Second-thoughts on vintage wearing in public...

[TommySalieri]

I am terribly afraid of wearing a suit and fedora at amusement parks and large gatherings. I can easily do my own thing on the street but when it comes to the aforementioned, I chicken out and wear a hat only and I can't explain it!

I am heading off on vacation next week. I'll be hittin' Vegas, Disneyland, and all of Texas to visit the family. Part of me wants to pack up my suits and the other part wants to simply pack the lids. I am at a fork on the road and some pep talk could really help here. lol

While we're on this subject, what fears did/do you have when it came to "suiting up" and how did you overcome them? How do people react to you at large gatherings? How does your extended family feel about it?

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

When in Disneyland, dress as the Disneylandians?

You don't want to stand out too much, eh? Maybe just dress casually during the day,(YOUR version of casually) so that you don't ruin a good suit or inspire a lot of rude stares and dumb comments. Then in the evening wear a suit to dinner?

What would Miss Manners say? [huh]

 

[Senator Jack]

50s/60s loungewear solves this problem. A typical outfit for me at Shea Stadium, Coney Island, barbecues etc. is black slacks, a short sleeve 50s shirt, and a stingy brim Milano straw. Unless I know I'm going to be involved in some physical activity, I wear shoes.

Yes, you will get the eye in places like Disneyland, but some people will appreciate the brief transport back in time that you're providing them. The elderly employees over at Shea always say to me 'Now that's how you should come to a ballgame.' They remember when only the players wore baseball hats, and the men in the crowd wore (gasp) ties!

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

[jake_fink]

I used to worry I'd get rolled and wake up in an alley wearing nothing but my non-vinatge socks and underpants.

I worry that the sun will ruin my ties and jackets.

I worry that my son will lay one of his baby-snot boutonnieres on me.

Life's too short to borrow trouble. Wear what you like when you like it. Carpe diem.

 

[Quigley Brown]

Hey! You'll be a tourist in Vegas and Disneyland. Sooooooo.....dress like a tourist!

 

[Feraud]

I suggest you wear what is comfortable in the situation. A suit and fedora at a theme park might be too dressy. Senator Jack suggested options for a vintage casual look.
Due to the lack of appropriate dress on behalf of the population it takes very little to look good. Dressing down can be shoes, slacks, button down shirt, and fedora. People will think you are dressed to the 9's.
A suit jacket, vest, etc. can be too dressy for certain vacation spots.

 

[TommySalieri]

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 Hawaiin 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

 

[Pilgrim]

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 Hawaiin shirts!

With good reason, I'd say. WHY in heaven's name would you wear a suit (or relatively formal clothing of ANY kind) to a theme park????? Get comfortable, throw on a golf or beach shirt and shorts, and if you want to wear a fedora, just pick one that suits casual wear.

 

[TommySalieri]

With good reason, I'd say. WHY in heaven's name would you wear a suit (or relatively formal clothing of ANY kind) to a theme park????? Get comfortable, throw on a golf or beach shirt and shorts, and if you want to wear a fedora, just pick one that suits casual wear.

I blame it on my general "newbieness" and the lack of a proper "Where One Should Wear A Suit" guide.

 

[Pilgrim]

Hey, Tommy, you're one of "da boys" here. S' OK!!

Just seems like there's a time to go native and enjoy playing turista!

 

[TommySalieri]

lol

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

There's no need to feel compelled to wear vintage all the time, anyway. It's ok to wear jeans if you want to! It's ok to wear modern clothing if you are more comfortable in certain situations or simply can't afford it! IT'S OK! DO WHAT MAKES YOU COMFORTABLE!

Nothing wrong with, say, a Tommy Bahama silk shirt and loose linen trousers at a theme park. Casual, yet classy.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

I point you all to this recent thread......

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=9012


*gasp* suits....at a theme park!

 

[J. M. Stovall]

I agree with Senator Jack, because that's how I dress almost every day. Many a time I've shown up to an outdoor kids birthday party with my daughter wearing a vintage short sleeve loop shirt, a pair of Bill's twills (nice and cool in the summer), some casual 6" lace boots, and a vintage straw fedora. I don't know these other people and their kids from Adam, but people always like the way I'm dressed. I have to admit it took me a while to start doing it all the time, but now it's just a habit. I'm not sure about a fedora at a theme park though, maybe if it was the kind you could roll up when you were on a ride.

 

[TommySalieri]

You see, somehow, I knew that my original intentions to wear a suit to Disney weren't all that bad.

I'd be willing to do something like that! Strength in numbers, that's what I always say.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

I'm not sure about a fedora at a theme park though, maybe if it was the kind you could roll up when you were on a ride.

Mr. Deckard would tell you that that's what a wind trolly is for. His hat rode on his head through Indana Jones and the Temple of Doom ride. Twice. I witnessed this.

And I beleive that GhostAssassin did likewise.

:fedora: :fedora:

 

[Twitch]

"Amusement parks" are no place to be wearing a suit of any type!! You will NOT be comfortable at all. As for headwear try a straw of your choice as it is now summer and being outside in the sun is HOT and you will be miserable. Six Flags in Texas, Disneyland in So. Cal., Disneyworld in humid Florida and etc. Think about it.

An indoor event where suits are the general rule is a different story. Even so you must remove your hat at conventions or meetings of any type.

 

[mysterygal]

slacks, crisp shirt and a fedora.....would look great anywhere! Plus it sounds more comfy than a full suit for theme parks. Myself, I love to be a little over dressed and I find when I see someone else who takes the care to go out looking their best, I really appreciate their efforts in this world of sweat pants and jeans with holes in them!

 

[Paisley]

I am terribly afraid of wearing a suit and fedora at amusement parks and large gatherings. I can easily do my own thing on the street but when it comes to the aforementioned, I chicken out and wear a hat only and I can't explain it!

I am heading off on vacation next week. I'll be hittin' Vegas, Disneyland, and all of Texas to visit the family. Part of me wants to pack up my suits and the other part wants to simply pack the lids. I am at a fork on the road and some pep talk could really help here. lol

I've found that a good general rule in life is, "When in doubt, don't."

An amusement park is a playground for all ages. It has splashing water, dirty seats, messy snacks and drinks, wild rides, and carefree people. It's no more a place for a suit than the hills were a place for the Von Trapp children's natty white uniforms. That's why Maria made the play clothes. I'm sure your good taste will guide you and you won't wear anything made of ripped denim (or old curtains).

 

[Miss Neecerie]

I guess I just find it rather odd that people are talking about suits as if they were white tuxedos....

Suits in the golden era were worn daily, in places that had stains and kids and all that messy stuff. They were meant to be worn.

Fine, if someone is uncomfortable. They should dress as they like.

But to claim that any one particular place is 'not the place for a suit or a hat' seems a bit silly unless one is talking about scuba diving or swimming.