I emphasise that this is a very personal view and you may disagree - what I am doing here is describing my own search for style and the influences on it. I acknowledge I'm much older than the model here, but I look at this picture and it encourages me to wear a tie properly and wear socks with desert boots. Think how that would improve this look (I'd probably also add a splash of colour in the tie, or with a pocket square, but that's another issue).
[I've since been told that the clothes are from H.E by Mango’s SS12 collection. So, I was right about their quality; but this doesn't affect my view that they are not shown at their best even though I accept that they are being marketed at a younger age group.]
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| The Monsieur |
I do agree with you. Those boots are not to be worn without socks.
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I like going sockless, it's one of the joys of an English summer -- but agree, it doesn't work well with this outfit.
ReplyDeleteHi there Grey Fox.
ReplyDeleteIn America more and more clothing styles are taking on a casual look, that reflects the mine set of the moment. People here want to be comfortable, versus formally dresses. Formal makes them think uncomfortable. Many designers are taking the formal silhouettes of the past and doing them in fabrics that are less dressy. I have a white Armani blazer done up in terry cloth like a bath towel. Dolce and Gabanna designed a blazer I saw recently in a fabric that looked like burlap or rough linen. The model in the photo is nicely turned out in what is much better looking than a plain tee shirt and jeans. The look is perfect for an evening out to a restaurant, a house party, the movies, etc. Sad to say here in America, the model is probably too dressy for some. The look is J. Crew, Banana Republic, and a bit Ralph Lauren. When I look at this man I think a modern James Dean or Paul Newman. A blue paisley patterned, or polka dot sock would be a fun accessory with the shoe.
Grey Fox,
ReplyDeleteI think this post and your July 9, 2012 one titled "Can a man be stylish in badly-fitting clothing?" are companion pieces in a way. Both articles show mens' clothing taking on a Sports Wear vibe. As I said before, in America it's all about the Casual.
When a person buys a 2 or 3 piece suit, they can wear it all together for business, but that is only the starting point. On weekends and more casual times, it is all about taking the formal suit and breaking it up into more casual separates. By pairing, let's say the blazer of a suit with jeans you have all of a sudden "dressed down" that formal piece. The pants and vest (if there is one) can be worn with a dungaree coat and sports shirt, NO tie and some fun sneakers, sports shoes or causal boots. The vest by itself could be worn with chino pants, a polo shirt and even sandals or flip flops. I think in these modern times a person has to figure ways of multi-purposing formal (business)clothing with casual to extend their wardrobe.
In the reverse, if you added a matching pair of pants to the unconstructed blazer worn by the model in this post, it would all of a sudden become a casual summer suit, perfect for a garden party, Summer wedding, polo or any event where you want to be dressed up a bit, but still look young, cool and put together.
At this point in time, there is no ONE single direction fashion is going in. For the people who have to have a Set Uniform "trend of the moment to follow, or want what has always been done", this is a terrible time. For the people with style who love clothing this is a wonderful period to experiment.
Fashion progresses when people (no matter their age) are Brave, Go Against the Norm, and are being Individualists. The outfitting shown in these two posts is not showing new ideas radically different from the norm, but a small departure from what you are used to seeing. Mens' fashion (because of all the uninterested and insecurities men have) moves at a snails pace. These looks are steps (NO, it should be Baby Steps) in a new direction.
As ever you have some insightful things to say, Fred. I am all for experimentation, but I'm conservative enough to feel that it's best to wear an open neck shirt without a tie than to have a tie worn sloppily at half mast - it seems to be a bit self-consciously cool. GF
DeleteI somewhat agree of your assessment of this look. It is a little too try-hard and could use a little more refinement in the styling. The thing here is that there are to many trends happening at once... Upturned collar, rolled back cuffs, loosened tie, exaggerated pant cuff, no socks etc. The whole idea should be subtle stylistic choices instead of the whole smorgasbord. I do think an older gentleman would do this look justice by just loosing all the references and going with one or two while keeping the rest refined and mature. You have to keep in mind that this a photo shoot and not exactly a representation of how real men dress, young or old.
ReplyDeleteGood points - I agree - many thanks for putting my thoughts into some kind of context. GF
DeleteSorry, have I missed the point? The clothes that are being modelled are obviously for a younger market. Hardly Grey Fox attire!
ReplyDeleteYes I realise that - have another read of the article, hopefully my intention is clear; apologies if not. GF
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