22 March 2010

The Sporting Life

I played it casual today. I gave my clothing as little thought as a guy who thinks enough about clothing to write a blog about it can, which is admittedly considerably more thought than many men give their clothing on even the most serious occasions. But I digress..I dressed comfortably, "casual but smart" as Captain Peacock might say. (watch throgh till about five minutes in. That bit about the clip on bow tie will kill you). The outfit took me from the grocery store to a slow evening at the wine shop on a drizzly day with ease.

It wasn't until late in the evening that it occurred to me that every bit of clothing I had on was derived directly of some form of British or American sport, and each item from a different sport. Think of it: a cap from baseball, a sweater from tennis, a jacket from bird hunting, jeans from the rodeo, and shoes from sailing. Even my university striped oxford is from Polo, so there's a vague connection there.

What a mish mash of influences and derivatives, huh? Th is should all be some kind of egregious faux pas, but it all just "goes". I think that gets at the essence of what is "classic" in menswear. If everything is classic, everything will inevitably work together. And every now and again, it makes creative rule breaking almost easy.

Attention to detail is a big part of style. Paying too much attention to the rules of detail is throwing style out the window, or missing the point entirely. No names shall be named.


p.s. if you've ever wondered why I stay away from the forum sites, it's because those guys tend to get in mighty big twists over little things like this. Frankly, I just haven't got the time for it. Once again, no names shall be named. Just sayin'.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Might be wrong but I always thought those wollen jumpers originated from cricket not tennis?

Unknown said...

Tennis jumper? Originated from cricket didn't they?

NCJack said...

This episode is brought to you by the letter "B": balls, birds, bulls, boats, Boston, and in the case of (retail) RLPolo "You paid HOW MUCH? What bullsh*t"

Rebecca said...

This post clarifies what it is I "love" about you! Your casual but smart selections and your confident explanation of the vague connections add up to a great of example of a Classsic Affordable Wardrobe (in my opinion)!

*And, you are looking mighty fine, I might add. It's about time you show your whole self again wearing your "mish mash of influences and derivatives".

Laguna Beach Fogey said...

That's a great look.

Sean said...

Glad your sporty style does not involve Sumo style

Unknown said...

I note (with some sadness)that kabaddi is not represented.

Thornproof said...

Don't forget your collars ... button-down collars are patterned after the shirts that polo players wore and are still commonly referred to as "sports shirts".

M. Davenport said...

Giuseppe, what I love best about your wunderbar blog, are the great pointers, style tips/tricks, the good photos, and the fact that an hep cat like yourself will quote from ARE YOU BEING SERVED. God love you!

Made To Measure, NY said...

"p.s. if you've ever wondered why I stay away from the forum sites, it's because those guys tend to get in mighty big twists over little things like this."

Giuseppe...you have echoed my sentiments exactly and continue to be one of my favorite bloggers out there.

SOME (not all)of those guys tend to talk about clothing like those fanatical kids in grade school who polished their Star Wars figures, displayed them in a glass case, and never played with them. No fun in that.(Granted, those kids can now probably sell all those figures and buy bespoke clothing with the profits but you get my drift, right?)

Your outfit is awesome. Ever think of tapering those jeans towards the bottom?

All the best from NYC,
Dennis

NCJack said...

Know what you mean about some of the "rules" that come up on other forums. I'll wear grey flannel trou with a gore-tex parka, and some J&M chelsea boots from an outlet if it's raining in the winter, and I think that violates at least three; but I'm warm and dry.

BTW, got my own Barbour, only at a 1/2 price sale, alas they just don't show up in thrifts in Charlotte. Already caught it on some thorny brush that might well have ripped my gore-tex, with no damage at all.

Big Al said...

The mish mash of influences is what makes this fit legit. Nicely put together. I'm a fan.