Second-thoughts on vintage wearing in public...

[Sefton]

All of the points here are thoughtful so I won't repeat them. One thing I'd add is that if you wear vintage you might mix just a few old items with some new that have a similar look. True vintage (as you doubtless already know) isn't easy to come by. It would be a shame to ruin a classic old suit for a day out at the amusement park. When I go out to outdoor events I usually wear something like : linen trousers, cloth belt, light cotton shirt, saddle shoes and a linen 8 panel cap. Very casual by my standards yet positively "all dressed up" to most people. Good luck in finding your style...have fun!

 

[Feraud]

Last summer I, and the guy I was dating at the time, went to a friend's wedding. I was dressed in an appropriate, dressy day dress, gloves, shawl and while he was not wearing a vintage suit, he was wearing a rather smart three piece, french cuff shirt, cufflinks, tie bar, etc. You would think people would dress well for a wedding. Most of the women present looked as though they were going to a raunchy club, there were body parts only one's most "intimate friend" should see and most of the men were wearing the most casual of slack and someone even had on a pair of jeans and boots ! At a wedding!

So like everyone is saying, if these are the type of people that are making with the evil glares at you while you are properly attired, forget 'em.

Speaking of inappropriate dress at weddings has anyone heard of flip-flops being worn at a wedding? I am not kidding!! My wife recently told me about a friend's wedding and how the bridal party is considering flip-flops for comfort.
I have seen people going to funerals who are dressed like they are doing construction work on a home.
Do people not know how to dress at functions or do they not care?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Clearly, they don't care -- it's all part of the "my being comfortable is more important than making a good impression" argument, the same kind of argument five year olds used to make when they didnt want to get dressed up for the first day of school. We here have clearly grown beyond that stage, but it seems most people today never did.

And since when are flip flops comfortable??? They make your feet sweat, they cause blisters between your toes, and you have to clench your feet to keep them from slipping off. Blech.

Personally, I think the whole flip-flops-and-baggy-shorts "California Beach Bum" look is acceptable only if you are (1). On the beach, (2). In California, and (3). Are a bum.

 

[boomerchop]

I don't get it...

The being comfortable part that is. People use that excuse for the way they dress, and yet I am completely comfortable without looking like they do. I think the "it's more comfortable" excuse is just a cover for "I'm too lazy to think of anything better much less go to the effort of putting it on" or something to that effect. I am not a vintage wearer, I just try to dress nice and vintage style is certainly an inspiration. One of the last days at school I was just wearing a pair of khakis, cotton gingham shirt and suede saddles, and people were asking why I was dressed up. I wasn't dressed up, I was there to disassemble my room and pack just like they were, and I was comfortable. The only difference seemed to be that I cared what I looked like and they....didn't seem to. So I don't think comfort has anything to do with current appearances.

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

The being comfortable part that is. People use that excuse for the way they dress, and yet I am completely comfortable without looking like they do. I think the "it's more comfortable" excuse is just a cover for "I'm too lazy to think of anything better much less go to the effort of putting it on" or something to that effect. I am not a vintage wearer, I just try to dress nice and vintage style is certainly an inspiration. One of the last days at school I was just wearing a pair of khakis, cotton gingham shirt and suede saddles, and people were asking why I was dressed up. I wasn't dressed up, I was there to disassemble my room and pack just like they were, and I was comfortable. The only difference seemed to be that I cared what I looked like and they....didn't seem to. So I don't think comfort has anything to do with current appearances.

I agree. I can't blame women if they aren't interested in wearing a girdle, but otherwise, what is more comfortable than wearing a skirt and blouse, or a dress? Wearing a two piece sweatsuit isn't more comfortable, it's just EASIER. And there are those who have no problem with looking sloppy all the time. [huh] Up to them I guess.

