The case for black dress shirts?

post #61 of 114

2/2/13 at 8:59pm

Caustic Man

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I can't imagine a scenario where a dark shirt and a tie would be appropriate regardless of economic outlook.

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post #62 of 114

2/2/13 at 9:01pm

RedDevil10

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Quote:

Originally Posted by frankinaug

Depending on your individual environment black dress shirts can work. My work requires me to deal with a diverse group of people from all economic backrounds for me being TOO stylish can hurt. A black shirt with a simple tie and a light grey suit is a good look for me but I can see how it isnt for everyone

That is the "TOO stylish [that does] hurt."

Sorry.

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post #63 of 114

2/2/13 at 9:04pm

TiberiasUSA
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I think too many guys wear the black shirt, I rather be a little different.

also dandruff + black shirt = no bueno

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post #64 of 114

2/2/13 at 9:55pm

RedDevil10

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TiberiasUSA

black shirt = no bueno

FTFY

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post #65 of 114

2/2/13 at 11:34pm

nickrut

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RedDevil10

He's old enough to know better and that's all that matters.

lol..tough crowd.

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post #66 of 114

2/3/13 at 12:41am

aravenel

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Quote:

Originally Posted by frankinaug

Depending on your individual environment black dress shirts can work. My work requires me to deal with a diverse group of people from all economic backrounds for me being TOO stylish can hurt. A black shirt with a simple tie and a light grey suit is a good look for me but I can see how it isnt for everyone

Yeah, this is portraying the exact thing you wish to avoid--it comes off like you are really trying to be "stylish". The worst thing is, it fails miserably. So not only do you look like you are trying to look stylish, but you look bad as well.

Seriously folks, outside of the specific "message" looks that a couple of folks posted, and *possibly* a night at the club (even then, I don't like it, but I will concede that if you are going to wear one, this is the place to do it), I cannot think of a situation in which a black dress shirt will look good. Or anything approaching good. In fact, it will look *actively* bad.

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post #67 of 114

2/3/13 at 12:56am

Blackhood

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Quote:

Originally Posted by unbelragazzo

I should maybe caveat with this:

On MC/CW we get caught up in whether something "looks good" or not. But that's not the only way to think about whether an outfit is successful of not. Another framework is just to consider what effect it has on the viewer, and what image it projects from the wearer. Here we universally strive for something in the neighborhood of gentlemanly/elegant/refined/respected, with occasional forays into sharp or exuberant. Black shirts at night can portray edginess, criminality, risk-seeking, disreputable but either smooth-talking or ruthless. There are people who are going for one of these effects. Black shirts worn during the day portray someone who saw a movie in which one of these edgy criminal characters was wearing a black shirt and thought it would look just a good on him while working his IT job. Maybe somebody is going for that too. Anyway there is more to clothing and style than "looks good" or "looks ugly".

I just wanted to quote this, as it makes a very good point.

Many of us deal daily with people who buy their entire wardrobe from Boss/Armani Exchange etc who expect you to be (at least to some degree) fashionable. You could try explaining that a blue shirt is really more appropriate because of classic menswear principals and the traditions laid out over a hundred years, but sometimes it is easier to just play the game by their rules.

In MC we tend to play a game of "would I fit in if I time traveled to 1955" but just sometimes you have to dress for the audience.

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post #68 of 114

2/3/13 at 2:27am

AmericanGent

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JLibourel

Oh I think a black dress shirt has its place:

If you are a neo-fascist and want to show solidarity with Il Duce and his followers (as somebody already pointed out).

If you wish to emulate the John Travolta character in "Saturday Night Fever."

If you want to play Nathan Detroit in a local theater production of "Guys and Dolls." (I owe that one to Manton.)

Otherwise best shunned, IMO.

If you are a professional poker player.

I do own one pretty nice black shirt- but I bought it for a church choir Holy Saturday service that required all black attire.

It has been hanging in my closet for about 4 years now.

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post #69 of 114

2/3/13 at 3:38am