KILO NOVEMBER
One Too Many
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If ever there was a town for straw (in the US), Miami is it.
I nominate our nation's capital in July and August as a straw-only locale.
If ever there was a town for straw (in the US), Miami is it.
I nominate our nation's capital in July and August as a straw-only locale.
No criticism, just an observation:
I can see how the black hat with sideburns and little beard leads to "Jewish/Amish" associations of your look.
Nothing wrong with that as long as it does not bother you. A clean shave with "dapper" hair cut will look quite different with that hat (which fits you btw nicely).
CollegeGuy,
I've seen more than a few musicians here in Noo Awlins who wear fedoras, and carry them off with the same kind of style you project. Do an image search for "Dr. John," for an example.
I'd say the advice given earlier, to sit down quietly with Mom and tell her what's what, is probably the best plan. You could ask, "Do you want me to wear a baseball cap instead? Backwards, even? Isn't this better?"
I was finally able to get an answer out of her about what she wants me to wear. She wants me to wear baseball caps. I am not joking. She specifically said that she wants me to wear baseball caps because the fedora is a "dress hat" and that baseball caps are more "socially acceptable". When I told her that I do not like wearing baseball caps, she said it does not matter because my fedora "does not match with anything else" that I wear.
I was finally able to get an answer out of her about what she wants me to wear. She wants me to wear baseball caps. I am not joking. She specifically said that she wants me to wear baseball caps because the fedora is a "dress hat" and that baseball caps are more "socially acceptable". When I told her that I do not like wearing baseball caps, she said it does not matter because my fedora "does not match with anything else" that I wear.
She wants me to wear baseball caps. I am not joking. She specifically said that she wants me to wear baseball caps because the fedora is a "dress hat" and that baseball caps are more "socially acceptable". When I told her that I do not like wearing baseball caps, she said it does not matter because my fedora "does not match with anything else" that I wear.
How to interpret her statement:
Either she wants you to A) dress down (baseball cap, casual modern "streetwear") or you take the cue and B) dress up with a suit or sport-coat and dress shirt.
If anything go for B and watch her reaction. If she is going all negative again you can tip your fedora and say "but why... you suggested that I wear the hat with someting equally dressy."
Win-win.
I will try option B. I will describe her reaction tomorrow.
You don't need to wear a suit to "pull off" a fedora. I'm always trying to "dress down" the fedora.
Assuming that this refers to my comment - it's about making a little "test" how his mother would react to him taking her by her word and wearing something "dressy" with the hat.
Of course a fedora doesn't need a suit and can look swell with sportive, casual clothing. I do it all the time (strictly 30-40's though).
That's what I almost suspected.
Whatever people's views about orthodox Jews or Amish, that's very often simply what is associated with ("dressy") black hats with larger brims.
This may have to do something with her negativity. A lighter color hat certainly can't be labelled "Jewish" or "Amish" (as silly as this is in the first place anyway).
Although her negativity should not be a reason to avoid black hats, have you thought about getting a lighter (grey, light brown or beige) hat?
A mid-grey hat with black band is VERY versatile - much more than black or browns.
I also started out with a black fedora, but soon discarded it, since it doesn't fit with my (vintage) wardrobe and also looks just a bit too "dramatic".
I received more negative comments from strangers (though I did not care) when wearing black.
Brown usually get's "detective" or "Indiana jones" remarks... but grey is the most positively received (or simply ignored - just as good).
I don't wear black hats for this reason. I live in an Amish community and don't wanna get confused with them by the local women folk.
I do think a lighter colored hat would be a good idea, a straw for the warmer months in Florida would be a good investment, as well.
Having a look all your own can be tough on family life. My family doesn't always "get it" either. Perhaps a compromise would be a good thing, if you could get her to agree. I have a bit of an unspoken one with my family. If we're going somewhere as a group, I leave my hat at home. When it's just me, I do whatever I want.
Was your mother a free spirit in her youth? Mine was and did her own thing. She always advises me against it to protect me from the kind of outcast treatment that she got for choices in her younger days. Just a thought.
My mother has always been a very conservative woman. From pictures I have seen of her when she was my age, she looked like a typical person in the 1980s. Stories from her siblings, my grandmother, and old friends of the family have all described her as very set in her ways and not a free spirit.