Topic: Re: Let's have a fashion advice thread. - A (Read 323159 times)

Nodaisho · « **Reply #1950 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 00:35 »

Quote from: David_Dovey on 04 Dec 2009, 00:12

See: Cary Grant in "Nort by Northwest"

Wow. Now, see, that is how you do plaid right. You shouldn't even notice it until you get a good close look at it. I watched that whole movie on PBS one night and I didn't see any plaid. Then again, that could be the kind of reception we got from PBS and our then 14-year-old TV.

I don't like pinstripes either, only time I would wear them would be Halloween, and I don't see buying a real suit for Halloween. I think I would probably go for a subdued dark blue, that has always been my pick for classy, quiet clothes.

That mad men suit that pilsner linked actually looks like it would fit my profile pretty well, is there a term for that sort of tapered in the middle cut?

Is there a suitpedia or something? It seems like being fluent in the terms would make it a lot easier for me to figure out what I am trying to say. I would think there are a lot of resources on the internet for suits, maybe Art Of Manliness?

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1951 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 00:39 »

Yeah AoM is pretty good, their style contributor is Antonio who runs A Tailored Suit which has an incredibly in-depth style guide that'll probably cover everything you need to know to make a good decision re: suiting here.

Mostly the best way to learn is to pay attention to what other guys are wearing. Out on the streets, on TV, in movies, in magazines, wherever. Pay attention to the details and pick and choose what you like as you go along.

calenlass · « **Reply #1952 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 00:44 »

Tapered in the middle? Like, properly tailored to his waist, and his torso in general?

Nodaisho · « **Reply #1953 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 01:03 »

Quote from: calenlass on 04 Dec 2009, 00:44

Tapered in the middle? Like, properly tailored to his waist, and his torso in general?

Maybe, I just notice that most suit jackets I see are much more squared off, but since my torso is very narrow, that makes a lot of suits baggy on me. That one looks like it actually might slim along the torso enough that it would actually fit someone with my body type.

Dovey, I actually started reading that guide before I checked this thread again, it is interesting so far. Now I just need to get a damn job so I can afford nice things.

BrittanyMarie · « **Reply #1954 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 01:34 »

So you're looking for a British cut?

Nodaisho · « **Reply #1955 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 01:46 »

That could be it. The continental cut suits I see look like they could work too, I'm not sure what it is that is looser and more squared than a continental, but whatever it is, it is popular around here, that's all I ever see on shelves. Maybe I need to look harder.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1956 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 02:04 »

Mostly I just refer to that style as "slim-cut" or "60s-style"?

Chesire Cat · « **Reply #1957 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 05:01 »

I refer it to the "Zac Efron on the poster for 17 Again", or Mod.

calenlass · « **Reply #1958 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 08:25 »

Nodaisho, the thing is, you can't rely on picking up something from a shelf or a rack and expecting it to just fit you the way you want. 9 times out of 10 it won't work that way, and there will be several things about each individual suit or really anything (dress shirts, trousers) that you are unhappy with, casual clothes excluded. All of the problems that thousands of men have had with their suits have been solved over the years by tailoring. In the states, a lot of dry cleaners will also do alterations, but you could ask at the place you buy the suit for recommendations. If you fork over a few hundred bucks for your suit, chances are they will offer tailoring as part of the sale or like a $20-40 add-on in the store. Even tux rental places do fittings and alterations for dudes wearing them for 2 hours for their weddings. It is a pretty standard thing, I think.

And while I am making a lot of assumptions about menswear here, I know they do this for women. Any place (like David's Bridal) worth its salt that sells prom dresses (and probably also wedding dresses) offers alterations either included in the price of the garment or for a small extra fee. Since suits are just as finicky and just as important as the dresses they are supposed to stand next to, and a lot more subtle in what determines their quality, it makes sense that customising is the way of the game.

Basically what I am saying is, if you have a slim waist, tailoring will probably give you that silhouette regardless.

Bastardous Bassist · « **Reply #1959 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 08:41 »

It's exactly the same. A good off the rack suit has trousers that go on for miles, so as to avoid requiring large numbers of trousers each cut to different lengths to go with one jacket. Always look for the fit in the shoulders. Those are the one thing that can't be altered pretty much at all. If the shoulders hang off or are too tight, then the jacket will never fit you. Just about everything else can and should be altered. I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Quote from: Bastardous Bassist on 15 Sep 2009, 14:28

Everybody should get their blazers tailored.

In other news:

Quote from: Spluff on 04 Dec 2009, 00:28

[edit] Also cuffs on trousers are excellent and more people should realize this.