 

[Mr. Rover]

"I'm too lazy to think of anything better much less go to the effort of putting it on"

You know what is ironic? My lazy outfit these days is a gray pinstripe double breasted suit. When I feel too lazy to pick out my clothes in the morning, I'll put on a white shirt, tie, and a gray suit. It's easier than working with colors.
I went through the Abercrombie phase- cargo shorts barely hanging off the hip with t-shirts with stupid slogans. It's not really all that comfortable at all. You're clothes are just sorta hanging off of you like rags (which some of those things they sell at Abercromie are.) Well, I really haven't gotten that far from wearng baggy pants...they just happen to sit at my waist now.
Disneyland was great in a three-piece vintage (aka thick) suit (although it helped that it was quite cool that day.) There was maybe a short uncomfortable phase for about an hour when it got unususually hot. I'm sure Matt Deckard was completely fine in his linen suit, though!
I've come to find that the comfort lies in the pants- 85 degrees and humid in Bangkok, Thailand and I'm running around in a flannel blazer and linen pants completely at ease.

 

[Paisley]

Speaking of inappropriate dress at weddings has anyone heard of flip-flops being worn at a wedding? I am not kidding!! My wife recently told me about a friend's wedding and how the bridal party is considering flip-flops for comfort.
I have seen people going to funerals who are dressed like they are doing construction work on a home.
Do people not know how to dress at functions or do they not care?

My cousin's wife's bridal party wore flip flops. The groomsmen looked OK, aside from wearing their pants 6" too long. Some of the guests were in shorts and t-shirts. Gad!

My sister wore an aqua track suit to a funeral last year. Not even a black track suit.

Some here have questioned why some people give them dirty looks or even snotty remarks when they dress up. Jealousy might be the case sometimes, but I think another part of it is the rejection of their standards. Some people are sensitive about this. (Whether their standard of reverse snobbery deserves to be rejected is beside the point.)

TommySalieri, you originally asked how extended family felt about dressing up. I don't wear vintage clothes, but I do like to look my best. Since my extended family is casual, I wear my nice-casual clothes when I see them: cotton skirt, feminine t-shirt or sweater, decent shoes. My family also likes to gossip, so I don't wear anything that could become grist for the mill.

 

[Rosie]

Speaking of inappropriate dress at weddings has anyone heard of flip-flops being worn at a wedding? I am not kidding!! My wife recently told me about a friend's wedding and how the bridal party is considering flip-flops for comfort.
I have seen people going to funerals who are dressed like they are doing construction work on a home.
Do people not know how to dress at functions or do they not care?

I went to a funeral last year where there were many, many men and WOMEN! dressed in boots and jeans. My mother, the close family of the deceased and I were the ONLY people who dressed appropriately, it was sad/disgusting/disrespectful in my eyes. The only person who seemed to care that he was inappropriately dressed was a man who came straight from work (or he would have missed the service) and he had the decency to stand in the back of the chapel and only came in to offer condolences after the service. I think in a word, other people just don't care. (well, a few words)

Some here have questioned why some people give them dirty looks or even snotty remarks when they dress up. Jealousy might be the case sometimes, but I think another part of it is the rejection of their standards. Some people are sensitive about this. (Whether their standard of reverse snobbery deserves to be rejected is beside the point.)

TommySalieri, you originally asked how extended family felt about dressing up. I don't wear vintage clothes, but I do like to look my best. Since my extended family is casual, I wear my nice-casual clothes when I see them: cotton skirt, feminine t-shirt or sweater, decent shoes. My family also likes to gossip, so I don't wear anything that could become grist for the mill.

You make very interesting points Paisley. It's like people don't think well of themselves so how dare you, or we think we should look better than they. Very interesting.

