We’ve all discussed the dangers of slipping over into costume, but there is also something to be said for comfort. For a meeting today, my second day out of the hospital (diverticulitis, ugh), I didn’t feel up to donning a suit and the muggy, damp weather wasn’t helping things at all. So I slipped on a pair of grey worsted, side-tabbed trousers and my Hackett sweater, my cotton/silk neckerchief and a pair of loafers.
The question is whether this slips into costume? If so, is it because a similar outfit was worn by no less a sartorial icon than our own Mr. Grant in “To Catch a Thief”? Or is it because casual dressing on this scale is passé in today’s denim focused casual culture? In short is this an homage or just cheesy looking?
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Chris, I think that look is uniquely French, which is why it is not seen frequently today. In your case, you always pull off what few of the rest of us can. Thank you for that effort, as it gives us a superb example as we strive for sartorial excellence.
Yes, you look like an utter twat
Alright T, how so? Please be specific. I don’t mind criticism as long as it can be intelligently supported.
As long as you feel comfortable its just perfect. To me you do look good, Chris. Once in a while it is all right to be the twentieth century men we are, and that’s that.
Good Lord iñigo! We are 20th century men, aren’t we?
Indeed we are. And It is about time to admit it, isnt it
Sadly, here on the West Coast, dressing for pure comfort rules the day with the casualty being beauty and elegance. Having wrinkle free shirts and pressed pants, along with shined shoes needn’t be uncomfortable. There really is no need to sacrifice beauty on the alter of pedestrian sartorial values. Personally, I am tired of seeing men dressed with their shirt tails hanging out, and with unkempt shoes. It is the norm here. I would much rather add beauty to everyone’s life than ascribe to the mundane, simply to make life a little easier. The elegant clothing of the 30s and 40s is aesthetically superior to what most people wear today. I know I appreciate a woman who makes the effort to look beautiful and I also know that they appreciate a man who does likewise. To accomplish that, we can take many ques from those who, in the past, made it their goal to ascribe to excellence. I plan to continue in that vein.
I think it all depends on where you live. New York, Palm Beach, etc….fine! Here, in our beautiful River City…. well….. I say be bold and go for it!!
As an unabashed, unapologetic ascot-wearing twentieth century man, I emphatically vote homage!
To be perfectly honest, the kerchief and sweater together aren’t quite working for me. I think perhaps because the pattern on both is small, where Mr. Grant’s neckerchief was red with sparse white/cream polka dots. Were your kerchief to veer more toward a solid, it would be fabulous.
However, my opinion matters for not and if you feel great, that’s always the important factor with style. 🙂
I would say the only fromage part is the neckerchief. The rest is casually elegant. Personally I like neckerchiefs but I tend to tone them down so they are less obvious – for example a black crewneck sweater worn with a black silk ascot with white polka dots. As a suggestions, stay away from bright colors which are a little too obvious.
Dear Chris,
Ah, you too just got out of the hospital… Well you’re braver than I am as I have not yet gotten dressed for leaving the home!
You look fine, except indeed maybe the color of your neckerchief. Pieter has a silk ascot that he loves to wear with his alpaca sweater or even under a linen one. It has quite some elegance to it and it shows more than usual ‘RESPECT’, one ingredient that often is lacking in today’s society. For me it’s perfectly 21st Century as class NEVER ever will go out of style.
Hugs and hope you are doing much better now.
Mariette
mariette — I hope you’re doing better!
Thanks Chris, yes, day by day but steady forward!
You sir, would look good in a burlap bag. However, the scarf might not be of the optimum chromatic design to wear with the sweater.
Thanks New York, I do have one that is red with larger white polka dots and a navy blue with a very small, intermittent light blue “x” that would probably work better…..
A classic look never goes out of style, Bravo!
I just happened to stumble across your blog. I’ve enjoyed reading your previous posts. I must say, you look absolutely dashing. I adore your style as it is very chic and very handsome.
Being a CAlifornia native, I am used to seeing a much more casual look….aka the jeans and hoodies of Silicon Valley billionaires have ruined us. However, there are still some fashionable men in San Francisco who care about style thank goodness! I go there when I am in need of a fashion fix. So I appreciate all efforts you put forth!
In your case, it should probably be frottage.
Marston6, was that really necessary?