^done.

Last edited by doghouse (2013-08-13 08:07:55)

The Yellow OCBD is an interesting animal - I've shifted more than a few just lately from J. Press mid-'80s, flap pocket and all.

Its formality, comparing the US to the UK, is of interest.

When asked, I've been recommending a Charcoal suit and a Navy-ish tie. Maybe they'd be better with a Blazer  ?

Dunno.

They are casual in the UK, especially with the flap pocket. In the US... ?  Others must tell me.

Best -

Has it improved? I suppose I am in the most "stylish" city in America and most men look like lumpy slobs that don't know or care how to dress. A non-dandied, well dressed man is a rarity even here.

England/Britain changed from 1989 to what we have now... it was tangible even when I was that young.... we really were heavily influenced by hip hop culture, basketball, video games..  it grew and grew and by the end of the 90s def by mid 00s I feel the  England I knew for better or worse was lost to global culture whose centre was American exported culture

Formby - don't push me cos I'm close to tha edge.

yessir.

My perspective on this is a little different being Canadian and having an English mother, German father and being bombarded by US media.  There is no Canadian style other than wearing workwear.  Anything formal or smart casual is a mish mash from media and different ethnic groups who have immigrated over the years.

I grew up with the idea that English style had a formal edge with classic tailored fit.  I saw business attire as a navy, three piece suit with the colour of shirt and tie determining the actual formality level with the colourful eccentrics thrown into the mix.  The first time I saw a custom made suit was when a great aunt visited from England after having married into money.  Her husband's suit was as described above with impeccable tailoring but obviously well worn for many years.  The German in me was fascinated with the ability to buy a sturdy suit and wear it for many years and still look well put out.   When I next saw my aunt a couple of years later I asked about the age of the suit and when I found out her husband hadn't purchased a new suit in over ten years I was hooked and decided when I had some success I would have my suits made in England.  Growing up in the seventies with most of my English influences from those around me being fifties and early sixties based I saw English style as the original power suit which seemed to be confirmed to me in the eighties as this was imported to the US and Canada as business attire.

My ideas on English style may not be close to accurate but are instead based on my own experience and how I perceived it.  I think this is why I think it is difficult to nail down American and English style.  Earlier in the thread English style being described as structured agrees with my perception while I see American style being Trad and more casual with OCBD shirts, chino pants, shawl collar sweaters and such.  Our perceptions may be based more on picking out historical facts that support our opinions based on what we like and how we choose to dress.