Outfit Fit/Critique

kronik · Jan 5, 2007

So I realize I'm probably setting myself here but... this is my devirginization in the world of StyleForumite picture submission. What do you guys think? This would be for a casual party where the dress code is at minimum for guys a button-down with nice slacks. The trousers (the official SF ones from edmorel, athankyou) were the easiest match, color-wise. I'm heading to NM now, might pick up some dark chocolate cords instead, we'll see what they have. My opinion is that I could go up a size on the jacket, have the waist taken in a bit and the sleeves shortened if necessary and it wouldn't accentuate ****** (as much).

drizzt3117 · Jan 5, 2007

I don't think you need to size up on the jacket, but I would definitely shorten the sleeves. Different (dark chocolate may work) pants would give you a bit more contrast, which may improve the overall look, but I think it's fairly good as it is.

itsstillmatt · Jan 5, 2007

The front doesn't look bad at all. However, you have two things going on in the back. First of all, you have a roll under your collar (or several rolls) and second of all, the back balance is too short so you are getting bunching at the small of your back and the vents are kicking out. Ideally, you need to have the back let down from the shoulders and sides to fix the balance, and possibly the opposite to fix the rolls. I am not sure that this fix is correct, but I am confident in the diagnosis.

Ambulance Chaser · Jan 5, 2007

I think the jacket is fine aside from the aforementioned issues.

I agree with drizzt that the outfit would be improved with more contrast between the jacket and the slacks. I don't know if there is a Polo Ralph Lauren store near the NM you patronize, but if there is, you may want to check it out. Polo has a large selection of dress slacks on sale right now, including a flat-front dark brown houndstooth pair with red overpane that would pick up the red in your sweater and look fantastic with the rest of the outfit.

gdl203 · Jan 5, 2007

The lapel seems to roll nicely - did you try unbuttoning the top button? It may bring a little more flexibility in the back.

I agree that you shouldn't size up (especially since you are wearing a sweater underneath on these pictures) but should rather have a tailor fix the ripples in the back

Overall, I think it looks pretty good and agree that brown pants (or maybe a not-too-dark navy) would look nicer

NoVaguy · Jan 5, 2007

concur with what's been said. front looks good, back needs to be cleaned up at the collar and under the shoulder blades, waist can be tightened if you wish, and sleeves must be shortened a tad. darker pants would probably be better.

StevenRocks · Jan 5, 2007

I'm going to disagree with the consensus and suggest sizing up the jacket. I think that how it's laying tightly on your shoulders is causing the problems in the back. There needs to be more ease there, and letting the jacket out won't give you enough to matter.

I always err on the side of larger and have my tailor take things in as needed.

gdl203 · Jan 5, 2007

But he's wearing the jacket on top of a sweater on these pics

NoVaguy · Jan 5, 2007

Originally Posted by gdl203

But he's wearing the jacket on top of a sweater on these pics

what he said. going up isn't a good idea if he plans to ever wear the jacket with a shirt.

now, that being said, i do have two cheap, slightly oversized jackets solely for wearing sweaters underneath. i've found that i almost never wear the jackets.

sho'nuff · Jan 5, 2007

kronik i think overall you look pretty good. nice color combos and the back while a bit tight in a few areas , i think because of either you got a muscular back or maybe need to just lose a couple of pounds, it would fit fine.
just speaking frankly but you look good !

kronik · Jan 5, 2007

I like that idea AC - I'll try the Ralph Lauren at Tysons II tomorrow.

Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up getting a 54 (I'll post pictures later tonight) and I'll have it taken in where needed but I just wasn't terribly comfortable with the way the 52 fit. It was a 52 on top of a 52 sweater.

In retrospect, you guys are probably absolutely right about the "on-top of a sweater" deal... argh.

dior, I actually have a pretty muscular back - I carry most of my weight in my bottom half, if you didn't notice.

I could definitely stand to lose 20 pounds.

sho'nuff · Jan 5, 2007

you carry your weight well. your broad back offsets any poundage down there and i did not really notice.
or the suit cut is so good it makes you look more svelte.

i am hope this does not offend you but i just have to say it, (and i mean this as a complement):

my favorite character in the movie Swingers is Charles the out of work actor friend. He was the totally laid back black guy with the hat.
Your look there reminds me of that person.

(not that "out of work' has anything to do with it; it was just his part in the movie, but his style and character was unique and stood out in that movie for me. very cool )

Dragon · Jan 5, 2007

I think the color of the jacket looks very good on you.

I would try a size up. I don`t know exactly how to fix the problems that are showing, but it doesn`t look like the current size a good fit at all (especially lookng at the side view and back view).

I don`t think the jacket should be so tight just because you are wearing a sweater underneath.

edmorel · Jan 5, 2007

Whose jacket is that? I like it. Definitely darker trousers and some suede shoes. If you are not going to wear a pocket square you should not even bother leaving your house

Lastly, given your build, I'd go with a jacket with wider lapels. I was actually just trying on a jacket that I think has the perfect lapels for you. Maybe I'll take a pic of me wearing it as I am flip flopping between having it lengthened by 1/2 an inch or leaving it as is. I'll post a quick pic and we'll kill two birds with one stone.

edmorel · Jan 6, 2007

Ok, I think these type of lapels would work better for you. Your jacket's lapels are a little 1950-60's jazz scene. Also, I just realized that the jacket you are wearing has the dart of your right going up pretty high, I don't think I like that. I do like the jacket/sweater color combo. I do not mean to thread hijack and I wanted to get an opinion on my jacket length, but I realized it would be hard with me wearing pajamas and I did not want to change. The room is my very messy 8 year old's, if anyone is wondering about the weird color on the walls. Man, looking at this pic I just realized that I'm getting fat

BTW I'm so dense that I only recently "got" your screen name.

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