In praise of the fora

[thinman]

As many regular posters and readers will know, I spent 2006 on sabbatical and took advantage of the outlet shopping in Southern California. I had resolved to upgrade my image by ditching the Levis that were ubiquitous on non-teaching days, incorporating tailored jackets with pocket squares, shirts that actually fit, and better shoes and accessories. Now that I've returned home and classes have started, I'm pleased to report that within a span of 3 days, three different colleagues told me I was looking "sharp", "spiffy", and "dapper". One of them also commented specifically on my jackets and pocket squares.

So *thank you* to all who contributed to my sartorial transformation and to Andy and j for hosting such marvelous sites! Although I don't post a lot of questions, I read voraciously and I've learned from each and every one of you. I'd also be remiss if I didn't offer special thanks to Full Canvas for recommending his tailor to me.

 

[Dakota rube]

Pictures. We must have pictures!

And has your dapper style in any way changed your dating scene?

 

[Roger]

Thinman, I hope your upgraded wardrobe (I'm thinking of jackets and pocket squares in particiular) doesn't move you as far from the modal dress practices of your department as it would me! Jeez, I'd stick out like a sore thumb and probably get comments like "Going to a wedding?" I'm guessing that you'll be closer to the departmental norm than that! And good for you for demonstrating decent dress practices to the students--who have few examples of this in today's world.

 

[tsherry]

Well put, Thinman. I've garnered some of the same reactions from family and friends. The sheer amount of knowledge here is amazing.
By the way, don't take all the size 12's that show up in the cool shoes thread!

 

[thinman]

Roger, the pocket squares especially put me quite far from the departmental norm and I was actually expecting a few derogatory comments, but I've gotten none so far. As I move to more colorful squares, it may happen. And yes, I've discovered that some students learn far more from professors about issues peripheral to the subject matter than I would have thought possible, so I _may_ be a positive influence on the dress habits of some student(s), though I'll probable never know.

D rube, I actually bought myself a digital camera for Christmas, so I'll try to post pictures periodically. Unfortunately, my new image hasn't changed my dating scene, yet. A lady-friend who knows how I feel about her still prefers to mother her weenie boyfriend, so it's time for me to move on. I _really_ wouldn't respond well in the type of relationship she seems to prefer, anyway. As in any college town, the challenge now is meeting age-appropriate women. I _am_ getting more smiles from women as I go about my day, though.

tsherry, you needn't worry about me snapping up size 12 shoes. I have enough shoes for a really nice rotation, so I've decided to target certain specific models like the JL Vale and Sutton. We may still find ourselves bidding against each other, but I'm trying to exercise some restraint (famous last words of aportnoy, I believe).

I forgot to mention that I was also complimented on my EG Dovers (RL Pitneys) by a random stranger in cowboy dress last Friday. He wanted to know where I got them, etc. Thankfully, he didn't ask the price.

 

[Dakota rube]

Originally Posted by thinman

I _am_ getting more smiles from women as I go about my day, though.
Awesome. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[paper clip]

great post. it takes guts to dress outside the norm. but once you have knowledge as provided by the board (in this case) or elsewhere, you have the confidence to know you're dressing the right way.

 

[AskAndyAboutClothes]

thinman:

Thank you and I'm sure I speak for J in saying it's totally our pleasure!

Andy

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by Roger

I hope your upgraded wardrobe doesn't move you as far from the modal dress practices of your department as it would me! Jeez, I'd stick out like a sore thumb and probably get comments like "Going to a wedding?"

Given the recent spate of discussions on the topic of wedding attire, I hope this means you have taken to going to work in morning dress? Heck, bosses used to do just that within living memory:

That's the spirit - no more slobwear to work! Out with the lounge suits, I say old chap.