Ok I need some fashion advice.....

My Wife and I bought a sailboat last fall and this spring we joined a sailing club. Next Saturday we are invited to the spring cocktail party. I was told by my sponsor (the guy that got us in to the club) that he would normally wear a sport coat or a sweater.

I am 30 years old and I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. I am not opposed to buying a sport coat, but I don't wanna look like a 60 year old man.

Any advice?

-- Jeremy

Just wear a sweater, or a nice striped button up shirt tucked in with kahki's or dress pants. No tie.

-Mike

Dress like you're rich and from New England -- the preppy stereotype. :tu: Cardigan, non-white dress shirt, slacks, boat shoes, etc. Stick to light colors, perhaps delving into pastels if you're more daring.

My advice: Go buy yourself a copy of Maxim, or GQ or another of those men's magazines. Skip the scantily-clad ladies (you can look at those later) and usually near the back they have a section on style. Everything in this section is horrendously expensive, so don't buy it. However, DO notice what kinds of things they're wearing. Then go buy stuff that emulates it without breaking the bank.

Some general tips:

-Go to http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/dressmen/dressmen.html (that's the second link I've done for that site today, but no, I don't work for them)

-Buy clothes that fit you. If you own a sport coat from your high school graduation that's "close enough", you're asking for trouble.

-Pleated pants are the worst. Stay away from them, for the love of God.

-L

http://pbpl.physics.ucla.edu/About_Us/Bios/Carl_Spackler/danny1.jpg
You could go with a good overall nautical theme.

http://anticraft.com/content/parts/cand_judgesmails.jpg
Perhaps mix it up with some snappy headwear?

http://www.canuckflack.com/archives/judges.jpg
Spaulding, get your foot off the boat!

:lol:

Seriously though, loafers, khakis, collared shirt, and v-neck sweater/cardigan'll see you through.

M@

Pleated pants are the worst. Stay away from them, for the love of God.

AAAAAUUUGH! :mad:

The current fashion melodrama screams from the rooftops that pleats are horrendous. Flat-front slacks, now and forever, are not as formal as pleated slacks. They're hip. They're mod. They'll be gone in three years and we'll be back to pleats. It's already begun. Pleated slacks are classic.

M@

AAAAAUUUGH! :mad:

The current fashion melodrama screams from the rooftops that pleats are horrendous. Flat-front slacks, now and forever, are not as formal as pleated slacks. They're hip. They're mod. They'll be gone in three years and we'll be back to pleats. It's already begun. Pleated slacks are classic. I'm a fashion idiot. Can somebody please explain what pleated slacks are?

-Mike

Dress like you're rich and from New England -- the preppy stereotype. :tu: Cardigan, non-white dress shirt, slacks, boat shoes, etc.

lol nah I don't think I am going to do that.

I will look for a nice fitting dress shirt and kahki's. If I am underdressed then I will just play it off as being the new guy. :tu: It's not a yatch club although the party is being held at a yatch club.

-- Jeremy

Ah, I guess there is a difference between a yacht and a sailboat, now that I think about it. :p

I'm a fashion idiot. Can somebody please explain what pleated slacks are?

A pleat is when a piece of fabric is folded back on itself. When a pair of slacks is fuller in the leg, the material needs to be condensed to fit a slimmer waistline. The result is one or two lines dropping from the waistband and smoothing out into the leg.

Example of pleated trousers:
http://www.kohls.com/media/Photos/Mens/256_Docker_Slacks/10_Untreated_Basics/DOCK8145_25612KHP_cd88.JPG

The contrast is flat-front trousers. They do have a slimming effect if you're moderate-to-slim to begin with but they need to fit you well. Since fabrics with a high stretch factor have become popular, designers are going nuts and removing pleats from their trousers since the fabric alone can accomodate the girth of hips and leg.

Example of flat-front trousers:
http://images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/medium/153065.jpg

M@

A pleat is when a piece of fabric is folded back on itself. When a pair of slacks is fuller in the leg, the material needs to be condensed to fit a slimmer waistline. The result is one or two lines dropping from the waistband and smoothing out into the leg. Oh, ok! Thanks. I think I own several of both kinds.

