When you think of it there is nothing remotely stylish about this description. It sounds so generic it borders on boring. And yet when you put it into the Ivy context of fit, detail and proportion it's like a coded message.

The cords might have a turn up and they're probably flat fronted. They're not too wide to be straight fit or follow the current trend to be low-rise and narrow. They have been tailored to the correct length. No pooling of fabric around the ankle or too short to flash novelty striped socks.

The loafers are well maintained but obviously worn in. They sit between smart and casual.

The button down rolls elegantly and has a larger collar than the current micro nonsense trend where the collar button takes up a disproportionally large amount of space. Again, it isn't this slim fit nonsense that looks like a girls blouse. It's roomy but the shoulders are bang-on. The locker loop and the back collar button that the wearer doesn't actually see sends out a deeply coded semaphore.

Finally, the shetland. Simple, and on closer inspection you can see the various natural shades that combine reflecting this is a hand framed garment of the highest quality. No logos or superfluous details are required.It may have a saddle should but it's not essential.

The only things missing from the description are the surcingle or leather braided belt. You can't get these easily in the UK but it's all about the details isn't it. If you're feeling a bit daring the argyle socks are the only thing you might consider, but these are toned into your look rather than being bright contrasting colours.

Everything considered. Nothing flash or fashion forward.

My first sight of The Guv'nor: denim shirt, probably chinos, no socks, very grubby white Sebago boat shoes minus the laces.  Never forgot that.  2 Russell Street was an education.

Time to revive your famous thread 'Shit You Will Not Wear...'

^ It's funny how things go in circles. A few years ago trying to get a shetland of any quality was quite difficult. I was staying in Glasgow and nobody stocked them - only cheap cashmere for the tourists. Now they are plentiful. Everybody including Anderson and Shepperd, Drakes, Trunk and End carry them.

Yes, I remember that Shetland was the cheap option when I was at school but now it's more expensive than a lot of lambswool products. I'm not sure of the economics, but I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of lambswool knits are now from China.

I highly rate Cordings for their lambswool products.

Navy lambswool and cashmere for me now.  V-neck and in any variation.  But it must be made in the UK (don't mind where), the USA or Italy.  Braemar is good stuff, isn't it?

Mm, Hong Kong did seem to be quite a centre for knitwear at one point.

Just had a peek Kingston1an, it looks like he's modelling ones made by Skippers Mill which are reasonably priced Shetlands, I'm surprised it wasn't Malloch's.

Cut to ribbed cuff exposing Rolex Submariner/Yacht Master blah blah blah.

Personally, I wish he would stick to writing content for iGents. You know the type, collar and tie but no socks. Shirts that are so fitted they look fit to burst at the seams.
They are fickle fashion folk. The antithesis of this Ivy thing of ours.

Ivy has longevity. It is not some here today, gone tomorrow look. Most of the people here are passionate aficionados who have arrived at the style, understand its principles and pulled together their personal interpretations of the look.

And it's certainly not influenced by freebies.

Personally, I wish he would stick to writing content for iGents. You know the type, collar and tie but no socks. Shirts that are so fitted they look fit to burst at the seams.
They are fickle fashion folk. The antithesis of this Ivy thing of ours.

Just another bandwagon jumper

Last edited by Runninggeez (2021-12-16 06:16:03)

I don't have problem with an expensive watch. I like Rolex sports models and see them as design classics in the same way as a 911 or Eames Recliner.
I think a watch and a wedding ring are the only Jewellery a gentleman should ever wear.
A watch, regardless of cost, should remain tucked away under your sleeve and not in anyway be a signifier.
Worse than flashing a watch is the trend to have beads or coloured string wrapped around your wrist. Worst still if you're middle aged.

Yes. Watch and wedding ring only. Even these days I can’t leave the house without a watch on. I’m not in a position to be looking at Rolex. But I don’t have a problem with them apart from when they’re flashed around.
Beads and bangles - in my mind only worn by middle aged ‘I’m a free spirit man’ ex mortage advisors who saw the shit coming in 2008 and buggered off to Thailand to lay low for a while.