Helping Out A Beginner

[Kasa]

Forgive me if this is in wrong place and please move.

Hello Everybody. Names Zach but you can call me Kasa. I crossed paths with this site a few times before but never joined because of my simple ignorance of all things style and suits. I have always wished that I could dress better and I finally decided to start slowly amassing a nice outfit...My only problem is that I really do not know ANYTHING...so I was wondering if you masters of style could help me out a little. I really want a nice, classy suit with all of the little accessories to finish it off. So let your knowledge...I love a lecture!

 

[Two Types]

There are plenty of questions to ask yourself:
What do you want to look like? Do you want to make an immediate impression, to make everyone say 'look at him in his vintage suit' or do you want to be more subtle?
Is it going to be a one off outfit for 'best', or the start of an everyday wardrobe?
What styles suit your body type?

I would recommend looking through some of the threads on suits (show us your thirties suits/ forties suits/fifties suits etc) and see what styles you could comfortably wear. Look in 'Show us what you are wearing' and see if there's anyone who projects the sort of image that would fit your ideal.

If it is simply a starting point for being better dressed, get a well cut, well fitting grey suit. It will work with black or brown shoes. You can wear it with almost any colour shirt. And it's about as classic as you can get.

Good luck.

 

[Kasa]

That is actually a good idea, i`m not sure why I didn't think of that to begin with. Thanks for the advice on the grey suit and stuff. It is mostly a starting off point. Anyway, thanks for the advice (And being the only person to actually reply) It was helpful.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

A dark blue suit would be another versatile choice. But TT is right. You have to answer a few questions for yourself first. Do you want to go vintage(-inspired) at all? Do you require to dress up for work too or just want to do this in your free time?

 

[Claudio]

I would also add to get a suit that fits your figure (and in some cases your age), and always buy quality. Another thing to keep in mind that you can (should if necessary) make some alterations for it to fit you better (decent break on the trousers, the correct length on the cuffs, if it needs nipping in on waist etc). Do not get blinded by the esthetics, but rather ask yourslef if it fits you well and if you feel comfrotable in it.

And finally, enjoy it! It should be a pleasure to wear clothing and not a burden

 

[GHT]

Following on from Two Types suggestion, I am in the process of putting together an outfit that centres around a grey suit. The actual colour of the suit is light grey, in a herringbone pattern, somewhat towards the silver end of the grey spectrum. To contrast the grey I have bought a burgundy and white pinstripe shirt, with a white, detachable, spear point collar. A spearpoint collar has the collar points pointing down and being parallel with the tie. To enhance the shirt and to emphasise the grey burgundy contrast, I've bought a burgundy silk neck tie with matching top pocket square. The shoes that I chose are called 'Spectators' (see Claudio's avatar,) They are an ox-blood and ivory colour. To match them I have a maroon and grey Argyle pair of socks. And topping it all off is a Stetson fedora, in a grey colour that Stetson call caribou. The hat is known as a Saxon Royal fur Felt, but don't worry about names, there are so many it could blow your mind.

It would have been helpful to post a couple of photos, but I am still waiting for the suit to arrive, (so watch this space.) I just wanted you to know that you are most welcome at the Fedora Lounge, and please, don't feel intimidated if names of styles, garments or other details are alien to you. Either google it, or just ask somebody, it's a very friendly forum.

 

[Kasa]

Good ideas everybody, thanks.

Also that sounds like a lovely suit GHT. I`d love to see a picture when you get it all together! I also had another question...a lot of people on this site seem to find their suits at thrift shops and places of the like...So I was wondering if there were specific quality brands and manufacturers. Also people seem to take pictures of the tags on their suits, but I have no idea what to look for on them that makes them different. Any thoughts/ideas?

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Often we are talking about suits that are 80 years old (!) The tags were different back then and for an experienced collector they help dating the suit. It's kinda useless for a rookie though unless you can find a thread in the FL (or some other site) and compare. Also some maker who were cool in the 1920s to 40s didn't stay like this till now.

For modern makers you could look for Oxxford suits which appear to have a good reputation/ high quality. I personally never find them since I am in europe. My to go brand is Ralph Lauren but they are incosistent in style and quality. They have some great pieces that are 1930s inspired and the have some cheap stuff. It's probably easier if you go shopping with a friend who already has some experience in menswear.

