trying too hard.

[mr.loverman]

i see a lot of people out there who are trying to dress well but just look like ****. they look like they've got no life and are just trying to impress people or make themselves feel superior. dressing well should natural, subtle, appear effortless.

what do you guys think about people who try too hard?

what do you think separates dressing well and trying too hard?

 

[gdl203]

I think that trying too hard (to dress well) is still better than not trying at all (to dress well)

 

[Get Smart]

Trying too Hard guys look like they put waay too much thought into their outfit, and it never looks quite at ease with the wearer.

But at least they're trying. Hopefully down the road they'll become effortless cool. All effortlessly awesome dressers were trying-too-hard guys at one point

 

[bant]

i think the typical TB wearer falls into this category. something about the undersized aesthetic (short pants moreso than the typical fit of the jacket) just screams "look at me - i'm fashionable. and if you don't like it - **** you because you don't 'get it'" i feel its a look that is contrived to the point of pretentious. the novelty of the get-up is more or less a logo in my mind.

THAT said I really respect the back to basics simple old school luxury and think its inspired some good looks.

apologies for the random TB rant - was just on my mind for some reason.

 

[shoreman1782]

I've been thinking about this a lot recently. It's one of the reasons I've really tried to cut down on buying stuff this f/w (well, except for the 5EPxSF and SUFUxWarehouse jeans

). Unless you're in suits all the time, very little that's brand new looks natural. I'm trying to actually live in my clothes a little more.

On a related note, I find myself thinking most people try too hard (IRL, not on SF).

 

[Barry]

I totally agree. If you don't want to look like **** or odd then you have to consider what the masses are wearing. Look at the models and mannequins in large, moderately priced chain stores and don't diverge too much from that. If you want to buy at expensive stores, that's fine, but you have to be aware of what's too unusual and avoid it unless you don't mind attempting to be a trend setter and risking looking weird. If you just watch fashion shows read fashion magazines, you'll be exposed too all kinds of wild things that some famous designer of not commonly worn clothes is trying to get people to wear. They could be OK, but you need a certain level of good taste to be able to pick out something that won't make you look weird.

 

[1969]

I can say that with about 6 months of SF under my belt, trying too hard is just another way to say throwing a bunch of **** at the wall to see what sticks. Discovering my style and "owning it" means making mistakes along the way.

 

[Brian278]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

Trying too Hard guys look like they put waay too much thought into their outfit, and it never looks quite at ease with the wearer.

But at least they're trying. Hopefully down the road they'll become effortless cool. All effortlessly awesome dressers were trying-too-hard guys at one point

Originally Posted by 1969

I can say that with about 6 months of SF under my belt, trying too hard is just another way to say throwing a bunch of **** at the wall to see what sticks. Discovering my style and "owning it" means making mistakes along the way.

+1

 

[shoreman1782]

Look at the models and mannequins in large, moderately priced chain stores and don't diverge too much from that.

There's a difference, though, between looking natural and playing it safe. To be honest, a guy like Chris. who posts here in relatively outlandish stuff that emphasizes his waifishness looks natural to me. On the other hand, most guys at a meatmarket bar on a Saturday night will be wearing stuff that is more, uh, socially acceptable, but at least as ridiculous.

 

[kakemono]

imho, its all about how you carry yourself in what you wear

 

[LA Guy]

Originally Posted by kakemono

imho, its all about how you carry yourself in what you wear

+1. Take a look at truly cool guys. Young Brando, Steve McQueen. They all look the business, and I'm sure that they were aware of their clothes and image. But it just comes naturally. Don't try to be something you are not. If you are a slim suit guy, don't try to be Al Gore in the 2000 election.

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

What's that Italian word that the gentleman in Men's Clothing throw around that means something along the lines of what we call "steez" (i.e. style with ease)? You know, the glove hanging out of jacket pocket thing. Oh, "Spretzatura"-------"careless grace". The key is to leave your look a bit unfinished. Sometimes that means losing the belt. A slightly sloppy tuck. Irregular cuffing on jeans, instead of carefully folded.

 

[Lel]

I think everyone, who is stylish, starts off "trying to hard".

Because somewhere down the line, that guy will realize what worked and what didn't, and now style will come naturally to him through a period of trial and error.

Or they remain stuck in that phase forever.

 

[bob]

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

To be honest, a guy like Chris. who posts here in relatively outlandish stuff that emphasizes his waifishness looks natural to me. On the other hand, most guys at a meatmarket bar on a Saturday night will be wearing stuff that is more, uh, socially acceptable, but at least as ridiculous.

Chris carries it really well. I would never wear the stuff he does but i admire the look.

 

[Tengu]

Oh, "Spretzatura"-------"careless grace".

Sprezzatura...