I have many a gossip in my family too, I usually get called "superstar" or the rather lazy insult of being called stuck - up or prissy. [huh]

 

[mysterygal]

I have a hard time deciding whether it's society or just people in general that are just plain silly.
Case in point: Me and the mister went out for a really nice dinner a couple of weeks ago. I got dressed up...actually, it's the outfit in my avatar...anyways, As we were being seated, I noticed that men and women alike were dressed in jeans, some with *gasp* holes in them and t-shirts. Maybe saw two women who wore a dress that night.
The glares I got from a lot of women was, funny. I had to laugh later about it. Why the glares? And since when is it posh to go out to a nice place and wear your gardening clothes? I remember as a girl, I was taught that *warning: I'm going to be a little politically incorrect here* only white trash goes out to restraunts with holes in their jeans..or jeans period...girls wore a dress, and you took the time to look your best.
No matter what is going on with the culture, I still will always go out looking my best. I would feel weird and uncomfortable if I didn't, even though I would be looking like everyone else around me

 

[J. M. Stovall]

This morning on my way to the grocery store I was driving past the Dry Cleaners and some chap hopped out of his Lexus with about five pairs of blue jeans, on hangers. They already looked pressed, was he just getting them freshened up? And since when do people take jeans to get cleaned and pressed?

I must have missed the memo when jeans became dress pants.:eusa_doh:

 

[mysterygal]

lol jeans do seem to be the new 'dress slacks'. Although, I do wear jeans myself, but don't consider them 'dressy'

 

[PrettySquareGal]

This morning on my way to the grocery store I was driving past the Dry Cleaners and some chap hopped out of his Lexus with about five pairs of blue jeans, on hangers. They already looked pressed, was he just getting them freshened up? And since when do people take jeans to get cleaned and pressed?

I must have missed the memo when jeans became dress pants.:eusa_doh:

I need to defend some jean-wearing, since I wear them a lot. I think it's fine to wear jeans in casual situations, if they are neat and pressed. Laundering and pressing doesn't mean he considers them dress pants. I love to hike and take pictures out of doors, so jeans suit me well in those cases. Also, I work from home, and wear them to run errands, and I do my hair and lips.

I'm 5' 10" and have a heck of a time finding ready-made slacks that fit me properly- they are almost always too short. Jeans often come in "tall" lengths for women. I do mail order slacks but that's hit or miss.

Anyway, I'm not suggesting that jeans should be, or are appropriate for all occasions.

 

[Wild Root]

I have a hard time deciding whether it's society or just people in general that are just plain silly.
Case in point: Me and the mister went out for a really nice dinner a couple of weeks ago. I got dressed up...actually, it's the outfit in my avatar...anyways, As we were being seated, I noticed that men and women alike were dressed in jeans, some with *gasp* holes in them and t-shirts. Maybe saw two women who wore a dress that night.
The glares I got from a lot of women was, funny. I had to laugh later about it. Why the glares? And since when is it posh to go out to a nice place and wear your gardening clothes? I remember as a girl, I was taught that *warning: I'm going to be a little politically incorrect here* only white trash goes out to restraunts with holes in their jeans..or jeans period...girls wore a dress, and you took the time to look your best.
No matter what is going on with the culture, I still will always go out looking my best. I would feel weird and uncomfortable if I didn't, even though I would be looking like everyone else around me

Bless you! :eusa_clap That's how I feel about it! I'd wear white tie and tails to IN-N-OUT before I'd step into a classy joint wearing work clothes! Even if every stiff in the place was dressed as bums! I'd never lower my standards because it's acceptable to dress in rags! Today's generation feel it's cool or socially acceptable to dress as a rag-a-muffin (A term my Mother used) and well, they feel they're braking rules and trying to stand out by doing such... well, my question is who's standing out anymore? They're all dressed the same! I end up standing out because I have 60 year old clothes on that look as fresh as the day they were made when these clowns are wearing new clothes that look 100 years old! And they spend top coin for this filth! Some may call it "Emo" I call it Elmo because it looks childish!

I wear what I want, my family all know me and they think what I do is really special. My I really only hang out with other people who share the same taste. I feel most at home when wearing something vintage. lol

When it all boils down to it, wear something nicer then you'd see out on the town... you'll end up being the different one when every one else is trying to be different by doing the same thing. That's another reason why some may make rude remarks, they think they're being wild and crazy... then they see us looking like a million and getting all the attention!

