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In need of assistance style wise.

post #1 of 12
10/7/11 at 9:02am
Thread Starter 

Hi all, this is my first post and I just found the site. I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice. I am short (5'7") and 170 (yes, I have a gut that I can usually keep toned down by wearing the right clothes). I have pale skin, and a round face, with smooth skin, and almost feminine features. I am 43, look 23, and can not grow a beard/stache if i wanted too.

 

I have the basics down, I know how to wear contrasting colors, and match shoes to belt, and so forth. I like to dress up, but in my current job I would consider anything more than a sweater/khakis over dressed.  Because I feel my features are almost feminine, I want to know, can you dress more rustic but still have style?  I do enjoy the outdoors, but want to have more style than "REI casual".

 

Since I am short, and not in top physical shape, are there any opinions you can offer to help me look more stylish while not looking TOO dressed up? I want to look more... "manly" if that is possible. 

 

I also like hats, but have been unable to find the right style/fit for me besides a typical ball cap.

 

I hope this does not sound to pathetic, thanks for any advice in advance.

 

Scott in VA.

 

 

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post #2 of 12
10/7/11 at 9:21am
All SF customer service experts and reps are very busy right now assisting other customers, but you are always welcome to use the self-service search function free of charge. Welcome !
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post #3 of 12
10/7/11 at 9:34am
Thread Starter 

Customer service reps???

 

Isn't this a public forum for people interested in style?  I did not realize this was run by a company for profit.

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post #4 of 12
10/7/11 at 9:36am
Is this the basic style you are looking for? Just trying to understand a bit more. (ignore the ax and longbow)


464
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post #5 of 12
10/7/11 at 9:47am
Thread Starter 

Kind of, but less nerdy. I have enough of that already since I am an IT guy (was).

 

I usually wear partial zip sweaters this time of year - google image will show you more of this. But I am thinking about moving away from this, I have been sporting it too long. 

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post #6 of 12
10/7/11 at 10:44am
Scott, welcome to Styleforum. smile.gif
At this moment I am cleaning my home so can't get into it at this time but I will be happy to have some suggestions for you late tonight.
I am sure by then other members here will have made some constructive and useful suggestions.
In the interim, it would be very useful to post a photo or two of yourself.
You can always crop off the head in the photo to protect your identity, but it will give us critical information as to your exact body type, that is, if you don't mind. Front - Side - and back photos will work the best.
I'll ring in later on this.
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post #7 of 12
10/7/11 at 10:49am
Why not stick to more 'rugged' fabrics for your pants, like woolen tweeds, flannels? How about corduroy? I'm assuming the de rigeur of your office is business casual, so these should all be okay. You can also wear 'chinos' of other hues besides kakhi.

Replace the half-zips with a cardigan, maybe. They make some that appear more like a jacket, being more 'rugged' and 'chunky' than daintily woven and thin.

I'm trying to understand the level of ruggedness you want. Somethng classic? Something newer? Do you want to appear as though you've stepped out of one of those old photographs of explorers? Or would you rather carry off a modern outdoor sporting vibe?

Also, hats. Why not find a crushable felt hat? No fuss, no muss. Here's a good place to start: http://www.kangolstore.com/c/2311/Made-in-USA.aspx
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post #8 of 12
10/7/11 at 10:58am
Thread Starter 

Thanks Lintman (Man of Lint) - will try to get some photos, for now, this is the only one I could get while at work.

 

 

 

photo.JPG 946k .JPG file

 

(ugg, just looked at this again, what a bad picture)

 

I work in a retail store right now that is an outdoors product supplier. I grabbed this with my iphone on a timer..all I could get.  - The attire is very flexible, and I have worn sport pants in to work on snowy days. Jeans and a tshirt is ok for them. But I prefer better.


