How to dress well in CM without standing out too much

[Hellbent]

I would go with brown loafers in a non shiny leather like suede or CXL or brown camp Mocs

I am basically going to copy your outfit with that substitution, so thanks for the inspiration

Thanks a lot! I’m happy you like it. And a pair of loafers always works

 

[otterhound]

I think that Jung Young Hun also strikes the balance.

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All I can see is security guard in this pic. I know the navy blazer and light gray trousers are quintessential CM, but when the security guards co-opted it, it was ruined for me.

 

[otterhound]

I would wear dark brown penny loafers with those cords

This is the right answer.

 

[Irish95]

I did it! I took a photo of myself in order to post it on the internet.
As casual as I can be with a sport jacket
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I’m really enjoying this thread. I don’t chime in much, if at all, but had to comment on this photo. Great job. Looks like Jack Nicholson entering the “wrap party” for any of of his movies. It looks great and you pull it off well. Not a big fan of the trainers, but it works. I’d prefer loafers, but I’m not very subjective as I have too many to count myself. As others have said, rules count, but context and comfort in ones own skin wins out.

 

[bobby jonathan]

I’m really enjoying this thread. I don’t chime in much, if at all, but had to comment on this photo. Great job. Looks like Jack Nicholson entering the “wrap party” for any of of his movies. It looks great and you pull it off well. Not a big fan of the trainers, but it works. I’d prefer loafers, but I’m not very subjective as I have too many to count myself. As others have said, rules count, but context and comfort in ones own skin wins out.

Thank you!

bobby jonathan

 

[物の哀れ]

I think that David, profiled by Crompton, serves as a great example.

 

[radicaldog]

I think that David, profiled by Crompton, serves as a great example.

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I take it the second look is the relevant one here. The first one is casual with no tailoring, the third one is conservative business dress. The second one is good (not a fan of the shoes but that's just me), though it would come off as really quite smart in most settings. Swap the trousers for something a bit more casual (jeans, dressy chinos, or thin wale cords maybe) and the shoes for desert boots or sneakers or chunky derbies and it would be quite a stealthy CM look, yes. Also, he really needs to unfasten the second button on that polo or button it all the way up--otherwise he'll keep looking like an accountant who went on a few menswear sites.

 

[JJ Katz]

54 pages to basically accept that:
1) If you are someplace where many people wear CM you will not stick out due to wearing CM, per se.
2) If you are someplace where no one but you is wearing CM, you will stick out.
3) If you define CM as broadly and causally to include jeans and trainers then, your "CM" wearing will not probably stick out in a very casual environment.
Unless you are wearing any sport of tailored jacket, in which case you will stick out.
4) some people really don't want to stick out. Some don't mind. A few actively like sticking out.

 

[JJ Katz]

I think that David, profiled by Crompton, serves as a great example.

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He looks well dressed (though I really don't like over-shirts).
In the situations that I assume the OP had in mind, he would stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[thuhoan]

Should I shorten the sleeves of the linen jacket or treat it as an outer jacket. It is technically (?) a sport coat

 

[smittycl]

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Should I shorten the sleeves of the linen jacket or treat it as an outer jacket. It is technically (?) a sport coat

Looks more like an overshirt/shirt-jacket.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

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Should I shorten the sleeves of the linen jacket or treat it as an outer jacket. It is technically (?) a sport coat

I think it looks fine. You could treat it either way. It’s very casual and it does share some features of a sport coat, though to my eye, it looks better if worn as a outerwear light layer.

 

[dieworkwear]

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Should I shorten the sleeves of the linen jacket or treat it as an outer jacket. It is technically (?) a sport coat

I think you would do better in a different jacket. Personally not a fan of those types of jackets. The chest pockets, short length, and high buttoning point. If you end up wearing a silhouette like that, I think it's better if you just leave CM and go for a more SWD type of outfit. This is an example of a Barena jacket.

 

[thuhoan]

I think you would do better in a different jacket. Personally not a fan of those types of jackets. The chest pockets, short length, and high buttoning point. If you end up wearing a silhouette like that, I think it's better if you just leave CM and go for a more SWD type of outfit. This is an example of a Barena jacket.


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Is it that bad? Hehe. Jacket is covering butt though, but I get your point. Would probably fit better in SWD. Combined with some jeans and boots.

 

[Hellbent]

54 pages to basically accept that:
1) If you are someplace where many people wear CM you will not stick out due to wearing CM, per se.
2) If you are someplace where no one but you is wearing CM, you will stick out.
3) If you define CM as broadly and causally to include jeans and trainers then, your "CM" wearing will not probably stick out in a very casual environment.
Unless you are wearing any sport of tailored jacket, in which case you will stick out.
4) some people really don't want to stick out. Some don't mind. A few actively like sticking out.

A very good summary
I personally don't mind standing out a bit. But It must be in a positive way. And I think you can do that pretty much everywhere in most situations. Take people like Gianluca Migliarotti and David Coggins for instance. They look relaxed and approachable even when in a tie a pocket square. Exactly the type of people you would like to strike up a conversation with.

@radicaldog posted a good photo, I think, of him wearing a yellow linen suit. He looked relaxed.

Everybody could do this, with practice, if they wanted. Choose casual fabrics like linen and tweed. Pick cuts that are on the generous side in order to avoid looking and feeling constricted. Shoes in brown suede, or sneakers if you like. And of course, be confident but not cocky.