Lies.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1960 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 08:44 »

Oh Christ yes. It didn't get said in this thread earlier because I guess to people who know a little about suits it's the most obvious thing but: You will never buy a perfect suit off the rack. Katie said 9 out of 10 times, I'd wager it is more 99 out of 100. Maybe 999 out of 1000. For something as important- and let's face it, expensive- as a suit, yr gonna want it to fit like a glove.

If you do get yr suit retail then I'd suggest looking for something that has the styling you are looking for, and then getting a jacket that fits across the shoulders. The shoulder measurement on a jacket is most important because it's by far the hardest to alter, probably followed closely by jacket length (you want the bottom of your jacket to be roughly at the height of then second knuckle on yr hand). Everything else (sleeves, pants) is relatively easy and cheap to do.

I'll say it again: Do not leave yr suit unaltered, it's really the key.

I'd also suggest not leaving jacket alterations to drycleaning alteration places. Find a proper men's tailor, preferably someone who makes suits from scratch. A suit jacket is a very intricately constructed piece of clothing and as the focal point for entire wardrobes it is worth getting right. Also you'll find that basic alterations aren't even more expensive between legit a tailor and a more general clothing alteration place.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1961 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 08:47 »

OK so there was some sneaky posting and editing in there so my comments seem awful redundant but I am leaving them as is because it is about the most important thing you can say about buying a suit.

Bastardous Bassist · « **Reply #1962 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 09:48 »

Man. Maybe neither of us should comment on fashion again so we can forever be in such incredibly perfect agreement.

Nodaisho · « **Reply #1963 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 20:09 »

Quote from: calenlass on 04 Dec 2009, 08:25

Nodaisho, the thing is, you can't rely on picking up something from a shelf or a rack and expecting it to just fit you the way you want.

I'm not talking about not quite fitting, I'm talking about every single jacket I see being cut the exact same way, and they all seem to have been made for people 5' tall with the lines of a refrigerator box. They are tailored pretty much the same as a T-shirt. Then again, I mostly shop at thrift stores, maybe there is a reason the people got rid of those jackets.

Emaline · « **Reply #1964 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 23:45 »

Guys, I need a winter coat like whoa. Victoria's Secret is having a sale on their coats and I was wondering if anyone knew how warm they actually are. I'm tired of spending good money on a coat only to have to wear a hoodie underneath it to actually be warm.

BrittanyMarie · « **Reply #1965 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 23:52 »

I call all coats like that fall coats. That is, they aren't for being outside for a long time style coats. They're probably alright depending on the lining and material for walking to your door to your car to your work or whatever, but not for walking to work. Generally. Those are coats I'd wear til it's 25 or so, anything colder than that and I'll break out my actual winter jacket that is waterproof and windproof and supposedly will make you maybe not die to -40f or something, I don't even remember. I carry like five blankets with me in my car so I figure I'm safe anyway.

Lunchbox · « **Reply #1966 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 23:54 »

Oh god why don't we have any places that sell lovely, colourful, affordable coats like that here.

pilsner · « **Reply #1967 on:** 04 Dec 2009, 23:56 »

In Sydney???

Lunchbox · « **Reply #1968 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 00:02 »

You would be surprised. I hunted high and low for a nice coloured winter coat under $150 and ended up giving up and getting a black one like everyone else. Sydney is not a style capital.

pilsner · « **Reply #1969 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 00:03 »

Boo. Shows me for idealizing a city I've never actually been to.

Nodaisho · « **Reply #1970 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 00:47 »

And everything is hugely expensive over there. Is there an extra-high VAT or something?

Everything tries to kill you, everything is hugely expensive, and you can't keep a car for more than a year without running into some stupid kangaroo and wrecking it. Why do people even live in Australia anymore?

Emaline · « **Reply #1971 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 00:50 »

Because everyone who lives there is beaaauuutifffuuuullllll.

Nodaisho · « **Reply #1972 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 00:51 »

You do know that our Aussies aren't the only Aussies, right?

Bastardous Bassist · « **Reply #1973 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 08:59 »

Quote from: Nodaisho on 04 Dec 2009, 20:09

I'm not talking about not quite fitting, I'm talking about every single jacket I see being cut the exact same way, and they all seem to have been made for people 5' tall with the lines of a refrigerator box. They are tailored pretty much the same as a T-shirt. Then again, I mostly shop at thrift stores, maybe there is a reason the people got rid of those jackets.

