A hip-length beige raincoat, front with concealed buttons, raglan sleeves with buttoned tab on the cuffs, multicoloured striped lining mostly in purple and dark green. Bought from an old dear in a charity shop around 1983-84 for 5p.

I don't think there's been a month since I got it that I haven't worn it. It's been machine-washed dozens of times and never needs ironing (I suspect it might be Terylene). The fit is absolutely perfect, an elusive quality I can only find in second-hand jackets – shops don't carry sensible RTW stuff for anyone smaller than at least 5'8" any more. The only thing I can't wear it with (because of the length) is suits or sports jackets.

OK, maybe a beige raincoat is not a huge reflection of personality, but I am very attached to it. Quite a thought that a garment that is probably already a good 30 years old will still be around (and I hope still smart) 30 years from now. If only we could all age as well as that…

Suppose it's the footwear in my case really, dress sneakers that is, or hybrid trainers, whatever you wanna call them.....complementing my moddy casual look perfectly. Another plus is that I've never seen anybody else doing it.....

Mine is probably a dark knit tie.

60s styled s/s buttondowns by Ben Sherman (UK range) or Fred Perry.  They have the 3rd neck button, full back boxpleat, notched sleeves, slimfitting.....and if you know where this design came from, it was a British interpretation of American ivy style a la Brooks Bros shirts of the day (early 60s).  Simple, classic, fitted, and when someone wears one of these shirts it says a lot about where they're coming from, interest-wise.   It's what I wear most days in summer and quite often in the fall/winter with a sweater/jacket

Last edited by Get Smart (2007-08-22 09:33:24)

An neat little essay on the dress sneaker and that whole Moddy/Suede/ Casual interface would be quite a thing, Alex.
Can I tempt you to share your knowledge? 

David.

I think it's a really under explored area for whatever reason - That gap between casual and 'smart' which is the playground for so many 'subcultural' looks... even just basic things like wearing a knitted sports shirt (FP or whatever) with a suit...

Get Smart is the other great & INFORMED poster in this area in my book...

I've been scanning SF looking for inspiration on this and didn't find too much. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place. Modculture is smarter & more sussed I think, but they can slip into 'group think' a little sometimes. Then again there are far worse forums guilty of that...

Ramble, ramble, ramble...

Opening time seems a long way away today. These afternoons are my Via Dolorosa.

Ho hum.

Last edited by Alex Roest (2007-08-23 08:57:50)

Skinny ties. I even get ties cut down to 3" to get them just right. Never wear a pocket hanky.

Alden black calf, dark brown calf, and dark brown suede tassel loafers. 40+ years.

Regards,

Steven

I like brown suede shoes ,but not hush puppies.