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I need some serious help!

post #1 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:06am
Thread Starter 

Hello Styleforum community! I am a new to this forum and the main reason I registered is because I want to start dressing in a fashionable way.

 

I am completely clueless when it comes to fashion, my wardrobe is a mess, I can't combine my clothes, my shirts are big, small, tight, loose, its a disaster!! hahaha I'm laughing because I look at myself and that is all I can do.

 

You could talk with me about math, science, religion, philosophy, psychology, pretty much whatever you feel like except fashion. String theory? Stockholm Syndrome? Aristotle? Newton? Descartes? Yes! Cufflinks? Cashmere? Loafers? Tux? No! What are those? Are they edible?

 

So basically now you know that I really don't have a clue.

 

I would like if you could tell me and/or recommend a good website or glossary so I can start learning about fashion. The basics! And then if you are willing to get in depth the subject. 

 

Because I would really like to become a "Savvy" in the matter, so I can dress well in all occasions, throw away my wardrobe and replace it with something that will make me feel well with myself each day, no matter if its a party, business meeting, wedding, casual gatherings, whatever the situation I want to know what to do and more importantly what to wear!

 

I hope I did not sound so annoying, if I did, I apologize. This is only my cry for help because I think I desperately need it.

 

Thank you all!

 

I'm counting on You!

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post #2 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:07am
Have you tried to read all the threads first before posting?
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post #3 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:26am
Thread Starter 

Yes I have, In fact I have learned a few things, I read about tailors, perfumes, shoes, etc, but its too much info to digest, I had thought more like a beginner's guide or something. But maybe you are right, I'll put more effort into it. Thanks for your reply.

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post #4 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by F. Corbera View Post

Have you tried to read all the threads first before posting?

I think it's rather overwhelming to read all the threads if you are entirely new to "dressing well". Have a look round the what are you wearing right now threads,
Links (Click to show)
http://www.styleforum.net/t/234255/hof-what-are-you-wearing-right-now-part-iii

http://www.styleforum.net/t/253842/waywrn-mc-casual-style

Try to get an idea of how to dress from there and from the trial and error that people are posting. There are some other excellent websites that will really explain about men's fashion and while they may not be to some people around here's tastes they should help you get a basic view on men's fashion.

www.fashionbeans.com and www.thestyleblogger.com may help you if you are looking for inspiration.

Good luck to you and I hope you start posting some fits soon, don't get disheartened if you get criticised just keep coming back for more and i'm sure you will improve.

Cheers Nick
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post #5 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:36am
Pick up an Alan Flusser book to get you started I'd say
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post #6 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by FashionNovice View Post

Yes I have, In fact I have learned a few things, I read about tailors, perfumes, shoes, etc, but its too much info to digest, I had thought more like a beginner's guide or something. But maybe you are right, I'll put more effort into it. Thanks for your reply.

What is your profession or line of work (if you do?)

What is your budget?

Where do you live?

How do people around you...co-workers, friends and family...dress?

What are you trying to achieve by dressing differently than you now do?

You see, if you are starting from point zero, and if your means are in some ways limited, then the best way to begin is simply to (1) describe exactly what your circumstances and goals are so that (2) you can get a bulleted list of things that you should get that you do not have. Get those things, wear those things for year or two, and then move on from there based on your own experiences.

Looking though this forum, or reading things like Flusser, are exactly the wrong way to begin dressing in tailored clothes if you have no personal background in it. Flusser or Boyer are not writing for men who do not already know how to dress in coat and tie.

And no matter what anyone says, you will learn little about fashion in the Mens Clothing forum...unless by "fashion" one means the current set of online tribal identifiers.
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post #7 of 14
1/18/12 at 10:51am

First, I would say hold on to your wardrobe to start. You might have some usable pieces. Like was suggested before, take a look at the to links listed by Nelton for this message board. If you see a look you like, take a look in your closet and see what you have that is similar.

If they are wearing a sport coat over a sweater over a button down collar shirt, look in your closet for those same items (don't worry about the color or material to start, but don't leave the house like that yet) That will help you get better at layering.

    Then focus on they types of fabric textures they are combining. Is the sport coat a think tweed or is it your basic worsted wool (like part of a 3 season suit).

Those are the two most important parts, fabric textures an layering. Most people do fairly well with complimentary colors.

 

Then post pictures here of any of the fashion experiments you are trying. People will help you refine the look (although get ready for a few mean comments, they do seam to fly around here when people don't like the look)

 

Good luck and welcome to StyleForum.

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post #8 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JumpinHowie View Post

First, I would say hold on to your wardrobe to start. You might have some usable pieces. Like was suggested before, take a look at the to links listed by Nelton for this message board. If you see a look you like, take a look in your closet and see what you have that is similar.
If they are wearing a sport coat over a sweater over a button down collar shirt, look in your closet for those same items (don't worry about the color or material to start, but don't leave the house like that yet) That will help you get better at layering.
    Then focus on they types of fabric textures they are combining. Is the sport coat a think tweed or is it your basic worsted wool (like part of a 3 season suit).
Those are the two most important parts, fabric textures an layering. Most people do fairly well with complimentary colors.

