Dressing Modern, but classy

Otateral · Apr 23, 2012

Disclaimer: Didn't see this discussed, so here's hoping I'm not starting a redundant thread.

I know many on the forum here strive to dress vintage. To an extent, I love the old vintage look and feel. In the way steampunks reinvent the victorian era with modern ideas, I think many reinvent the "mad men" era with modern ideas as well.

But what strikes me as wonderful about the way people used to dress was the care that went into the way people presented themselves, and how respect and etiquette was at the heart of it.

I don't want a belted back blazer or high waisted trousers. But I want that attention to detail in slim fitting suits, peacoats and yes... fedoras.

Today, dressing modern is jeans, t-shirts and running shoes. No longer being 20, I'm trying to refine my look. Since I wear a uniform at work, I tend to dress better on my days off than I do at work. Mostly it means getting clothes that fit properly, but I'm also wearing suits and sport coats, and never leave the house without a hat.

Anyone else in the same boat?

Feraud · Apr 23, 2012

I think many are in that boat and take elements from the past to inspire their dress. A proper fit and pleasing aesthetic are as important as fawning over a particular decade.

Yeps · Apr 23, 2012

Is this the kind of thing you are talking about?

I think the modern/classic type look can be really sharp. My own style goes this direction as often as not.

Otateral · Apr 23, 2012

That's a nice look. I'm a big fan of matching socks to pocket square.

Widebrim · Apr 23, 2012

Yeps said:
Is this the kind of thing you are talking about?

I think the modern/classic type look can be really sharp. My own style goes this direction as often as not.

The trousers are a little too high-water, though...

Yeps · Apr 23, 2012

Widebrim said:
The trousers are a little too high-water, though...

I agree. I can understand the breakless trousers (which end just before they hit the shoe) as they make it so the line doesn't get distorted, and give an opportunity to show off a little flashy sock when you sit, but I don't like the current trendy highwaters. Just doesn't quite do it for me.

Otateral · Apr 23, 2012

Agreed. No problem with socks showing while sitting, but while standing it should be very slight. I like these sorts of looks.

Flat Foot Floey · Apr 23, 2012

The fashion blogger style? I am indifferent to it. Just like the mad men era which I wouldn't try to revive but is still better than the modern menswear.

herringbonekid · Apr 23, 2012

the unique selling point of the Fedora Lounge is that it draws people with in-depth knowledge of vintage style, or who want to learn more about it.
if you're into modern / classic-with-a-twist there are dozens of sites / forums / blogs already doing it.

J.W. · Apr 23, 2012

Like styleforum.com

johnnycanuck · Apr 23, 2012

I think every young man goes through that stage at one time or another. I don’t want to dress like a teenager anymore but I am not sure how to dress like an adult. I know when I was in college, Swing music made a comeback. It was dress shoes, dress pants and Bowling shirts for me. Then it turned into button down shirts, levis and Cowboy boots. Leather jackets and belt buckles. But that is my style preference.
I think the Fedoralounge is a great place to get some good ideas on what you want to incorporate into your own style.
My two cents worth.
Johnny

Vampyre Master · Apr 23, 2012

Try this
http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/
VM

gfish · Apr 23, 2012

FedoraLounge also has the advantage of being generally polite and welcoming. I follow a couple threads over on StyleForum, and the constant barrage of mean, personal attacks there just leave me feeling dirty. My style isn't 100% vintage, but I'm a lot happier reading the threads here.

J.W. · Apr 23, 2012

Agreed. I haven't been on SF for a while, but I liked to check out the WAYW-threads for inspiration.

Otateral · Apr 23, 2012

gfish said:
FedoraLounge also has the advantage of being generally polite and welcoming. I follow a couple threads over on StyleForum, and the constant barrage of mean, personal attacks there just leave me feeling dirty. My style isn't 100% vintage, but I'm a lot happier reading the threads here.

This. Fedora wearers, usually being on the fringe themselves, are a bit more open to different ideas of style and uniqueness.

Twill · Apr 23, 2012

I can't find vintage that fits me due to being a person of... ahem... rather large size. However, when I do shop for modern clothes I keep a vintage aesthetic in mind Most people are surprised when I tell them that most of my clothes are modern. So basically, I take modern clothes with a vintage-inspired color-palette, pattern, material, cut, etc., and pair it with authentic vintage accessories like hats, ties/bowties, suspenders, pocket squares/handkerchiefs, shoes, socks, cufflinks, collarbars, tie clips, etc. Sometimes, I'll go a step further and get shirts tailored so it's not so boxy and modern, and buy pants to long or un-hemmed, and get them tailored with a cuff.

On the other side, I really do appreciate the current "vintage" mindset (as shown above) of some fashion cultures to pay attention to detail, to have a multidimensional style, and to not be afraid of color, pattern, and texture. I love this style, and although it's not true vintage, it does inspire a vintage feel.

jodbirch · Apr 23, 2012

I also go with the try-to-make-modern-clothes-seem-vintage ethos. Some days I get a little self-conscious because I realize there can be a fine line between looking put-together and vintage-ey and looking like I'm wearing a costume. I've been "dressing up" a lot more lately. After losing some weight my nicer clothes are fitting again, and I'm more apt to wear them I guess. I just like to look like a self-respecting adult when it's all said and done. Lots of people around me are wearing ripped jeans, sweats and t-shirts. Admittedly...sometimes I feel like I "stick out" too much around these folk. I just keep telling myself, "there is no need to apologize for trying to look like a decent human being."

Stearmen · Apr 24, 2012

From what I have read here, most of the readers mix and match. Today I wore my 501 jeans with my Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, and a dark blue T-shirt. I was looking at a couple of vintage motorcycles, so needed to dress down. I realized that I like cotton & leather, just fills good. Some wool is nice to. Yes the people hear are nice, they rarely talk down to you!

LoveMyHats2 · Apr 25, 2012

True vintage clothing is a treasure hunt that most of us run into difficulty finding the right sizes to fit. Example, for the most part, vintage shoes, be it wingtip or cap toes or spectator shoes, tend to show up in a small size, compared to a larger mens size. The same tends to hold true for suits and sports jackets, and even fedoras. However, it does seem to me at least, that withing purchasing a nice double breasted jacket, you can toss in wearing some vintage pants, a vintage tie with your dress shirt, along with vintage cuff links and tie clasp, then adding your wing tips you have the vintage look going for you. I make my wardrobe work for me, for how I desire to look and even though it is not always easy to find true vintage items, with a bit of care in what you piece together, it will come out just fine. The same seems to hold true for a casual vintage look. Casual vintage items in a size that fits are more abundant.

As for the Lounge, it is in general a fantastic place and the overall majority of people here are very decent good people. It is also a excellent place to find out facts regarding anything vintage.

RichardH · Apr 27, 2012

http://streetetiquette.com/ is a good site if you're into a more modern form of style.

Dressing Modern, but classy

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