Ultimate noob thread - recommend me X in my wardrobe - post questions here please.

[wagthesam]

I'd like to thank styleforum for upping my style (where it was nonexistant before). I have literally rebuilt my wardrobe, and now have a basic style I can build from. The biggest factor I learned here is fit, and now all my clothes are tailored to fit me if they werent fitting before.

This is what I have, for any more absolute beginners that lurk this thread:

Basics
5 Hanes Crew Neck Undershirts (white)
10 American Apparel T-Shirts Solid Colors
5 pairs of Boxers
10 pairs of socks

Pants/Shorts
1969 Gap Raw Selvage Denim (to be purchased, slim cut), or to stretch my budget apc ns/alchemist
H&M White Shorts
Beach/Swim trunk Shorts

Shoes
Converse Chuck Taylors (Black)
Converse Jack Purcell (White)
Nike Air looking running shoes
Red Wingish Looking Leather Boots
Black Oxfords

Top
5 American Apparel Polos Solid Colors (Black, Purple, Navy Blue, Red, Light Blue)
1 Lacoste Striped Polo
6 Tailored Shirts (3 white colours, 3 blue/black all with patterns, striped or checkered)
1 Janzten White Shirt
1 CK Sweater (brown, diamond patterned on front)
1 Grey Cardigan from Club Monico
1 Blue Cardigan from GAP

I think I am good for the summer, maybe a pair of brown shorts extra. I'm definitely going to add a pair of standard red wings and a pair of brown oxfords to the list later.

Now for the questions
1) What are some tips for sweaters? Should I go for cashmere, or if I am more cash strapped with this buying should I go for cashmere-cotton? Are there any stores that are good for sweaters? Are Jcrew sweaters any good?
2) What are some rules for matching shoes with clothing? Is there a rule, such as white shoes go with a lighter colored top?
3) Are raw jeans going to die in the winter? I will be in Waterloo so I'm expecting to go through snow every day. Not heavy snow, but snow nonetheless
4) Are GAP blaziers any good? Should I just try all the thrift stores to see whats good in blaziers and sport jackets?

 

[gregor]

What do you think about J Crews Purple Paisley Pants they have in current stock online?? www.jcrew.com

 

[Meis]

Originally Posted by wmmk

Thinking about some new shoes or boots. Right now, I'm working with white Jack Purcells, brown leather BoO x Topsiders, and brown Paul Smith Corsos (very slim wingtip boots). I'm thinking I'll either get some Weejuns (made in Maine ones) or another pair of boots, probably something I could wear on days when the weather is too ****** for the Paul Smiths. Maybe L.L. Bean duckboots or some kind of waterproof boots? In case it isn't apparent, I'm still feeling the Americana, and will be for quite a while. Suggestions?


I got some J.Crew Waxed Duck Boots last Winter and they worked great for the worst days of the Chicago Winter, and they're lined w/ thinsulate so they're warm as well as waterproof. They're 128 full price, but they went down to 75 pretty quickly.

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...7092/97092.jsp

 

[Lachy]

Originally Posted by wagthesam

3) Are raw jeans going to die in the winter? I will be in Waterloo so I'm expecting to go through snow every day. Not heavy snow, but snow nonetheless

Do you mean are they going to loose colour and bleed? If they've already been washed, they shouldn't loose much more indigo. If they're still new and you're physically walking ankle/knee deep in the snow, yes, they'll fade. If you're just walking while it's snowing, I wouldn't expect much colour loss though.

I can't help too much with the brand specific questions, I don't have GAP or J. Crew here.

As a general rule, for the sweaters, go for quality over quantity. If you can afford it, go cashmere. Nothing wrong with a blend though.

Shoe matching ... I tend not to focus on the colour so much as the style of footwear. Sometimes sneakers go with an outfit better than boots/shoes, or vice-verca. I don't see anything wrong with a dark outfit and light shoes, if anything, it adds contrast, and a bit of pop to your outfit.

Well, thats my 2 cents anyway.

 

[Lel]

Originally Posted by wmmk

Thinking about some new shoes or boots. Right now, I'm working with white Jack Purcells, brown leather BoO x Topsiders, and brown Paul Smith Corsos (very slim wingtip boots). I'm thinking I'll either get some Weejuns (made in Maine ones) or another pair of boots, probably something I could wear on days when the weather is too ****** for the Paul Smiths. Maybe L.L. Bean duckboots or some kind of waterproof boots? In case it isn't apparent, I'm still feeling the Americana, and will be for quite a while. Suggestions?
Go for some custom Quoddy deck/boat boots. I've always found duck boots ugly.

