Before SF where did you learn the "rules?"

I have regularly seen posts on the various fora that indicate the poster having had an understanding of various pedantic rules for years and years. For example: "I've thought it a sin to wear bluchers with a suit since I was 25, 50 years ago, but seeing this picture makes me re-think my position..." This may be a rather pedestrian example, but you get the point.

So I ask: where did you learn the minutea of dressing before these boards existed? I have always read books about style and studied being properly dressed, but it numbs my mind to think of the "rules" that I didn't know until joining the online menswear community a few years ago. I think most posters are in a similar boat, but some of you obviously knew a great deal about all of this long ago. How did some of you guys get so knowledgeable in the first place?

I just copied what I saw the homeless wearing nearby. They always looked so comfortable and carefree.

Maybe someone should start a rules thread. Only one I remember is something about not wearing white pants after labor day. Have no idea why someone would make that rule.

I was completely oblivious. Went from high school straight into a military academy for college, and just got out of the Army, so that forced me to start researching based on my need for job interviews, etc. Led me here. Prior to this, the only rules I used to dress came straight out of AR 670-1

My streetwear collection was laughable, but over time I at least recognized that I should wear slimmer fits to match my body type.

For 9+ years of my life I was forced to conform!

At least now I can diversify within set constraints

Historically, men usually learned the rules from their fathers, uncles and older brothers.
Not so much if at all nowadays,

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

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Alright, FNB, if you choose to be snarky, then where did people learn about clothes in general? About tailoring methods and cloth specifics and button types and goodyear welting and...

I wish I could say it was from my parents, but I was a proper mess before I moved abroad. Since then, I've kept an eye on the French and another on the English.

I sold suits at Dillards when i was 18-19, so I started learning some stuff then. I was reeducated by SF about 3 years ago.

I didnt know many rules to be honest. Since I joined here my taste in suits and clothing in general has completely changed.

I've learn from my family and from friend's fathers, when I was a kid and a teen-ager. Then I've learned more by reading and researching about clothes, shoes and manners. The social environment and the work environment was also very helpful.
But mind you that here in Europe, things might be a bit different than in the US and it also depends in which neighbourhood one is brought up.

But to paraphrase a great french artist : I know that one never knows.

My father and grandfather taught me the basics (by example); however, the rules that I really actually follow are only the most elementary, such as no brown shoes with black belt, no buttoning of bottom coat button etc. For everything else, even if it breaks some "established" rule, I just go with my gut. If it feels right and I like it, I couldn't care less whether some i-gent is going to notice that I am wearing double monks with a suit, or cufflinks with a sportcoat.

GQ and Esquire. Started browsing through them after college. For the amount of hate fashion mags get on SF, it's largely unwarranted. For the newbie to fashion, there is a ton of solid style advice in those mags.

My mother taught me much. It is amazing how much she knew when I look at it now. She never read books about style. She relied on her good taste.
I still remmber when I brought home my fist POW fabric. I thought she did not know about it. She knew exactly what it was and was able to tell the weight from the touch of the fabric.