ASK CHORN ANYTHING (about clothing)

[Chorn]

Damned if I know, but seeing as this is the thread wherein I answer questions, I'm gonna say yes, because your guess seems damned reasonable.

I'd say that sweater should be the only pattern, with texture providing interest for all the other items of clothing (and there would need to be texture....flannel pants and an oxford shirt as opposed to worsted and poplin)

 

[Grand Potentate]

Okay, what is multi-pattern? Something with colors beyond a background and accent?

Look at the sweater you posted a photo of. See the rows of differing color lines and geometric shapes? Each representation there is a pattern. Just like someone wearing a suit outfit with a check shirt, striped tie, and paisley pocket square would be considered wearing 3 patterns.

 

[Russell Street]

Oh, so an outfit would be multi-pattern, not a garment (excluding that patchwork nonsense)?
I'm thinking that a blah university stripe or check is a subtler pattern that some multi-color plaid or British-type striped affair.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Oh, so an outfit would be multi-pattern, not a garment (excluding that patchwork nonsense)?
I'm thinking that a blah university stripe or check is a subtler pattern that some multi-color plaid or British-type striped affair.

No, I'm saying that the garment is multi-pattern. I was just trying to give you something to relate the concept to visually.

 

[Russell Street]

Oh, so like those cornball ties where there are stripes with crests in between would be multi-pattern?

 

[Grand Potentate]

Oh, so like those cornball ties where there are stripes with crests in between would be multi-pattern?

I honestly can't visualize this.

 

[Russell Street]

I honestly can't visualize this.

Polo used to do this crap all the time.
http://www.jpressonline.com/sheep-and-ram/
http://www.chippneckwear.com/be-an-athletic-supporter-tie/

 

[Grand Potentate]

Polo used to do this crap all the time.
http://www.jpressonline.com/sheep-and-ram/
http://www.chippneckwear.com/be-an-athletic-supporter-tie/

I see what you meant. I'd just consider those striped ties to be honest.

 

[Zé Ferreira]

Dear Chorn,
A friend and I have a disagreement over whether this is awesome or hideous. I'll keep it a secret which stance is mine. Which position is that of taste and which is that of an incorrect buffoon?

http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-lambswool-fair-isle-crewneck-sweater/id_259693

While I like the idea of pairing a fair isle with moleskin/cords for a very wintery-casual look, I think this is a brown overload. I do like how the blue and green pop on the sweater, but I wouldn't put the sweater w/ those pants. Too brown.

In theory, great - not executed well here.

 

[Zé Ferreira]

Chorn , can you just mail me unused ties and I will put them to great use?

 

[Chorn]

Chorn , can you just mail me unused ties and I will put them to great use?

I'll consider this. Seriously. Though this goes against my nature as a collector. So consideration.

 

[MFDoom]

When is it an appropriate time to wear a bow tie?

And not during white or black tie occasions.

if you feel that you need permission, then they're not for you

 

[Fwiffo]

I'm sure they're not for me. I'm just unsure it's appropriate for workers in the financial district to do it. As I said, I can see an elderly partner at a legal firm pull it off naturally but not someone who looks like he works in the mailroom.

 

[Russell Street]

I think the "Dress for Success" guy said that bow-tie wearers are seen as untrustworthy. Hence, a criminal defense lawyer (as an example) would be fine to wear one with clients that want him shady, and presumably brainy. But at trial, a bow tie would be a big no-n0.

 

[MFDoom]

yeah, no. he was right on some issues and wrong on others. bow ties signal independence, not shadiness.

 

[Zé Ferreira]

Bowties signal slight contempt for the general masses and a belief that the wearer is mentally more astute than the rest. I've never heard of anyone wearing it b/c they want to feel independent - if anything it's more rebellious on a Harvard level.

 

[Chorn]

I wear them around my Johnson (The Chorndawg).