Dress to impress my comrades! Heed not the fiery arrows of scorn! Gird up in the fashion you choose, wear it with pride and good things will come. The slovenly or lazy dressers may cast verbal stones, but, heed them not. For you know what you wear is right and what they wear is unsightly. Would the Eagle pay attention to the filthy pidgin? No! Carry a song in your hearts and know you're all very special for carrying on the traditions of your fathers and mothers who lived before these times.

=WR=

 

[Wild Root]

This morning on my way to the grocery store I was driving past the Dry Cleaners and some chap hopped out of his Lexus with about five pairs of blue jeans, on hangers. They already looked pressed, was he just getting them freshened up? And since when do people take jeans to get cleaned and pressed?

I must have missed the memo when jeans became dress pants.:eusa_doh:

lol lol lol I KNOW! I'VE SEEN THIS!!! What is that all about?

You know, I don't think it's that he considers them dress pants, I think it's a status symbol such as: Look every one, I'm so rich I can afford to have my dungarees dry-cleaned! I wonder how hard it is to toss them into the washing machine and set it to perm-press. I know jeans aren't dry-clean only! What a waste of cash.lol

I'm not anti jeans, not in a bit! They have a purpose and when I wear them, is when I'm at home, doing house work, working on the car, or when I play. I don't wear them when I go to dinner, when I'm on a date or hanging out with friends.

=WR=

 

[TommySalieri]

I find it intriguing how we all share similar experiences.

In my humble opinion, society has been in decline since the 60's. It has gotten to the point where you cannot wear a dress shirt, khakis, and tie without being stared at. Women of today have lowered their standards in both choice of personal clothing and the men they become attracted to. I mean, how do they fit into those tight pants! I'd be lying if I told you that I haven't been attracted to that. But it's "attraction" in a different form, if you know what I mean. It's nothing that will gain respect from me.

Fortunately, through trial and error, I have learned to distinguish between the "modern, stupid Jennifer-Lopez-wannabe" and the ladies that are actually worth your time. For example - I was walking through downtown with my younger brother. Two women in their 20's were walking in the opposite direction. As I passed them, I turned to them and tipped my hat. "Ma'am", I said.

They stopped, gazed at me, looked at each other, and began to laugh. Whether it was a good laugh or a "bad" laugh, is hard hard to determine in situations like that. Normally, they smile, with big starry eyes, and gaze at you until you disappear. Occasionally, when I give my Mother rides to someplace, young women will stop my Mother and compliment her on having such a "handsome son". "Men don't know how to dress, anymore..." they say, "It's hard to tell who's a man and who isn't!".

More often than not, I always seem to get the "Al Capone" comments from the guys. But it's always in good taste. About a couple of months ago, I went to a Law Enforcement Career Expo and went in my three piece linen suit and my grey Biltmore. I only saw two other men wearing suits. One guy was wearing khaki pants and a blue dress shirt. Needless to say, the guys wearing suits were taken more seriously. The San Diego Sheriff's, San Diego Community College Police, and the LA and Riverside Sheriffs Department outright invited me to their test locations. They treated me very nicely and respectively. One Sheriff Deputy kept addressing me as "Slick". lol Okay, I'm drifting off here.


As I said before, wearing a suit and hat in public is not an issue for me. I was only nervous about standing out in a small place where everyone was dressed in cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirts. But now that I look back on it, it was merely anxiety over being different in a brand new environment. Which is pretty foolish.

 

[Rosie]

About a couple of months ago, I went to a Law Enforcement Career Expo and went in my three piece linen suit and my grey Biltmore. I only saw two other men wearing suits. One guy was wearing khaki pants and a blue dress shirt. Needless to say, the guys wearing suits were taken more seriously. The San Diego Sheriff's, San Diego Community College Police, and the LA and Riverside Sheriffs Department outright invited me to their test locations. They treated me very nicely and respectively.