-Mike

Ah, I guess there is a difference between a yacht and a sailboat, now that I think about it. :p

I guess..... I wouldn't call my 25 foot sailboat a yacht...... althought I did buy it from Long Island Yacht Sales... :D They sell some boats there I guess you could consider yatchs.... I guess to me a yacht is something closer to a personal ship.

I bought a boat to go sailing and try to breakout of my habit of being a nocurnal hermit on the weekends. :D (play video games all night sleep all day) I didn't buy it to pretend to be rich or whatever. I joined the Cruising Club because it was all sailboat people and I want to meet other folks locally that sail. I have no friends on Long Island. I work for my wifes family so everyone at work is either family or an employee. I figured this way I could make some sailing friends and maybe some business contacts. :tu: ( Sorry if that sounded like a rant it was more of a ramble :) )

I appreciate all the advice... if I remember I will have my wife take a picture of me in my outfit.

It would be a lot easier of those "Queer Eye" guys would take me shopping. :lol:

JSF forum members come through with the advice once again!

-- Jeremy

I have no friends on Long Island. I work for my wifes family so everyone at work is either family or an employee. I love visiting New York and Long Island. I have family in Levittown that I visit every other year or so. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd wish I lived there.

Just wanted to say that. I have nothing fashion-related to add. :D

-Mike

I figured this way I could make some sailing friends and maybe some business contacts.

Totally. My kids are gonna learn to sail. As far as networking goes its even better than golf. Plus it's a hell of a lot of fun. :tucool:

M@

Make sure to bring a second coat to change into. After you get jumped in your are going to want to change into a fresh one.

I love visiting New York and Long Island. I have family in Levittown that I visit every other year or so. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd wish I lived there.

Long Island is pretty cool, but like you said very expensive. We are hoping to be able to afford a house in the next year or two.

Totally. My kids are gonna learn to sail. As far as networking goes its even better than golf. Plus it's a hell of a lot of fun.

Yeah sailing is awesome... I kind of feel like I am learning a lost art. I think most people are amazed by sailing. I know I am. I think there are a lot of good lessons that can be learned by kids sailing. It's amazing how many people own boats, but have no idea what the rules are and have no courtesy. (If you have ever been on a sailboat when a motor boat crosses inches in front of you leaving you a nice big wake to sail through even though you had the right of way you know what I mean.)

One of the reasons I bought the boat now is because I wanted to be boaters for our entire life. If we bought a house first we'd of waited to buy the boat because we couldn't afford it. This way the house will have to fit into our current financial situation. :) I know that may sound crazy to some people, but where I am at in life a house isn't a huge priority. (Kind of glad we waited the market is starting burst around here. House prices should be coming down a bit.)

Make sure to bring a second coat to change into. After you get jumped in your are going to want to change into a fresh one.

LOL... "Jumped in" I am not joining the "Bloods". :lol:

-- Jeremy

That was my point- "current fashion". You can get pleated pants, but you'll look a few years out of date, according to current fashions. If they do come back in style in three years, well, you should be buying new clothes every year, at a minimum.

Fashions change over time- hence the majority of people aren't wearing Hypercolor shirts or parachute pants. My opinion (and feel free to disagree) is that pleated pants make you look fatter than you are, just like oversized shirts.

If you like the pleats, though, go for it. The main rule of style is to have one that fits you best. If that means pleated pants, so be it.


AAAAAUUUGH! :mad:

The current fashion melodrama screams from the rooftops that pleats are horrendous. Flat-front slacks, now and forever, are not as formal as pleated slacks. They're hip. They're mod. They'll be gone in three years and we'll be back to pleats. It's already begun. Pleated slacks are classic.

M@

I am suppose to buy new cloths every year? Man I am not a very good slave to fashion. I buy new cloths when the old ones wear out. :D

-- Jeremy

I am suppose to buy new cloths every year? Man I am not a very good slave to fashion. I buy new cloths when the old ones wear out. :D

-- Jeremy

Me too but dont worry as our jeans and t-shirts never go out of style.

Me too but dont worry as our jeans and t-shirts never go out of style.