Edited by scottvinva - 10/7/11 at 11:50am
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post #9 of 12
10/7/11 at 11:16am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samovar McGee View Post

Why not stick to more 'rugged' fabrics for your pants, like woolen tweeds, flannels? How about corduroy? I'm assuming the de rigeur of your office is business casual, so these should all be okay. You can also wear 'chinos' of other hues besides kakhi.
Replace the half-zips with a cardigan, maybe. They make some that appear more like a jacket, being more 'rugged' and 'chunky' than daintily woven and thin.
I'm trying to understand the level of ruggedness you want. Somethng classic? Something newer? Do you want to appear as though you've stepped out of one of those old photographs of explorers? Or would you rather carry off a modern outdoor sporting vibe?
Also, hats. Why not find a crushable felt hat? No fuss, no muss. Here's a good place to start: http://www.kangolstore.com/c/2311/Made-in-USA.aspx


Thank you for the reply Sam,

I can wear what ever I want, just not too dressy as the company is an outdoor product company so hiking shoes, jeans tshirt is all ok. I just tend to bring that up a little bit more. I have more chinos than I do jeans, in several colors. Classic/Newer (Outdoorsy vibe, less sporting since I don't do anything sporty lol) does not matter. Because I don't have any facial hair, and my skin tone is pale, my voice is not deep, I think some people wonder if I am a woman at times. I really hate this and want to change my apperance to ensure this is not the case. There are times where dressing up is required but that is not my priority at this time. I just want a better casual style. 

 

BTW love this coat, but not for $3k - 

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=97R2&dir_id=885&group_id=9368&cat_id=11312&subcat_id=11313

 

 

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post #10 of 12
10/8/11 at 12:10am
Scott, thank you for providing the photo.
I have studied the photo and your words. With consideration to your body type, lifestyle and work, I would be inclined to recommend the following:
As Sam suggested, cords are a great idea. If you purchase cords, try black, charcoal grey, olive drab, taupe for colours and stick to the thin cords.
Avoid the 'wale' cord as the cord is thicker and would not compliment you.
Basically you want to provide balance and create even proportions with the clothes, while observing colours that work with your skin tones.
I don't know if steel toes are a requirement for footwear or not, but try Red Wing boots. They come in varying heights ranging from 6" high, 8"high, and higher.
I would recommend the 6" to be high enough.
For shirts, you can try an Oxford cloth with a button-down collar. (OCBD) The collar will give a much more masculine effect than a T-shirt.
You can also try turtle neck or moc turtle neck sweaters. Also, polo shirts (short and long sleeve) and rugby shirts would work well on you.
Avoid wide strpes. Avoid horizontal stripes.
With jackets and coats, pay attention to the shoulders. If you can choose a jacket with some structuring on the shoulders it will also give you a more masculine line.
Based on the photo, avoid these colours on the shirts and sweaters: Maroon/Burgundy, Yellow, Pink, Lime Green, Orange
I'll add some photos here as a guidline for proportions. Jason Alexander is more or less your body type, so let's have a look at how he dresses:

In this photo, note the glasses. Glasses (even with clear glass) can compensate for your thin eyebrows.

350
504

Polo sihrt

430

Collared shirt - no tie

300

A hat will give you some height boost

180

sport vest (fishing hiking vest)

120


Perhaps a fedora would be just the thing if you are open to wearing one.or some other hat that pleases you.
I am interested to see what other members can suggest.
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post #11 of 12
10/10/11 at 9:35am
Is the above reply somewhat facetious? Some of its advice is good, some is not. Plaid or checked sportshirts good, if the patterns aren't too loud (Jason Alexander's is large for his size, but also monochromatic, so it is okay). Solid polo shirts tend to look bad on overweight men. Perhaps with a bright collar and dark shirt body, one would work. Although solid in a dark, rich color should be okay. Corduroys are a good idea. Moleskin (if possible to find). Dark blue denim. Chinos in medium or dark (non-black) colors. Mid-weight wool or cotton pull-over or half-zip sweaters.... Land's End or Orvis as a clothing source, perhaps.

Another issue is the pale skin, lack of eyebrows, lack of facial hair, excess weight, etc., suggest a medical condition. Just in case one isn't already known.
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post #12 of 12
10/10/11 at 10:51am
satisfied.gif
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Styleforum › Forums › Men's Style › Classic Menswear › In need of assistance style wise.