of the 70s suit that hugged the shape of back and butt and consider that to be pop culture mobster from The Rockford Files. But, how do you get a suit to fit a bubble butt when or if you happen to be a bigger girth? Does the straight back suit help to hide the largess? Remember, total newb question, not a jest.
Absolutely; the straight back will hide the bubble butt for sure! For the jacket; a two button, or even a one button will ease the fabric off the back-end. Depending on your girth, weight, height you can play with the length of the jacket also...it should be long and closed at the back.
No slit, nor flap to show your behind;)
 
Trick with V neck or crew ones: if you have a heart shaped face (and, to a certain extend, a long neck) try not to wear V neck...anything!
It's just making your face, and neck, seem longer. If you have a squared or round face then, yes; wear V necks;)
Same with wearing a T-shirt with a jacket. First: sport jacket, second: check the shape of your head.
A collar will always alleviate the problem of a heart shaped face. Turtle necks will be your friend.
Shoes and belt should match in color: brown shoes + brown belt. I would go crazy with that stuff when the band of my watch was matching my belt + shoes (yeah...I know, crazyo_O).

A man should have about 15 different outfits (suits + mixed and match outfits). Don't get me started on shoes; I have 35 pairs to choose from, not counting cow-boy boots.
This info is pure gold.
 
Back
Top