Then post pictures here of any of the fashion experiments you are trying. People will help you refine the look (although get ready for a few mean comments, they do seam to fly around here when people don't like the look)

Good luck and welcome to StyleForum.

Cart before the horse, I'm afraid.
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post #9 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nelton View Post

Good luck to you and I hope you start posting some fits soon, don't get disheartened if you get criticised just keep coming back for more and i'm sure you will improve.

In the hundreds of thousands of threads on SF, and among the millions of posts, there is but scant evidence that more than a handful have "improved" their "fits" through "critiques" of posting said "fits" online, either in the WAYWRN thread or in threads of their own. I'm not saying that there aren't some examples: there are. But they are few, and far outnumbered by the guys whose participation in such activities have encouraged them to be a hot mess.

Generally speaking, the good dressers dress well. The bad dressers dress badly. The latter far outnumber the former. And the prisoner exchanges between the two camps are few.

The perplexing thing is that it is not rocket science. The beginner has the easiest time of all, since the parameters of basic dress are simple, easily discernible, and relatively inexpensive.
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post #10 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:19am

Agreed, it can all be very overwhelming at first.  My suggestion would be to pick specific items/types of dress to start.  For me, I started with suits and spent considerable time reading threads on suit construction, fit and style.  I then went to various stores to try on suits (armed with my new knowledge on fit and construction) to find the line of suits that work best for me.  Once I got this together, I moved on to slacks and business casual dress.  Then shoes.  Then sportcoats.  For each item, I spent time researching and reading threads to make sure I knew what I wanted and how to get it at the best price.  What do you wear the most?  I'd start with that type of item and begin the learning process.

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post #11 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by F. Corbera View Post

What is your profession or line of work (if you do?)
What is your budget?
Where do you live?
How do people around you...co-workers, friends and family...dress?
What are you trying to achieve by dressing differently than you now do?
You see, if you are starting from point zero, and if your means are in some ways limited, then the best way to begin is simply to (1) describe exactly what your circumstances and goals are so that (2) you can get a bulleted list of things that you should get that you do not have. Get those things, wear those things for year or two, and then move on from there based on your own experiences.
Looking though this forum, or reading things like Flusser, are exactly the wrong way to begin dressing in tailored clothes if you have no personal background in it. Flusser or Boyer are not writing for men who do not already know how to dress in coat and tie.
And no matter what anyone says, you will learn little about fashion in the Mens Clothing forum...unless by "fashion" one means the current set of online tribal identifiers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by F. Corbera View Post

In the hundreds of thousands of threads on SF, and among the millions of posts, there is but scant evidence that more than a handful have "improved" their "fits" through "critiques" of posting said "fits" online, either in the WAYWRN thread or in threads of their own. I'm not saying that there aren't some examples: there are. But they are few, and far outnumbered by the guys whose participation in such activities have encouraged them to be a hot mess.
Generally speaking, the good dressers dress well. The bad dressers dress badly. The latter far outnumber the former. And the prisoner exchanges between the two camps are few.
The perplexing thing is that it is not rocket science. The beginner has the easiest time of all, since the parameters of basic dress are simple, easily discernible, and relatively inexpensive.

This should be sent to everyone who registers.
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post #12 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by F. Corbera View Post

Have you tried to read all the threads first before posting?

Sound advice - self help is always the best.
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post #13 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:35am
Thread Starter 

Thank you all for your replies, I'm gonna start with Nelton's links and see what I can grasp. I know that I will be able to dress well someday and I appreciate your help and guidance!

 

F.Corbera

 

I am in business and we use formal attire so despite not knowing much about fashion and styles and types of suits and all that, I think I'm doing OK there. I have a suit, long sleeves, shoes, i look OK, probably not outstanding but OK. Regarding budget I can spend a few grand on it but what I'm really looking for right now is learning. Friends and family dress mmm not all that great I'm afraid. What I'm trying to achieve? That is a hard one, I haven't really thought about it. I just wanted to dress well. But I would say more confidence maybe?

 

Again, thank you all. I really appreciate your comments.

 

Edit: New Shoes1 I had not seen your post when I wrote this comment. I like your idea, I might give it a try. Thanks!

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post #14 of 14
1/18/12 at 11:56am
You know what I think would be a good resource for you? Looking at the "essentials" list that people put together. It's not going to tell you what is a proper fit for a shirt, or a suit, but I feel those are easy things to find.

http://minimalmusings.tumblr.com/post/15040632405/my-staples-list (Currently down for a SOPA protest I think)

http://abitofcolor.tumblr.com/post/14176307815/my-10-wardrobe-essentials-i-wear-some-combination

http://youhavebrokentheinternet.blogspot.com/2011/08/5-casual-categories.html

http://thisfits.me/tagged/essentials

You'll find a list of staples that everyone should have (I'm still working on mine). You'll also just want to check research on how a proper shirt, pants and suit should fit.

In addition to those blogs above, subscribe to www.putthison.com.
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