I was taken aback by an article in the Boston Globe. Entitled “Gentlemen, don’t let this happen to you!“, this story, clearly targeted at me, explained why everything I hold dear with regard to personal fashion is wrong. The main thrust of the article was that the visible tee shirt is a bad thing.
Last month in New York, I met Ryan Hall. He’s a charismatic, predictably snazzy salesman at Bloomingdale’s (suit, sweater, dress shirt, horn-rimmed glasses - all black) who claimed to be a former crew-neck-under-button-down guy. He’s originally from Cleveland.
“When I first moved here, I didn’t know. I rocked the crew neck,” he said. “But after a few months, I discovered it wasn’t cool. So I took scissors and cut myself some bootleg v-necks.”
Hall thinks undershirts are strictly utilitarian. When I asked him whether he thought the undershirt as accessory could look good on at least a few guys, he looked around at the men grazing on the sales floor and said an undershirt should stay pretty much invisible. Otherwise, “it’s a poor man’s ascot.”
Ok, so the colored tee shirts that peak out from underneath my button downs are a no no. Surely the short sleeved tee shirt over the long sleeved tee shirt is a cool look.
Remember Jason Bateman’s character in “Juno”? Exactly.
Why it’s a fashion crime: Once the go-to look of Sundance Film Festival attendees and indie rockers from cold climes, this combination is officially past its freshness date and is now being sported by every would-be-hipster and tot under 10.
A better option: Wear the short-sleeve T under the long-sleeve T. You’re still warm, and no longer look like you’re desperately clinging to the sweet sparrow of youth.
Yes, but jeans and athletic shoes are certainly timeless. What would be wrong with that?
Why it’s a fashion crime: Why should mom have all the fun? Dad also needs a comfortable, unflattering jean with a high waist and a full seat. This is the jean that isn’t afraid to say, “I’ve given up on my appearance.” The light color and nondescript cut means that they could have come from any era, but there’s a very good chance that they are older than Miley Cyrus. Ditto for the white gym sneakers that act as the constant companion to the dad jean.
A better option: Replace your ancient jeans with dark-rinse denim, and don’t be afraid to look for a cut that flatters.
At least I dumped my pleated khakis this year.
Still wearing pleated khakis => http://tinyurl.com/5l8cms
Others wear jeans.
Button-down Oxford with sweater and Lands End jacket.
Others wear jeans, tees and polos.
This is No Country for Old Men.
To truly understand the gap, check out the top tune according to the Billboard charts on the day the author was born => http://tinyurl.com/mpjmx
Left by Hugo Boss on April 12th, 2008
There is no evidence that those khakis are pleated.
I rest my case.
Left by Glenn on April 15th, 2008