I wondering if there is an American Fogey Style. No this would not include any go-to-hell clothing or Preppy stuff like patch madras. I've seen some older guys dressed very plainly but well none th less. Old gray flannel trousers, plain bluchers, a cardigan sweater over a solid color shirt (white, blue or gray). Always a tie, and depending on the situation a jacket (sack or not). Is this the American version of a Fogey? What else would this include or exclude?
Are you thinking of, Hoagie, style ?
Jack,
Thanks for you valuable insights. They ring true as usual. I need to learn more about this 'Cracked Shoe' crowd. Would it be related to old money or at least old school 'white shoe' law firms? I'm thinking there may be a connection.
Last edited by jack_sparrow (2007-10-09 11:39:56)
Last edited by jack_sparrow (2007-10-09 11:40:18)
Uncle Jack -you make an excellent point - with regards to class-I`m affraid the Squire is probably the most obvious candidate for the term - money doesn`t buy you class.
As for clothing I'm thinking:
brogues (aka as wingtips - thanks CM)
plain dark socks (maybe argyles when playing golf)
tieback boxers
undershirts - but only under a shirt
flannel or gab trousers (khakis if you brought them home from the military)
plain broadcloth shirts in pastel colors or the occasional subtle stripe
sweater vests
cardigans
plain sport coats
plain - nondescript suits
usually a tie
Appropriate colors: navy, gray, maroon, white.
It's a start, what can be added?
Michael- I would hazzard a guess- that you shall require a good quality flat cap to compliment your wardrobe- and keep the old cranium dry and warm.
Ah yes, olive green, very nice when done in corde du roi, trousers or a jacket. Very good Autumnal color even though it may clash with the old Pendelton blanket or Scotch cooler. Doesn't matter though if it clashes, as has been said before if the stuff is of good quality it won't wear out and so it really does all go together. Never throw out - maybe depression babies and fogeys have more in common than I thought.
Good morning Michael- I think under normal circumstances you would be correct in your assumption about colour clashes- however a fogeys approach to clothing is often about practicallity so blending or clashing of colour becomes secondary, so long as the article of clothing is fit for purpose.
Peter York's 1981-ish essay 'Reactionary Chic' (Modern Times) feeds into all this.
Ditto George Melly's 1969-ish 'Revolt into Style'.
AndyTrad is merely a derivative form of the above along with the 'Young Fogey Handbook' and the 'OPH'.
AndyTrad is American Fogey... But badly done.
'STYLE' is an industry, boys. You can't make up your own movements unless they actually are NEW. That's your problem.
You've got what you think is a new take on the old American style but it is so compromised and ill-informed that it really isn't very much at all.
Keep on watching - I think you'll find that anybody smart won't stay with you long. Who wants to be 'Dumb to the Bone'?
j.
Last edited by jack_sparrow (2007-10-10 09:35:36)
Last edited by Gomez (2007-10-11 03:57:53)
Doing my best try at American Fogey today I'm wearing my brown brogues (highly polished wingtips), brown socks with small red dots woven in, chocolate brown cords, a light brown lambs wool v-neck sweater and an old forward point white shirt with narrow blue stripes. When I go out I'll also wear my Barbour Beaufort, which needs rewaxing. Any tips on how to improve this? I am still learning so please be kind. Jack, Cheeky - yout thoughts?
Following Cheeky Monkey's recommendation I am changing my name. It shall now be Michael of Greece. No more Saxe-Colberg-Gotha, just Greece. I think fogey's beauty may be in its simplicity.