Sprezzatura: The Essentials and anything else you want to know/comment

The False Prophet · May 16, 2007

Sprezzatura is wearing your clothes, rather than letting them wear you.

Sprezzatura is what separates clothes worn by a real person from those on a mannequin or a runway model.

The list (plus photos), I take it, was not meant to enumerate what exhibiting sprezzatura would entail, but rather to give examples of how, in some contexts, it may manifest.

If appropriate, a relaxed and stylish man may remove his tie and put it away. Scott Schuman notes Fabio Borrelli (I think) doing this, and it instantly changing the image that he projected.

As for the rest, pocket squares and whatnot, I think the message is not to be too precise or fastidious.

dtmt · May 16, 2007

After reading that list, it sounds like sprezzatura is Italian for "trying too hard."

skalogre · May 16, 2007

Maybe it has been mentioned already (have not read all posts) but isn't this exercise by sheer definition not what it aspires to? I mean how can you be nonchalant by calculating how to appear nonchalant

?

macuser3of5 · May 16, 2007

Originally Posted by dtmt

After reading that list, it sounds like sprezzatura is Italian for "trying too hard."
Or, "Internet forum creates OCD"

kshah · May 16, 2007

After attempting to teach a few friends about clothing, I let them venture on their own, and they just couldn't understand complementing shirts, ties, suits, and shoes, nor how to carry oneself. I think you just have it or you don't.

A good eye can't be taught. Elegance can't either.

I once read, spezzataura is defined as, "the art of concealing the art."

I think things like confidence and drape achieve this.

jml90 · May 16, 2007

Originally Posted by jml90

I don't know it seems kind of overdoing it in the overcoat.

I ammend this. White linen only anything else is overdoing it.

The False Prophet · May 16, 2007

Originally Posted by skalogre

Maybe it has been mentioned already (have not read all posts) but isn't this exercise by sheer definition not what it aspires to? I mean how can you be nonchalant by calculating how to appear nonchalant

?

As I sorta tried to say in my last post, I don't think the purpose of the article, or this discussion, is to prescribe a list of things to follow, but rather to provide examples to better illustrate what the word and concept means, and perhaps help people get into the mindset.

(Not directed at anyone in particular) It's all well and good to show how clever we are by saying "you can't study how to look unstudied", but it doesn't add a lot to the discussion....

macuser3of5 · May 16, 2007

Originally Posted by The False Prophet

(Not directed at anyone in particular) It's all well and good to show how clever we are by saying "you can't study how to look unstudied", but it doesn't add a lot to the discussion....
I think of it as a koan.

summej2 · May 16, 2007

Originally Posted by RJman

Would that be... Flussertura?

Rough...but true.

Christofuh · May 16, 2007

Originally Posted by Will

Some internal inconsistencies.

1. Taking tie off and putting in breast pocket- crushing your pocket square.

whnay. · May 17, 2007

Originally Posted by Christofuh

Well if it pulls wool like that I'm going to have to start trying it out.

neyus · May 19, 2007

I feel that sprezzatura is a certain kind of flair to dress...or a certain x factor. I dont think it should be studied or needs to be. I think it is something that should come naturally. I dont think I display it on occassions, but do it rather subconsciously. I think its about feeling comfortable in your clothes.

I dont think the list is their to be followed. There are no hard and fast rules to this subject.

I have noticed, however, that I like it. I do notice certain people exhibiting sprezzatura and I feel drawn towards the look. There is a fair amount of warmth in it and accessibility. Well there is for me.

Being deliberate about it is definitely stupid and thats not the point.

Sprezzatura: The Essentials and anything else you want to know/comment

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