Archive for October, 2008

« Older Entries

Hallowe’en Friday

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Here’s an idea… it’s Friday and instead of letting the kids have all the fun, why don’t you dress up?

I mean really dress up.

I may pull out the drapey, blue chalk stripe flannel double-breasted suit and claim I’m Gomez Addams for the day.

John Astin as Gomez Addams

John Astin as Gomez Addams

Or I may spend it lounging about in my bottle green velvet smoking jacket or dressing gown à la Coward.

Or maybe I’ll channel my inner Gianni Agnelli and wear my watch over my cuff.

Or don the Fair Isle vest and several other patterns in homage to the Duke of Windsor.

Whatever route you take, today is the day that you won’t be accused of drifting into costume territory. Become your co-workers’ worst nightmare. Overdress for work and play a little today.

Happy Hallowe’en.

Tags: ,
Posted in Elegantology | 6 Comments »

Bonus: Taking It to the Streets

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

This is how I looked as I left for the afternoon’s errands. I chose to go with yesterday’s final look (I wasn’t up to changing again and was running late.) The addition of a vintage scarf and a pair of vintage chamois gloves let me brave the 40 mph winds. The bag is J Peterman’s Mailbag purchased in the 80’s (when I could afford it….)

Posted in Elegantology | 4 Comments »

Keeping It Proportional

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

I prattle on a lot about proportion and fit. I think you’ve got fit down. So here’s a bit more about proportion. Two sweaters, two pairs of trousers, four radically different looks.

A fuller, shawl collar sweater worn with full cut, double forward pleated trousers.

Do not attempt this in public.

Do not attempt this in public.

The same trouser worn with a trimmer cut sweater in the style of Armani (he loves the sweater tuck.)

Tuck and nip.

Tuck and nip.

The same sweater worn with flat front, Donegal tweed trousers.

Flat front trousers with a trimmer sweater.

Flat front trousers with a trimmer sweater.

And finally, a return to the shawl collar sweater worn over a trimmer cut trouser.

Another way to get it right.

Another way to get it right.

If I take anything from this little experiment, it is a simple rule: fuller articles of clothing above the belt need trimmer articles of clothing below. Fuller trousers require slimmer cut coats, sweaters and shirts.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Elegantology | 8 Comments »

« Older Entries