Eleven Magazine – Men's fashion and lifestyle
When you think of a suit, you probably don’t pay much attention to what is on the back, unless you’re a huge tool. Vents, however, are something that you should pay attention to, because they affect your suit in its fit, shape, and style in more ways than you might realize.
Designers go through periods where they mostly begin to run out of ideas. This happened in the 70’s when they just made everything big (big lapels, big heels, big hair) and more severly with the 90’s (grundge and a terrible sequel to the 80’s) so would I say we’re entering in such a period? Not exactly. You see, when economic times are tough, all designers try and go “classic.”
What does classic mean? That is a whole other discussion, but for the purposes of today, it simply means that using more traditional styles and forms. Topman and J. Crew are currently pushing the shawl-collared jacket, like the one above (from J. Crew).
Beware, this jacket is complex and not a simple blazer, and if you try and wear it like J. Crew says, you’re screwed. Here’s why:
Truth be told, I honestly don’t remember where I got this from. Judging from the style, I’m betting The Sartorialist; however, if that is not the case, I’d be more than happy to credit whoever.
The important thing is that this gentleman understands that you don’t have to have a pocket-square, or a piece of silk dangling out of your pocket. Many things can work. You can use cigars (even if you don’t smoke), pencils, crayons, or other mementos that mean something to you. The important thing is to make sure it is modest, as proper flamboyance is a learned art, not an intrinsic nature.
A closer look at the flower, after the jump. Continue reading ‘Do This’
This may be cool in Berlin, it is not cool any where else. I am sure that the authorities are tracking this man down in Berlin, and I’m not talking about Stacy London.
Osama Eisa
Last night I was at dinner with some friends, and one of them asked me what exactly constituted the proper attire for going out. I guess many guys think they simply have to pair suit jackets with some oddly striped shirt that they untuck so that they look “more casual” (ps. don’t ever wear a shirt with that many stripes).
Whatever you want to wear to “go out” should be appropriate to A: wear you’re going and B: the weather. If you choose to wear a suit, go full out suit and don’t be embarrassed to do so, you’ll stand out (in a good way) unless you’re going to a Rodeo Bar.
So how do you wear suit elements without wearing a full out suit? Here are my thoughts and suggestions:
Continue reading ‘Suit Saturday: Wearing a Suit Without Wearing a “Suit”’
As usual, it is the style masters of yore that set the standards. If you are to wear a khaki suit, you have to decide how it will look.
The “problem” with khaki suits are not the suits, it is because many times the people who wear them do not decide whether they want a more casual look or not. This gentleman does not have this problem.
I got some really positve responses from the last Suit Saturday. The big question that I got was about fit. The pocket-square thing was pretty easy to understand, but what a lot of people didn’t understand is how I can advocate Brooks Brothers, yet talk about slimmer fit.
Brooks Brothers has you covered. They not only make slim-cut shirts and pants, but they also make suits and blazers in what they call the “Regent Fit.”
It is Saturday, therefore my weekly comment on what elements to put in a proper suit is here. Last time, I discussed the benefits of the double-breasted suit. The pocket square, like the double-breasted suit must be worn properly for it to work.
Now, before you think I’m going to fawn over Mad Men because they happen to have some suits here or there, you’re wrong. The picture above, on the right, the pocket square, is wrong and I hope you never ever wear your pocket square that way.
It is summer time, and some people still like to wear suits. The issue is that many times, they seem to forget that there are various other fabrics other than wool.
This gentleman from Chicago, illustrates his understanding of both the worth of summer-weight fabrics, and more importantly, how to pull a retro look without looking like a douche.
Just came back from the thrift store, where the selection was impeccable, but nothing fit me. There were all sorts of Allen Edmonds, Bally’s, and other great shoes that all fit me wrong.
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