Any advice on incorporating some formalwear and historical fashion into my wardrobe?

[Avi1]

I've been into historical menswear and formal menswear for a while, but I haven't exactly had lots of time to work on that side of my style. I've been somewhat avoidant of it because it's just somewhat impractical for me (I'm an 18 year old in my last year of high school) and also the stigma of dressing like that when most don't is another reason. But I've decided to give into this. I only have 3 ties, 2 self-tie bow ties, a few ill-fitting dress shirts, and 3 pairs of dress pants as of now. Any advice on how to make this style work in my current environment or how to get menswear at more of a bargain would be appreciated.

 

[johng70]

There are a few aspects to your question. Are you simply talking about wearing dress slacks/dress shirt/tie or bowtie? Formal implies tuxedo or dinner jacket. Historical could imply a lot of things.
If all you're talking about is dress slacks/dress shirt / tie or bow tie here is my advice:

Teenagers in shirt/tie aren't completely out of whack. At least here in U.S. a number of Catholic schools require ties for young men.

Fit is the most important thing - especially when you're going to dress a bit outside the norm. You don't want dress pants or shirts that are ill fitting.

Next: is the outfit coordinated? Shirt/tie/slacks/shoes/belt should all be coordinated.

I think the next step would be to post some photos of you in the dress pants / shirts you have so we can look at the fit. Some issues can be fixed by tailoring; some would require more tailoring than is worthwhile. You don't need to go overboard here - getting shirts/pants tailored perfectly would be a mistake, IMO because at 18 you're still growing.

 

[ter1413]

Take pics. Post.

 

[msimon]

I'm 30, there are days when I think I'm still growing....oh wait. Looks for scales.

 

[Avi1]

There are a few aspects to your question. Are you simply talking about wearing dress slacks/dress shirt/tie or bowtie? Formal implies tuxedo or dinner jacket. Historical could imply a lot of things.
If all you're talking about is dress slacks/dress shirt / tie or bow tie here is my advice:

Teenagers in shirt/tie aren't completely out of whack. At least here in U.S. a number of Catholic schools require ties for young men.

Fit is the most important thing - especially when you're going to dress a bit outside the norm. You don't want dress pants or shirts that are ill fitting.

Next: is the outfit coordinated? Shirt/tie/slacks/shoes/belt should all be coordinated.

I think the next step would be to post some photos of you in the dress pants / shirts you have so we can look at the fit. Some issues can be fixed by tailoring; some would require more tailoring than is worthwhile. You don't need to go overboard here - getting shirts/pants tailored perfectly would be a mistake, IMO because at 18 you're still growing.

I mean semi-formal in this case. For special events I would gladly wear actual formal clothing if I could.


Ok so as for the formal clothing, I would mostly be wearing it outside of school because I go to a public school. Most of my or semi-formal clothes that I have right now are ill-fitting, such as a suit I got for my Bar Mitzvah and basically all of the dress shirts as well. I'm planning on getting some more pieces soon, and as for neckwear, I have 1 self-tie bow tie and 3 ties that fit me. (I somehow remember how to tie a bow tie but I have no memory of how to tie a tie.)

 

[msimon]

In this case, personally I would use a oxford button down shirt with a quarter neck for a more sporty appeal, finish it off with clean selvedge jeans or chinos for more formality. As for the shoes, boots, derby and boat shoes depending the weather/formality.

This to me is a good start but also not being totally out of place and people will notice the effort.