Things I've learned in the 3 months since joining SF

[bjornb17]

So I joined SF about 3 months ago, and it has made a huge difference in the way I dress. Here are the basics of what I learned!

1) Flat front pants are generally better than pleated.
2) Pants that are too long or any clothing that is too baggy is a horrible look.
3) Polyester anything = avoid like the plague

But the most important thing I learned is that it is best to focus on dressing well first and then focus on being 'stylish' second.

Since taking these things into account, I've received quite a few compliments on my dress (whereas previously people never said anything), and wearing well-fitting clothes makes me look a whole lot thinner, and I feel a whole lot more comfortable. I've had to spend quite a bit of money on the wardrobe upgrade, but I think it is completely worth it.

What would you guys say are other major, basic things that one would learn here?

 

[zerg8888]

My shoe wardrobe has certainly improved since I began lurking here a couple of months ago. Also the importance of fit. I'll be seeing a tailor for the first time this week.

 

[AlmostFullBenefits]

The differences (and how to spot) between half-canvased, full-canvased, and fused coats and suits (aka, the finer points of recognizing quality); how to tell if a shoe has a welted shoe or glued shoe (which can still be tricky if you cannot recognize brand names synonymous with quality); and reaffirmation of my opinion that "designer" does not equate to style or taste.

 

[dragon8]

Originally Posted by bjornb17

So I joined SF about 3 months ago, and it has made a huge difference in the way I dress. Here are the basics of what I learned!

1) Flat front pants are generally better than pleated.
2) Pants that are too long or any clothing that is too baggy is a horrible look.
3) Polyester anything = avoid like the plague

But the most important thing I learned is that it is best to focus on dressing well first and then focus on being 'stylish' second.

Since taking these things into account, I've received quite a few compliments on my dress (whereas previously people never said anything), and wearing well-fitting clothes makes me look a whole lot thinner, and I feel a whole lot more comfortable. I've had to spend quite a bit of money on the wardrobe upgrade, but I think it is completely worth it.

What would you guys say are other major, basic things that one would learn here?

Single pleat pants are the best of both worlds!

 

[SpooPoker]

Originally Posted by GBer

There's always people who don't learn

Like knowing you shouldn't quote spam?

 

[Metlin]

...

 

[inter71]

Originally Posted by bjornb17

I've had to spend quite a bit of money on the wardrobe upgrade, but I think it is completely worth it.

I have also spent quite a bit of money on my wardrobe upgrade and still keep spending. In my case also several people expressed their appreciation towards my appearance and several days ago one of a ladies in my graduate program stated that I look "so intelligently". It does not mean I looked dummy before. But it is really interesting to explore how being well dressed changes others' perception of me. And I definitely appreciate the fact that I discovered the world of high quality English shoes. I have already purchased several pairs and plan to buy more.

 

[entrero]

Originally Posted by Metlin

There are some things I will not understand, and that's the attitude against synthetics or in fact, anything not antiquated. The same goes for a lot of things, such as watches, for example -- the crowd here seems to push forth automatic watches when we've technologies that will sync your watch with an atomic clock. Or consider hand-sewn vs. machine sewn -- a customized machine sewn piece of work will be much superior than something hand sewn, imperfections and what not.

I mean, I love SF, and the differences while fascinating, are not something I can relate to.

It gets really simple when you analyze who's buying these "antiquated" products. Using your examples

Automatic watches: high-rollers, ballerz, posers
Handsewn, bespoke items: high-rollers, CEO's, money money
100% natural fibers: over-informed SF member

Imperfections worship aka "Poetry": over-informed SF member and a successful sales pitch

In general people who wants to stand out from the crowd and have the means to do so(money), will undoubtedly choose these items.

 

[Metlin]

Indeed. In some ways, this is right up HoldFast's take on "stealth wealth". Some things, even if they are indeed affordable, aren't what I can relate to (e.g. automatic watches or "imperfect" and "hand sewn" pocket squares). However, you still have the Bill Cintons of the world who wear digital watches, which is a saving grace.

 

[bellyhungry]

I learned that my next suit should be Good-year welted.

 

[geoffmartin17]

Went from wearing Jcrew and converse chuck tailors to wearing Sartorio and crockett and jones / vass

Nuff said, really. I couldn't even tie a tie a year ago....now i'm trying to learn italian to proxy myself e.g. capelli regimentals!

 

[SpooPoker]

Ive learned that my grail item is a shell cordovan pith helmet.