Originally Posted by wagthesam

Now for the questions 1) What are some tips for sweaters? Should I go for cashmere, or if I am more cash strapped with this buying should I go for cashmere-cotton? Are there any stores that are good for sweaters? Are Jcrew sweaters any good? 2) What are some rules for matching shoes with clothing? Is there a rule, such as white shoes go with a lighter colored top? 3) Are raw jeans going to die in the winter? I will be in Waterloo so I'm expecting to go through snow every day. Not heavy snow, but snow nonetheless 4) Are GAP blaziers any good? Should I just try all the thrift stores to see whats good in blaziers and sport jackets?
1.) Go for whatever you like, and by that I mean whatever fits best. JCrew is ok for sweaters, the fit is lacking but I'm on the smaller end of the spectrum. The cotton mix I have from there is fine, and I prefer it to cashmere because it's less of a hassle to care for and I just throw my cotton sweater in the washer. Uniqlo/Club Monaco/Zara/H&M are cheap alternatives around that price range and worth looking into/proxying. 2.) There are no steadfast rules, just depends on what you like. Go at your own pace and wear what you feel comfortable with, start off slow and stick to one basic color scheme (IE: not a five different dominating colors all at once) and start mixing and matching to see what you like. 3.) No. If they're brand new, they might bleed. 4.) Take a picture, and if you're not absolutely wowed with the fit you see (either in the pic or mirror) then it's north worth buying IMO.

 

[Lel]

double post

 

[sploosh]

Will the lined version of this jacket be warm enough for very cold winters? http://spirithorseenterprises.com/jackets_&_pants.htm

 

[bate8473]

I've just moved to the Orange County and am looking for a place to check out some raw denims. Does anyone know of a good place? Google isnt helping very much

 

[wagthesam]

Thanks Lel! That was extremely helpful.

Now I'm wondering about shirt sizes. I'm going to buy a wings and horns hoodie when it comes out, and i see the size as being a number, like 36. What does this correspond to? chest size?

I see the same thing in suits, what the heck is 36L or 36R?

 

[Lel]

Originally Posted by wagthesam

Thanks Lel! That was extremely helpful. Now I'm wondering about shirt sizes. I'm going to buy a wings and horns hoodie when it comes out, and i see the size as being a number, like 36. What does this correspond to? chest size? I see the same thing in suits, what the heck is 36L or 36R?
Yeah, 36 usually means chest size but a W+H hoodie should be listed as XS-XL. A 36 could either be a slim small or an XS depending on the hoodie itself (slim fit, classic fit, etc). Shirts (ones not in the traditional S-M-L) usually go by neck and sleeve length size, starting at 14.5 neck for XS or 15/15.5 for a typical S. Sleeve length just varies, go without whatever works best for you. 36L = long 36R = regular But it depends on the brand, and there are subtle nuances about fit that many cheaper brands just don't pay attention to that, overall, can vastly improve the look of a garment (armholes, slimness of sleeves, etc). For example, a suit labeled 36 could have a pit-to-pit measurement of 20/21 inches (making the actual suit more like 40/42 inches around). Don't think in terms of sizes but fit, and go with what looks good on you and not what the label says.

 

[wogbog]

I've been looking for a shirt like guy on the right's for a while and haven't found anything remotely similar... I just want something similar to the pattern... http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...8637908706.jpg

 

[wagthesam]

Thanks Lel.

One last question, how should a hoodie fit?

I am 6'3", and most hoodies ive tried on when I put the hood in it barely fits over my head and it makes the rest of the hoodie ride up in order to accomodate for the height of my head.

Is a hood supposed to be put on effortlessly?

I want to get a wings and horns hoodie when they come out with their Fall line.

 

[onlysamcan]

well im 6'4" and i dont have a problem with hoodies,
i think it varies with there length from shop to shop tbh

 

[wagthesam]

Is it supposed to stretch the fabric as it goes over your head?

 

[robbie]

( iposted this in the small ?'s thread too)

I lack cohesion within my personal style.

I am drawn to all kinds of different looks and profiles. I realize that to some degree this could be benificial, but at this point I don't know how best to blend the looks and profiles to come up with a look that is cohesive and more importantly within my means.

In times past I have tried to acquire basics but after a while I tire of them, or my perception of fit changes.

I am not looking to establish ONE solitary look for myself by any means, but for the most part I would like to start over.

Here are the handful of pieces I have now that I wish to keep, could some of you suggest some additional pieces that are affordable or worth investing in that would give me a sense of cohesion as well as wiggle room

JtG Button Down
Red MjKrell Chambray
Blue Koto Chambray
Fink grey crewneck sweater
White J Crew OCBD
KMW Rockers
Levis 511 khaki/navy
Brown Longwings
Navy Chucks


I have been here for a while, and used the forum for ideas etc. I am not looking for fashion advice like I said. I just want to look appropriately modern, yet not like a douche.

I really need outerwear advice, but overall advice would be appreciated too.

I just kind of feel like I am in a rut.

sorry to make a colin powell gif-worthy post but



robbie