What "Style" do you WISH you could pull off, but know you can't?

[Worf]

All my life I've known that I wanted to be "different" in appearance than my fellows. Growing up in the "40 Projects" (read Council Estates), I had neither the money nor aura to sport a Beaver pelt Kangol Cap, Alpaca sweater (from the "Bly Shop" in Harlem) or crepe soled suede "Playboys" shoes. I wanted that to run that style but knew that I couldn't. Nor could I sport the "Player in Training Look" either. That consisted of a ridiculously large Afro, platform kicks, a black turtleneck layered over with a maxi-length black leather coat. Sigh... The girls in my neighborhood let me know in no uncertain terms that I wasn't making the grade soooooo, I concentrated on my education and at 17 years old I kissed the Projects goodbye.

This was as close as I got back in the day. The sweater was NOT a genuine Alpaca.

Fast-forward too many years to mention, I looked at those fashions from that time and realized it was more fashion by Bozo than anything remotely logical. But there STILL are some looks I wish I could pull off. My shoulders and everything else are much too large for me to pull off the true Edwardian style. I'd love to but I cain't. I wish I could buy off the Rack but ah cain't. I'd love to wear a fully fitted 40's get up from top to bottom..... from Fedora to footwear, but I can't. I'm gettin' closer but I ain't there yet.

The closest I'll ever get to Howard Hughes but I'm trying.


What style or "Look" do you wish you could cut a figure in but alas you cannot?

Worf

 

[Frunobulax]

Always wanted to be a skinny rock star in tight pants like Ray Davies, but my DNA betrayed me.

I passed skinny at about 12 and went straight to corn fed white boy.

(sigh...)

 

[dudewuttheheck]

@Worf love the idea for the thread. Personally I think that photo shows that you are incredibly close to pulling off the full '30s/'40s look. Just slightly different shoes and probably slightly wider trouser hem, but the rest is there!

I'd love to get more into '30s and '40s suiting. It's not that I don't think I can do it, but it would take a lot of time, money, and effort. I don't need another money pit.

If I were really brave, I'd go full later Victorian British, but I'm not that brave.

 

[Mandarin]

Very significant topic. I'd almost say it goes to the heart of what this forum is all about.
Your last picture shows that you are very close to have found a proper way of expressing your true self through your style. It's still a matter of appearance, but the overall impression is one of harmony between the exterior and the interior. Knowing oneself is key to achieving this harmony.
Personally, I have to acknowledge some obvious limitations that prevent me from trying to emulate certain styles. For instance the Wild one/Brando look is not for me , I'm too thin for that. Another impossible 50's fantasy is the Link Wray haircut : age has definitely forbade me to endeavor a pompadour. Instead, I need to wear a hat when the temperature gets below 10°C. Plus I wear glasses!
Nonetheless, I'm comfortable wearing leather jackets since they're still relevant for riding a motorcycle. With time, I found a few I'm happy with. I think the only style I'd like to try but would never dare wear in the open is the grizzly.

 

[MrProper]

I'd like to try but would never dare wear in the open is the grizzly.

What I want to wear, I wear. However, I also make an exception for the grizzly I actually think it's cool and I like it on others, but I'd feel too costumey. Besides, my arms would still be cold

 

[Khilij]

Hats. Any hat other than a baseball cap or a beanie just looks plain ridiculous on me. I really don't have what it takes to pull em off and I've become ok with that.

 

[Bfd70]

Personally it feels like in order to dress A style you need to combine multiplr pieces. I always feel like i’m dipping my toes in the cosplay pool when i do that. It makes me self conscious and if you aren’t comfortable with what you are wearing it will never have style. It’s a me thing. Several people here obviously pull it off very well.

 

[moktabe]

I like styles from the 40's and 50's e.g Oxford bag trousers, high waisted chinos, short jackets etc.

I feel fortunate that having a 33" waist, 44" chest and broad shoulders along with being 6ft 2" I can carry it off.

Although I will admit that when walking down the street I can look like a bit of a throwback

 

[Edward]

Interesting question. I think most of the time it's a question of confidence more than anything. Though I know, even if I wanted to, I'd look ridiculous in a late 60s style skinny suit. Think Alexei Sayle's stage wear in the early eighties (which was deliberate and for comedic value).

I have always appreciated the look of a zoot suit, but I really feel far too whited for that not to be a cultural appropriation too far. I did for a time toy with the idea of having one made in tweed, though.

 

[belfastboy]

For me it is clearly Spandex .....I am a cyclist and regardless of my deep desire to don the full spandex cycling attire I just cannot pull it off. So I cycle in baggy shorts and a sweat shirt.

 

[ton312]

Finance bro. I have no way to back it up.

 

[Worf]

Very significant topic. I'd almost say it goes to the heart of what this forum is all about.
Your last picture shows that you are very close to have found a proper way of expressing your true self through your style. It's still a matter of appearance, but the overall impression is one of harmony between the exterior and the interior. Knowing oneself is key to achieving this harmony.
Personally, I have to acknowledge some obvious limitations that prevent me from trying to emulate certain styles. For instance the Wild one/Brando look is not for me , I'm too thin for that. Another impossible 50's fantasy is the Link Wray haircut : age has definitely forbade me to endeavor a pompadour. Instead, I need to wear a hat when the temperature gets below 10°C. Plus I wear glasses!
Nonetheless, I'm comfortable wearing leather jackets since they're still relevant for riding a motorcycle. With time, I found a few I'm happy with. I think the only style I'd like to try but would never dare wear in the open is the grizzly.

Well put and quite insightful. It IS about the balance of interior and exterior. Knowing how you wish to be seen as an expression of your "true self" and then doing it. Thank you.

Worf

 

[Eagledog]

Worf you already have a wonderful style. Natural and comfortable, not trying hard to look like someone else.
Don't change a thing.
I don't have a designated style. I wear what I like and ignore all fashion trends.
I think too many are following the karaoke of the fashion world. Best not to be a fake copy of someone else.

 

[Monitor]

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

Finance bro. I have no way to back it up.

lol thought it was more to do with “trust fund, 6’5”, blue eyes” than a sense of style

 

[El Marro]

For me it would be hats, and cowboy hats in particular. I own a couple nice ones but I always feel self conscious when I put them on.
It was similar when I started wearing cross zip leather jackets, but that feeling passed quickly. The hat one I can’t seem to get past.