Thats true... I told my wife I want to move to a tropical island because I prefer shorts and sandles to jeans and shoes.... I guess I should just be happy I don't have to dress up for work. I do wish sometimes I felt more comfortable in nicer cloths for those times I do have to dress up. I always feel like I did when I was 6 and had to wear a suit to church on easter.

Maybe this year I will try adding in one or two dressier outfits in to my wardrobe.

-- Jeremy

I wouldn't worry about it- it's typical for guys. ;) Plus guys' fashions don't change as often.

-L


I am suppose to buy new cloths every year? Man I am not a very good slave to fashion. I buy new cloths when the old ones wear out. :D

-- Jeremy

I wouldn't worry about it- it's typical for guys. ;)

True! I've heard it called the dandelion syndrome: i.e. A guy will wear his clothes until they get so ragged that a stiff breeze scatters them to the four winds. :lol:

Plus guys' fashions don't change as often.

Thank god for that. :nod: It's not that the industry doesn't try, it's that we don't bite.

Now, despite my earlier reaction, I wholly endorse flat-front slacks. I have several pair. I particularly love flats with jeans-style pockets, as slash pockets are designed to spill change out onto any chair you may sit in and bulge awkwardly whenever you bend at the waist.

What I can't abide is guys buying suits with flat-front trousers. When you're spending $250 - $1000+ on a single suit, unless your surname rhymes with schlockefeller, you can't be replacing them too frequently. Following fashion in that regard is throwing money in a blender. :lol:

M@

Seersucker suits and pants with whales on them. Go big or go home.

Seriously, it doesn't matter what you wear, provided you feel comfortable and confident in it, and provided you meet the basic standards for dress.

So, if you like pleats or don't like pleats, it doesn't really matter, you just have to not give a crap when people give you guff for them.

Seriously, though, you should get a sport coat and/or suit if you don't have one. It's very useful. Get one you like, take care of it, and hang on to it for a long time. I'm not a big fan of the khaki-sports coat look; I prefer just to go with gray slacks over khakis, but that's just me.

But don't underdress if you're uncomfortable being around dressier dress -- you'll look uncomfortable. If anything, break the cycle by going over a little bit -- maybe wear a suit to a dinner or something. I always find it better to overshoot and back off than to undershoot and lunge forward.

Just go to a Macy's or something. Something middle-of-the-road and respectable. They'll help you out.

Oh, agreed- for dress suits pleated pants are fine. It really depends on the rest of the outfit. If it's a more modern cut, flat-front trousers may be a better bet. For a more classic look, go with pleats :)

I'm such a clothes horse that it doesn't matter anyways. Every season has a new style...

and PeteBDawg, as long as you're spending the money anyways, you might as well look good, right? But I agree that comfort is a big factor.

-L




What I can't abide is guys buying suits with flat-front trousers. When you're spending $250 - $1000+ on a single suit, unless your surname rhymes with schlockefeller, you can't be replacing them too frequently. Following fashion in that regard is throwing money in a blender. :lol:
M@

Hop on the LIE and head out to Tanger in Riverhead. Try Liz Claiborne Men or Geoffrey Beene in Tanger 1. You will find affordable good quality clothing.

Dress for the season and event. Ex. don't buy black slacks for a summer party. Don't be afraid of some color, though.

Whatever you do, don't wear socks with your boat shoes or moccasins! If you feet need some work, soak them, clip your toenails and then put lotion on them.

Since you don't want to buy clothing every year, buy classic styles you can get many uses out of, nothing trendy. This is pretty easy for mens clothing, harder for women.

Invest in good belts ( socks when needed) and shoes. These finish off your outfit. Don't forget the cologne! A small amount is nice!

MOST IMPORTANT: Try everything on at the store. Do not wait untill you get it home. If you are rushed, have small children with you or do not have time, wait untill you can go alone or with your wife alone.

Ask the sales people for help. Find someone dressed well and ask for assistance. Tell them your budget and where you are going. If they bring you something out of your budget, it is OK to tell them that.

Don'r forget about about shaving, hair trims and keeping your face clean too.

This is probally more than you asked for, but I thought I would toss it out.

I am out east. We bought our house in the early 90's, so we are good in the housing dept but my sis is looking and it is is really difficult. I don't see how my children will be able to live here..... :(