On Obtaining Style

[cwroe]

Hello from West Coast America. So pleased to see so many fine looking gents congrgating in one place to talk about looking fine. If you have the time, please take a moment to read what I've taken the time to type, and introspect a bit. Put your thinking caps on.

What does style mean to you? Do you have it? Are style and fashion the same thing? Can money buy style?

Style is something I find extremely elusive. It's something I have, as of yet, not been able to cultivate. Over the past four weeks, my quest for cultivating personal style has developed into anything but an obsession.

Style to me is efficiency and clarity in expressing an individual's personality. It exists within the construct of society--there are norms, trends, goods, bads, ins, and outs. Style is both firm and milleable--its face changes over time, but its soul never leaves.

I'm starting to learn that style is not captive to a single area of expression, like clothing for example. Style is present in all modes of social interaction, like painting, dance, martial arts, sports, work, sex, music, etc. A person with style is able to express themself clearly and effectively. A person with style exudes it in several areas.

Fashion is easy to follow. There are clear rules. Style bends and sometimes breaks these rules however. Style is special and unique, like your fingerprint. A fashion and style I admire are the classic trends of Black New York.
http://austin-martin.blogspot.com/20...k-in-days.html

These photos, taken by Jamel Shabazz, seem to capture something special. The subjects and their style fit within the context of their surroundings, their personalities showing through their clothing.

This is what I aim to achieve, to cultivate a sense of style that respects but is not limitied by the rules of fashion.

My question: How does one CULTIVATE style?

Thanks for reading. I'm looking forward to reading your replies.

 

[El Argentino]

I'd say expose yourself to a ton of different influences, and then see what bubbles to the top. Personal style is going to constantly change throughout one's life based on what you're exposing yourself to, events in your life, etc. Roll with it and take what you enjoy and cast off what doesn't jive.

Currently in more traditional men's wear, I currently find myself in a really WASPy phase, embracing pastels and traditional east-coast prep school patterns, while with street wear I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate that vibe in a sea of dark-neutral minded people. I'm sure those preferences will change with time, but I enjoy the throwback look in an age where things are getting decidedly less formal. I think a lot of my wardrobe choices are inspired by that personal backlash I'm feeling right now.

I could have never really discovered this sort of aesthetic though if not for keeping my eyes open to things outside of my immediate social circle. Being from Las Vegas, a veritable style hole despite all the glitz and big names here, it'd normally be impossible to encounter without broadening one's horizons. I've learned I don't enjoy techno by listening to it, trying to pick it apart. I've learned I do enjoy progressive brit rock by doing the same. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you don't know what's available and out there to enjoy until one expands their vision a bit more than already accustomed.

Hope anything here might help. Welcome to the forum.

 

[SwiftLearner]

Same for me as how one becomes a good musician. Learn from as many people as you can.

All the coolest dressers to me are people that chill with tons of other cool people.

And anyone who thinks there are rules are full of it. Every "rule" has been broken with success by someone, sometime. It's about the total package and how you pull it off.

 

[cb_32]

to me its more about culture.

im from europe so everyone there has an interest in style one way or another.

when i moved to north america is see quite the opposite, some people just don't give a damn and thats unfortunate.

 

[cwroe]

It's been a LONG time! Realized I never thanked you guys for responding. THANKS.

Does anybody else have any input? New thoughts? Musings?

Here's a photo of me that I think has some kind of "style."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/c-wroe/6083324131/in/photostream/lightbox/

 

[hendrix]

I'm a bit too lazy to post a detailed response right now but I really enjoyed that first post

 

[London]

You have to first experiment with proportion, color, and materials. It's like a puzzle board that you can fill in over time. I would experiment with cheaper brands like Uniqlo, H&M, etc. and until you find what works for you and you're locked in the pocket, and then move up in class. Best of luck.