I've admired the style of this gentleman, as shown in the lower picture, in a previous post. I'd be happy to look this stylish in middle age. However, I'm not convinced by the white sports shoes in the first picture. I love the white chinos, shirt and pocket square highlighting the pumpkin orange linen blazer - that's true style - but wouldn't a pair of canvas brogues (see below) set off this look more successfully?
I showed the first picture to my daughter who is in her early twenties and, for me, a bit of a style guru. Seeing the top of the picture she purred in admiration. As I then scrolled down the purr became a gasp of horror as the trainers appeared. Please let me know what you think.
Wouldn't these these Trickers white leather brogues have looked better? Or maybe vintage white canvas brogues, if you can find them, as worn years ago by the Royal Navy in tropical climes.
I have to say that the white trainers are a thumbs down for me.
ReplyDeleteOutside of sports gear, I think the only attire that trainers pair well with is jeans.
Otherwise I like the fresh sunny colours of the outfit (it also works because he has white hair, in keeping with the rest of the outfit), but then I also love orange (especially when it is paired with Navy blue and/or white); I have several pieces and patterns from pumpkin to rust in the way of shirts, ties, scarves, and a vintage pair of Hermes leather gloves. Orange is a colour to be worn with caution as it reflects onto the skin and can change one's colour, for better or worse.
I think deep blue suede loafers would look good on that ensemble. If white shoes were a must, then yes, the white leather brogues you suggest would be a better choice.
I'm not much of a white shoe person in general. Other than my running and court shoes I have only one pair of Lee Cooper slip-ons and even then they have a broad band of black, grey and lime green running across, as well as the signature red piping around the foot entry. I only wear them with jeans.
The colours and look in the second photo are more to my taste and style. Can't go wrong with a well cut and fitted Navy blazer or jacket: so versatile for formal and casual occasions.
I agree, particularly with your comment on the second photo. As for orange, I haven't tried it but would be happy to do so. Of course, the real middle-aged lounge lizard often chooses to have his skin tanned to a deep orange, but that's not my style!! GF
DeleteI think the Running Show Sneaker in photo 1 (Orange Blazer) is fine. It has a SMALL silhouette. It is far from the Clunky/Ugly sneakers I see many men of all ages wearing here in America. I have no problem with any of the shoe options the model is wearing, or you have suggested in this post.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Fred. One cultural difference I've noted that older men (and women) are more willing to wear trainers on your side of the Atlantic than on this. Here there's still a view that sports kit should stay on the sports field and not be mixed with more formal clothing. Best wishes, GF.
DeleteHi there Grey Fox..
DeleteI think a certain group of English people should/have to get past the ideas of doing things just a certain way. If Princes William or Harry wore running shoes with a suit, I know all of a sudden it would be ALL RIGHT in some peoples minds. ALSO, if it were not for FREE and DIFFERENT STYLES of THINKING "from Your People", like the Beatles, Vivienne Westwood, Twiggie, and Carnaby Street of the 60's there would not have been the "Changed/Move Forward" of Style and Culture as it has.
Remember, if things stay the same they eventually stagnate. If it were not for some brave souls of the past from your country, you would still be waring an outfit like Your King did when he lost the colonies to US Americans ;-}
...well I suppose all countries have groups who are stuck in ways of thinking they consider fundamental, even to the extent of denying scientific evidence! GF.
DeleteI'm with you on this one....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support - so far we're in the majority! GF.
DeleteI'm not sure anyone should wear white trainers other than for sports regardless of age. In my opinion of course!
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of appropriate attire, could I suggest a post on travel? I know comfort is a priority but I have seen some 'interesting' interpretations of comfort on several flights recently both short and long haul.
I agree, but feel that being too proscriptive about clothes is a bad thing. Despite that, I don't think trainers look right with formal clothes.
DeleteThanks for the travel tip - I'll bear that in mind, it's a good idea.
Maybe some kind sponsors could send me to exotic locations on their aircraft and I'll gladly review comfort levels!
GF.
Hi there Grey Fox...Came across this picture on the Sartorialist yesterday. You will have to do the Google Search "On the street..Jacques, Paris" it is from a 3-11-2009 post. As soon as I saw this, I thought of you and this post. The man is in his 50's and wearing sneakers with a bow tie and suit. Fun, Fun, Fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Fred - I'm still not convinced! GF.
ReplyDelete