Classicism vs. Dandyism vs. Fashion?

• Apr 17, 2008

• #1

JeffOYB

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It seems to me like there are 3 ways and reasons for looking good.

I'd class them as: classicism, dandyism and fashionable.

OK, those are the ways, not the reasons.

The reasons for the 3 ways are: tradition, pride and attraction.

I get confused because I find all 3 ways and reasons blending in my own style choices. Sometimes in the same item!

The reason for the confusion is that the 3 ways and reasons don't always harmonize!

For instance, pride and "standing out" are both vices according to tradition. This conflicts with dandyism. And attraction and fashion, too!

Just a few notions, baldly stated.

Have at it! : )

 

• Apr 18, 2008

• #2

JeffOYB

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PS: Here's a notion...

Tradition almost always has some usefulness. It looks good and it WORKS.

Dandyism is about looks and what one likes. Usefulness is rather beside the point.

Dandyism and Tradition aren't always on the best of terms.

This is why I sometimes feel awkward about how I wear hats, for instance.

Sometimes a hat is sensible.

Sometimes it's just for looks.

I just have to get used to "all of the above." : )

For instance, I think it actually makes more sense to wear knickers and knee socks---you have to cover up down there somehow, right?---than it does to wear a sun hat at night.

...Someday I'll figure it all out.

Then will it still be interesting?

 

• Apr 18, 2008

• #3

Fletch

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Fashion is wearing what you wear because others wear it.
Dandyism is wearing what you wear because you want to be noticed or make a statement.
Classicism is wearing what you wear because it's either a) tried and true (traditionalism) or b) true but no longer tried (vintage revivalism).

 

• Apr 18, 2008

• #4

S

surely

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Fletch, you're such a literalist.....

 

• Apr 18, 2008

• #5

thunderw21

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So, would most of us vintage enthusiasts fall under dandyism or classicism since the clothing we often wear is true (both tried and no longer tried) but sticks out like a sore thumb nowadays?

A little of both?

 

• Apr 19, 2008

• #6

jamespowers

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Traditionalism unless you think this look, or any in the background for that matter, is traditional:

 

• Apr 19, 2008

• #7

Fletch

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surely said:

Fletch, you're such a literalist.....

Click to expand...

Can't help it. If one's word is not one's bond, we're no better than brutes, sartorially or otherwise.

 

• Apr 19, 2008

• #8

Sefton

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jamespowers said:

Traditionalism unless you think this look, or any in the background for that matter, is traditional:

Click to expand...

It's actually part of a long tradition of non-traditionalists where I come from. Bummer man....

 

• Apr 20, 2008

• #9

jamespowers

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Sefton said:

It's actually part of a long tradition of non-traditionalists where I come from. Bummer man....

Click to expand...

lol lol lol lol lol Yeah sure. lol lol lol

 

• Apr 21, 2008

• #10

Edward

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An spicy mix of classicism and dandyism in my wardrobe.... I think to wear most of the classic styles we all love in these parts, you need to be a bit of a dandy anyhow. Fashion never influences me much - at least, not more than trying to avoid it, and being mildly to greatly irritated when elements of my preferred wardrobe pass into mainstream fasihon. I've been extremely anti-fashion in my attitudes since I was about 15 - the turn of the 90s.

 

• Apr 21, 2008

• #11

Tango Yankee

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I suppose it depends upon where you live, but I think that Edward and Thunderw21 are correct--to wear classic styles takes a bit of both dandyism (as described here) and classicism. Put on a hat in most areas these days and you're going to be noticed and be making a statement whether you want to or not.

I've found that in this area it seems to actually make some people uncomfortable to be around someone who is dressed well.

When it comes to dressing well I wear what I wear because I like it, and I think I look good in it. While I realize that when I go out in a sport coat and tie with a hat in this area I'm really going to stand out it is not my intention to do so--that's an unintentional consequence. I'm dressing for myself.

Cheers,
Tom