This entire thread feels like a high school production of a better musical that appeared several years ago on this stage.

Yup; it surely do.  I genuinely want to have Coolidge and the others here, but there is probably little enough for them to get excited about as we approach 2012.  Down to them to bring some fresh goodies to the table if they think they can.  I'm only here to keep the pot bubbling.

LOL!  Grisham?

Thanks, is he wearing that with well ironed chinos or are they white slacks?  Either way it shows flannels are not the only option.

p.s. Please excuse my using 'he' instead of 'you'.

Last edited by Yuca (2011-12-09 08:08:29)

'Paradoxically I find the navy blazer to be highly unversatile.  What are the options for trouser matching?

1.  Khakis - a matter of personal  pereference as we have seen above, but a combination I find dull.

2.  White trousers - only in summer and can be a bit too nautical, especially if your blazer has gold buttons.

3.  Grey flannel - way too middle aged.

4.  Jeans - only if you want to go down the Top Gear horror route.

The problem I think is that in the UK the navy blazer has all sorts of unfortunate associations which maybe it doesn't have in the US.  It brings to mind something you'd buy in M&S or from a small ad in the back of a colour supplement; the sort of thing worn by Dennis Thatcher or some bore with a G&T in the local golf club.  A bit too Terry and June if you get my drift.'


A decade ago (minus a week) Sal really hit the nail on the head, on both points. I didn't appreciate it at the time and was considering buying a blazer for some years. But when I did find a 60s Brooks in my size I just couldn't pull the trigger. Something about them just doesn't appeal. As stated above, they're not versatile, and I like to buy to wear.

Last edited by Yuca (2021-12-02 12:28:50)

The thing is, in vintage photos and films, blazers really don't come up very often. Although Cassavetes looks good in blazer and flannels in one scene in Rosemary's Baby.

As for blazer and chinos: I've already mentioned that it is very popular with people who post selfies on IS FB. Usually accompanied by a bow tie. A look that does absolutely nothing for me.

I admit I'm quite keen on 'The Clarkson'. Not the dreadful man and his tedious default smug conservatism, but the combo of blazer with jeans. For me that's more 80s Ralph. I do love all their old ads from that period and one has kind of frozen in my head - a handsome blond chap in chambray shirt, repp tie, navy blazer and jeans. I like brass buttons, I like navy blue, I like jeans. I admit you have to get the balance right or you'll end up like poodle head. They had another great ad where another beautiful man is in a pink button-down, some kind of red motif tie, a loose double-breasted blazer, khakis rolled up short (not tailored), no socks and navy sneakers. Great white teeth, floppy blond hair, and sitting on a vintage bike. Loved it. Yes, fantasy stuff, but a lot of dress up is. If I want banal achievable reality I'd dress in the anonymous subfusc of the masses.

Then I've never considered myself, or ever wanted, to be prep.

Last edited by Yuca (2021-12-02 19:35:18)