Put This On

“Get a well-fitting suit, a fitted shirt, a solid pair of leather-soled shoes and a nice necktie — and never worry again about needing something nice to wear on short notice.” - The Silentist

Greg in Phoenix is a wonderful example of elegant dressing in the summer heat. Here he is, about to begin a weekend jaunt, hopefully to somewhere that isn’t as nightmarish as Phoenix. The elements are simple as can be: tropical wool trousers, light, probably partially lined sportcoat, blue shirt, blue tie. This is a recipe for free drinks on the airplane, if you ask me.

Josh writes to inform us that his passion for Put This On led to him being featured in the New York Post. Of course, it being the New York Post, after some thoughtful comments from Josh, it veers into three or four paragraphs about Lululemon(?!). Still, good for Josh and most importantly, GOOD FOR US.

You gotta admit - elephants are a big value add in a “what I’m wearing” photo.

(photo from The Thrift Gent)

I’ve really been enjoying lately some of the photos shared by a guy who goes by the internet name olddog/oldtrix.

The trend towards slim-fitting tailored clothing has gone a bit overboard, with many men, even in carefully styled photos, wearing simply unflattering clothes. Short jackets that barely reach the downward curve of the rear and chests that pull unflatteringly into Xs at the button are an epidemic. I don’t really care to have a fight with fashion, but I think it’s nice to have some perspective on these things. There’s more than one way to fit a suit.

Olddog demonstrates a more classical fit in the photos above. A little less Mod and a little more Fred Astaire. Note that fit isn’t about how close a suit is cut to your body, as some people seem to think. Olddog (as the name implies) isn’t a young man, and I’m sure like most of us over 24 he has a less than David-like figure. The cut of these clothes hang from his body, rather than clinging to it, but they still have their own shape that follows his. These clothes are elegant - they suggest an ideal body rather than showing us one. He’s also favoring heavier fabrics that drape well, so I’m sure that these outfits look lovely in motion.

I love this picture of Alan from the Heart of America, demonstrating some wonderful cold-weather style.

The coat’s a polo coat - double breasted, usually made of camel hair, with big patch pockets. Relatively tough to find these days, but you couldn’t find a more classic piece of outerwear. Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers often offer them, and you can certainly find them on eBay. I have one for winter travel - it’s by Capper & Capper of Chicago, which was owned by Abercrombie & Fitch. It weights a hundred thousand pounds and is warm and comfortable as heck.

Alan’s also wearing his hat quite well. As I’ve written here before, it’s much easier to wear a hat in weather that demands it without looking like a historical re-enactor.

As long as we’re posting fall outfits, here’s one on Nii Ayikwei from Atlanta.  Nice to see someone who isn’t a little fashion twig in a bow tie looking fantastic.  Great trench, too.  I think the proportions of this outfit are really excellent.

As promised, here’s a casual shot of Igor from Russia.  I love the Spring Courts with no socks, the high hem on the khakis, and the boldly-colored, well-fit polo.  These are simple elements, but everything’s impressively executed.  The result is a casual outfit that’s still striking.

Another simple combination of blue jacket and neutral pants for summer, this one from Igor in Russia.  The white buttons and hacking pockets on the coat give a little extra interest.  I’ll post a nice casual shot of Igor tomorrow for a bit of contrast.

Jamison is the founder of the wonderful clothing company Howard Yount, and as ever he is the very model of relaxed elegance.  Another in our growing list of lovely summer looks.  Again, just a simple, solid-colored linen sportcoat, no tie, a practical hat and a good fit.