I got the idea for this post yesterday after having finished sewing a shirt for Mr. C. A somewhat unusual shirt that got me thinking about the lack of variety in men's fashion today.
When it comes to mens' fashion I'm afraid there really isn't that much to say. A modern man who conforms to today's rules of acceptable dressing is confined to a dull colour palette of black, blue or gray suits paired with appropriate footwear. Accessories are practically non existent. Cuff links, if any, must now be discreet, nothing flamboyant and the only freedom of colour expression left is the choice of tie. Well a somewhat freedom anyway, since a bright hue of magenta or orange might be considered unsuitable for certain professions.
Neither me nor Mr. C consider ourselves particularly sartorial or avantgarde when it comes to fashion and we are unlikely to ever be featured on Scott Schuman's blog. Mostly because Mr. Schuman doesn't visit this neck of the woods we call home ;-)
Both Mr. C and me however have a distinct quirk: we are both to some extent nonconformists and refuse to "follow the masses blindly". Whether it be fashion, where we go on holiday or something as banal as eating spaghetti for breakfast!
As for Mr. C's wardrobe, it would be ridiculous to claim it's entirely up to him. Like every woman (I have yet to meet a woman who doesn't help her partner with clothing choices) I have a major influence on Mr. C's wardrobe. My role is that of an advisor, the final decision is always his.
Here are some of Mr. C's most unusual clothing items:
1. A cravat
Considered by some to be a flamboyant accessory worn only by aged playboys.
2. Brooches, pins
Ever since I saw my hero, Hercule Poirot, wearing a flower pin on his lapel I was convinced men should wear more pins or brooches. And not simply a national flag as is the custom of many politicians but a pin whose function is solely ornamental.
3. Thai fishermen's pants
These pants are one of those love/hate items. It's impossible to remain neutral. We often joke that these would come in handy in case of a shipwreck as they can be used for a mock sail. Still I love them since they present a more original option for homewear as opposed to the dreaded sweat suit/jogging pants.
If anyone is interested here is a link to the pattern: Thai fishermen's pants. Though the pattern is designed for women these pants are actually unisex so one simply has to elongate the pattern pieces.
4. Hats
Wearing hats, both by men as well as women, is a lost art in today's fast paced world.
5. Whimsical T-shirts
These have probably become indigenous to today's youth culture and have become the most common way to express political, cultural, religious... ideas. I usually avoid printed, slogan t-shirts. Seeing numerous teenagers wearing a Che Guevara printed shirt and being utterly clueless abut what he stood for is probably why.
This t-shirt was a birthday present for Mr. C several years ago. Since he's passionate about old cars I made him a somewhat cartoonish car print I copied from a children's book and hand sewn it to a store bought t-shirt. The licence plate bears Mr. C's birth date.
6. Velvet jacket
Velvet jackets are a highly controversial item of clothing. Probably because few men can pull off wearing one without looking ridiculous. Mr. C has always had a wonderful sense of humor at his own expense and most importantly he likes to genuinely have fun with his fashion choices. An ideal candidate to wear velvet jacket and get away with it.
7. Unusual shirts
The shirt that was the inspiration for today's post. Here is a link to the pattern: Burda.
As you can quite clearly see the colour of the shirt is a bright coral red. Mr. C really really likes bright colours and this was the fabric he selected himself. Finding the perfect buttons proved to be a nightmare. Probably because coral coloured buttons for men don't exist.
And there you have it: most outrageous, flamboyant, whimsical items from Mr. C's closet. I'd really like to hear from my you, dear readers! Do any of these items strike you as wildly innapropriate? Maybe all? What do you think is the acceptable dress code for men who prefer to stand out a bit but don't want to look clownish ar grotesque?
That frog brooch is hysterical. I happen to be married to a man who considers wearing pink to be a fashion risk. He's a fairly conservative guy but has been know to break out a slightly flashy pair of cuff links, and I give him credit when he breaks out a bit from his suits and rep ties. Bit I agree - a cravat is a bit too much!
ReplyDeleteThe garderobe of one´s husband/ partner, now how come did I not think about it?
ReplyDeleteMaybe because my blog is mainly about me ( but I still could add a wish list, clothes, I´d like my husband to wear?! ).
Elissa: the frog actually has a mate: Mrs. Froggy, currently pinned to my trench. I bought them at a hobby store, they were originally meant as some sort of ornaments, but I glued a pin at the back an ta da it's a brooch! And as for pink, here's some food for thought for your hubby: up until the middle of the 20th century pink was considered a more masculine colour, a more aggressive colour since it's derived from red. And blue was more common for girls and was considered more delicate.
ReplyDeleteMette: were I not so involved with sewing garments for Mr. C, it would never have occurred to me to make a blog post on the subject. And I too keep a list of clothing he needs to buy ;-)
I like the pants,great!
ReplyDeletesil-8: Thanks! So happy to have you as a follower :-)
ReplyDelete