 

[GHT]

Search for vintage clothes on the internet. Here's a popular UK site: http://www.tweedmansvintage.co.uk/
In your area I found http://www.hipzipper.com but I couldn't ascertain for sure if was for both men and women, or just for the ladies.
Just google vintage clothing, see what it brings up.

 

[Two Types]

Also, try going to a library or a bookshop and finding any books on men's fashions. Look through the books until you find something that makes you think 'That's how I want to look.' Then you can ask yourself 'How can I get that look?'

Have you looked through the 'Guides' here on the FL?

 

[Kasa]

Ralph Lauren is inconsistent? That is surprising.

Thanks for the links...I`ve never actually heard of that place before! Seems pretty cool.

I think...My favorite look is this kind:

With the vest and tie and pocket watch....What style/time is that?

Speaking of pocket watches, do you guys know anything about majestron pocket watches? My grandfather gave me his but I cant really find anything about them on the internet, and I`d like to know more . (I`d ask him but he passed)

 

[Two Types]

Where's that photo from?

It's difficult to tell whether that look fits into a particular time or style. It's really just a classical smart look. it should be easyily achieved. I don't know much about modern American suits but I imagine you should look at companies such as Oxxford, maybe Brooks Brothers.

Make sure you select a suit that isn't too skinny in its cut. That can easily go out of fashion. Something with a very traditional cut should be perfect. Do try to find something with higher waist trousers. There's nothing worse than the gap between waistcoat and trousers that appears on so many modern suits.

It's a style that works well with a variety of shirt collar styles. As a personal thing, I would avoid modern ties that are heavily lined and make the knot very large. There are millions of vintage ties around that will suit your purpose. Silk knit ties have a timeless elegance that work well with that look. Some of these can be found at quite reasonable prices.

I'm not much of a hat wearer (i prefer caps) but i would advise making sure you choose a hat with a brim size that suits your face. I would generally recommend avoiding anything with a brim that is too narrow or too wide, especially if these are your first steps into hat wearing.

If you aren't sure about how best to mix colours, have a look at a colour wheel. A number have been posted here on the FL. Have a look at the 'putting it all together' thread, there should be one in there. That thread will also give you an idea about combining details of an outfit.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Ralph Lauren is inconsistent? That is surprising.

Most of them are made in asia but a few in italy or elsewhere. It's important to know RL has a several "lines" with different price points. Purple label and RRL are the best and most expensive. Polo, Chaps and LAUREN are cheaper lines (still a lot of money if you ask me) with a more inconsistent quality. But you can be lucky with them too. I own several items that i really like. It's really complicated to explain if you don't see them in person and can compare.

About the suit in your picture: What movie is this from? I would describe it like this- A navy blue three piece suits with medium width notch lapels, two button front, jetted pockets (? as far as I can see) and a rather slim cut.

 

[Tomasso]

The close cut sleeves with flared cuffs remind me of late 70s goods.

 

[Kasa]

Hmm...I don`t think its a movie, seems like its a clothing company named "Duchess Clothier"

Their models...are...very...uhh...

I`m kind of a short guy (5`6) so I have always read to go with smaller slimier ties instead of the large bulky ones. I only have the big ones though...So i will need to go shopping for them.

Or maybe ones like these:

I cant seem to find them in a normal cut (Not slim) But you get the idea. I think I might change the shirt to a...I can`t find a name so here is a another picture.

In fact, this is the kind a like...but not wool...WAY to hot for my area.

I know that is like...super vintage but I bet I could change it a little to make it more modern, like switch the bow thing, with a more modern vintage one. (That just sounds weird) But I guess that would take some time and knowledge to do correctly.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

I wouldn't start your suit wardrobe with ordering from an internet based made to measure company. It's too complicated if you don't know 100% what you want and what sizes you need. The first jacket looks very 70s again. The second is more classic.
Best bet would be to take a friend shopping. Either in second hand/ thrift stores or in a warehouse of some sort. Try some suits on. Don't buy the first. Find your size.

BTW Wool isn't always hot. You will sweat more in a polyester suit because the fabric doesn't let the body "breathe". Certain wool weaves or blends of wool, cotton and linen would work better for warmer weather.

 

[GHT]

Good ideas everybody, thanks.

Also that sounds like a lovely suit GHT. I`d love to see a picture when you get it all together!QUOTE]

There you go my friend, as promised:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?1976-Putting-it-all-together&p=1790861#post1790861