I know this is off topice but, why, why why don't people dress up for interviews anymore? I went on an interview (for my current job) two years ago. It was warm but still, I wore a black skirt suit, stockings, heels and wore my hair up, like you are supposed to, like we've all been told before our first job search when we are younger. Anyway, the only people dressed professionally was me (as usual) and a nice looking gentleman who wore a lovely suit. Most of the men ore khakis and a shirt, maybe a tie and most of the women just wore slacks and a blouse, one had on a denim skirt and one wore some type of sash around her waist. After my interview when I was leaving, the aforementioned young man was outside and he says something to the effect of "what's with those people's clothes? didn't they know they were coming to an interview?" we discussed the decline of fashion for a few minutes. There were two positions being offered that day. I know my credentials had a lot to do with me getting my job but my attire didn't hurt and his classroom is across the hall from mine.

 

[Tourbillion]

Thanks for the suggestions, fellas. My main concern is being the only guy with a suit at a theme park - which I knew I'd be overdressed for - while everyone else is dressed in khaki shorts and Hawaiian shirts! I don't mind standing out in public, but a theme park is something else, in my book. I'm glad that others feel the same way.

I'll go casual for Disney but I can't say the same for Vegas. I'm going all out, baby! Just like ol' Blue Eyes. Who's comin' with me? lol

And Quigley: You're really spookin' me out with those warped pictures. lol

Yes, wear a suit (and hat) in Las Vegas, it is totally appropriate.

As for Disneyland, well...
Here's a photo of a family at Coney Island in the 1940's"

I don't see any suits.

Furthermore, here are some "suits" at another amusement park in the 1930's:
http://www.americanaamusementpark.com/bb.htm

I especially like the guys without a shirt eating lunch at the Garden.

If you want to wear vintage, fine, but remember that you aren't president of the US, you can go in nice slacks and a camp shirt like they did in the 30's. A hat might keep the sun out of your eyes.

p.s. Ladies don't wear a pencil skirt to Disneyland, the rides are impossible.

 

[JustJen]

lol lol lol I KNOW! I'VE SEEN THIS!!! What is that all about?

You know, I don't think it's that he considers them dress pants, I think it's a status symbol such as: Look every one, I'm so rich I can afford to have my dungarees dry-cleaned! I wonder how hard it is to toss them into the washing machine and set it to perm-press. I know jeans aren't dry-clean only! What a waste of cash.lol

=WR=

My husband does this but only with one pair of his jeans and they're not dungarees. He has a pair that are tailored like dress pants and because he wears suits daily, Friday is their 'casual' day. He doesn't want to look scabby so he has them laundered - not dry cleaned- and starched. In his position on casual days, it conveys he's a 'team player' and it serves it's purpose. It also sets an example for the staff of what 'casual Fridays' should be.

I asked him why he just doesn't do it. I even offered to wash and starch them myself but he let me know that he would rather us spend that time on our family. And in those terms, it's not a 'waste of cash'.

Jen

 

[Benny Holiday]

I wish I had the money to go along with the 'job'

A year and half ago, I had to attend jury duty. I wore a light brown 40's DB suit, the one in my avatar. Almost everyone thought I was a lawyer, and two court clerks tried to show me to the chambers for a hearing that was about to commence.

At least we're all in the same boat!

 

[Wild Root]

My husband does this but only with one pair of his jeans and they're not dungarees. He has a pair that are tailored like dress pants and because he wears suits daily, Friday is their 'casual' day. He doesn't want to look scabby so he has them laundered - not dry cleaned- and starched. In his position on casual days, it conveys he's a 'team player' and it serves it's purpose. It also sets an example for the staff of what 'casual Fridays' should be.

I asked him why he just doesn't do it. I even offered to wash and starch them myself but he let me know that he would rather us spend that time on our family. And in those terms, it's not a 'waste of cash'.

Jen

I commend the spending more time with the family, that's swell! I guess three bucks for laundering a pair of jeans isn't such a sin but, it's such a simple thing that I can't justify driving all the way to my cleaners to have them do something that I'm perfectly capable of doing my self... I only have my vintage dry cleaned... jeans can get washed like everything else. They come out of the dryer nice and fresh. It only takes 50 minuets out of my whole week to do.

Highest regards,

=WR=