They're cut the same way because they're expecting people to tailor them. A suit coat is an expensive thing to make, and they want to be sure that they can sell it to anyone who has that size shoulders. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration. There are longs and shorts, but that's it. To get it to fit right, you're going to need to get it tailored no matter what.

valley_parade · « **Reply #1974 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 09:18 »

Quote from: David_Dovey on 04 Dec 2009, 00:12

Obviously once again garish is a no-no, but I feel that it is a lot easier to make plaid subtle.

?

Lines · « **Reply #1975 on:** 05 Dec 2009, 09:23 »

Ugh. I have a plaid jacket, but I don't wear it often. But it's turquoise and purple with a more sublte pattern, so it's actually kind of cool and not horrible like that one.

Reed · « **Reply #1976 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:12 »

Guys, I need help! I was given a $200 gift certificate to the gap and I need to decide what to get. I think a jacket is pretty important, and I was thinking of this one:

Opinions? Better alternatives?

Thanks!

Ballard · « **Reply #1977 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:34 »

That is a great jacket!

Lunchbox · « **Reply #1978 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:35 »

I like it a lot but it is pretty short, you might get a cold tummy.

allison · « **Reply #1979 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:43 »

yes and yes and yes

Joseph · « **Reply #1980 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:46 »

It is a pretty great looking jacket, but if it is for winter, Lunchy has a point. But then, I'm not sure where you live, so maybe winters aren't such a big deal.

JD · « **Reply #1981 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:49 »

Quote from: Lunchbox on 06 Dec 2009, 22:35

I like it a lot but it is pretty short, you might get a cold tummy.

You don't need to baby him, he's a big boy now.

Professor Snuggles · « **Reply #1982 on:** 06 Dec 2009, 22:50 »

Sell the gap certificate for like, 180 and buy something at a better store that'll last you more than a year.

Reed · « **Reply #1983 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 06:27 »

I live in Connecticut, so it is fairly cold here. The thing is, during the week my time spent outside is literally just walking between the parking garage and lab and from my lab to neighboring buildings. I hate wearing my heavy winter coat, which is completely unnecessary when I spend so little time outside, so I'm looking for something a little lighter.

Slick · « **Reply #1984 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 15:56 »

Quote from: valley_parade on 05 Dec 2009, 09:18

plaidsuit

Don cherry is known nation-wide for his bizzare suites.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1985 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 19:16 »

that man is awful

pilsner · « **Reply #1986 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 19:18 »

Quote from: David_Dovey on 07 Dec 2009, 19:16

that man is really fucking awful

Slick · « **Reply #1987 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 22:10 »

He was voted one of the ten greatest Canadians of all time.

JD · « **Reply #1988 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 23:04 »

Why is Gretsky that great?

JD · « **Reply #1989 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 23:05 »

Wait never mind they're both involved in hockey forget I said anything

edit: I also don't think Alexander Graham Bell belongs on that list, but whatever.

E. Spaceman · « **Reply #1990 on:** 07 Dec 2009, 23:35 »

Oh dang, sorry M, the quote and delete button are rather near each other.

calenlass · « **Reply #1991 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 00:19 »

Quote from: BrittanyMarie on 04 Dec 2009, 23:52

coats

The best coat I ever saw was selling for $200 from a thrift store. It was the prettiest black leather, lined with black rabbit fur, with a large-ish notched collar and it hit just below mid-thigh. The leather was so soft and sort of buttery, too. hhnnngggg

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1992 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 03:21 »

Quote from: Slick on 07 Dec 2009, 22:10

He was voted one of the ten greatest Canadians of all time.

The number one Greatest Canadian of all time is a socialist and staunch advocate of universal healthcare

O Canada,

Chesire Cat · « **Reply #1993 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 04:52 »

And Saskatchewan's native son

michaelicious · « **Reply #1994 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 05:38 »

I would put Marshall McLuhan and Northrop Frye on that list if I made it.

pilsner · « **Reply #1995 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 06:52 »

Fuck Marshall McLuhan. Have you ever actually read one his books? I have this recurring dream where I'm clubbing him like a baby seal while screaming "Massage this medium, bitch!" Then I wake up and I know it's going to be a good day.

Lines · « **Reply #1996 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 07:47 »

Guys, I wore a skirt today. By choice. And it's cold. It's the sign of the apocalypse! Run!

(Actually I think I look nice. I'll post a pic later if I remember.)

David_Dovey · « **Reply #1997 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 07:58 »

Damn right you will

Yayniall · « **Reply #1998 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 15:35 »

I was scrolling through and that last picture of the bad totally looks like a ladypart.

Lines · « **Reply #1999 on:** 08 Dec 2009, 20:11 »

I wore this outfit with these boots.

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Author Topic: Re: Let's have a fashion advice thread. - A (Read 323159 times)