A Fistful of Style

For the purposes of the list I’m sticking exclusively to classic American beer. The pale yellow kind that’s in its prime at BBQ’s on hot days.

The list would be much different if we were including things that are comparably priced by abv.  Though I will agree Victory is fucking great.

It’s super trendy to roll your pants in all kinds of situations (and to wear them like highwaters… but I digress)

Basically, I think if they’re casual pants you can roll them anytime you feel like rolling them, too warm, wet outside, etc…

I wouldn’t roll more formal trousers, or casual pants in a business setting.

I’ve also been known to roll my pants up to my knees hipster bike messenger style when it crests 90 because I don’t really wear shorts (like ever).

Because the only thing standing between order and chaos on the blogosphere is a thin blue line bushy brown mustache.

Or because I have a saloon in my apartment.

One of those.

Military surplus stores.  They’ll have dozens of options in all different weights and cuts for slightly more than thrift store prices.  

Past that, coats like Macs are essentially just classic raincoats, these are at thrift stores by the dozens. (I literally cannot remember the last time I went into a thrift store without seeing at least one “london fog” or similar raincoat.)

This also might mark the first time I’ve said “thrift store” and meant it beyond personal bias/preference.

EDIT: thesilentist replied to your post: I’m a fan of knee-length coats such as macs but it’s difficult to find ones that I like/that fit/are affordable. Have you got any tips on where to find the best coats at a reasonable price?

Vintage London Fog coats are the best. Three of them in my closet — all thrifted. And, yes, like you’ve said: thrift stores have tons of them.

While we’re talking about good advice, Kiyoshi is a man who consistently gives good advice (and is known as such).  So the fact that he cosigns my advice should let you know it’s pretty solid.

This question is near and dear to my heart because even though I’m very comfortable in my masculinity, I’m not overly “manly” (except my mustache). And was a pretty disaffected, counter-culture teen.

First things first, #menswear loves to play the “globetrotting playboy”.  This is not what most bloggers are.  Don’t worry about impressing models and getting on the Sartorialist in Milan.

You’re a teenager?  Start by getting stuff that fits a bit better.  Slim down your jeans (don’t get them so skinny they look painted on).  Get some casual decent quality leather shoes. It could be longwings, suede bucks, desert boots, boat shoes, whatever speaks to you.  Get some shirts with buttons, there’s lots of cheap options for slim fitting casual shirts.  Maybe find a well fitting casual leather jacket (these will make you super-badass in high school) or a sport coat  (these can make you look slightly nerdy [tweed] or overly adult [brass buttoned blazer], use your best discretion).

Also, don’t worry about suits and ties and all that right now (unless it speaks to you).  You’re a teenager, not a hedge fund manager, you don’t have to worry about casual suiting or unlined grenadine ties, embrace that.

Mostly I’d encourage you to figure out what speaks to you.  

Getting into #menswear can be a barrage of elderly Italian men and wealthy looking young playboys, ignore this if it’s not you.  Focus on other bloggers who do their own thing, check out WIWT pics and really think about why you like or don’t like certain elements.

Colors? Patterns?  Are you eccentric or conservative?  Bold and brash or subdued? Center of attention or a wallflower?

Getting into #menswear, for me, was figuring out what I wanted my style to be and aggressively pursuing it, you can do that at any age.

Good luck and godspeed.

Lightweight gray wool trousers, straight leg med/dark jeans, brown longwing brogues, knit ties, and a navy blazer.  Also, I wear a waistcoat and denim jacket pretty regularly, I’d be a little lost without those options.

I know it’s a pretty standard #menswear list, but you could pretty much wear those items with an appropriate shirt to any occasion short of black tie.

Also, remember that you have the basics that form a core, and the way you build off that core defines your style.

Thanks!  Compliments like this are why I keep at it.

All I’d say is that thrifting is quantitatively and qualitatively different all over, even within the US.  Different areas have different things, and that diversity is one thing that draws me in any time I see the words “thrift shop” on a building or sign.

I am curious if Canada has major charitable thrift chains (e.g. goodwill, salvation army) or if it’s mostly private/singular shop for local charity/local thrift.

I make it look easy because I spend a lot of (too much?) time in thrift shops.  Keep at it, you’ll find cool stuff.

And British 70’s cop is pretty much exactly what I’m going for most of the time, that or 1870’s saloon keep.  Either or.  Thanks!