That Classic 'New England' Look...

[Larry Lean]

Let's not use the 'T' word here...
You know the one...
The one that rhymes with sad, bad, mad, etc.
(I don't mean that really

)

Can that Classic New England look still be redeemed?
Call it 'The Ivy League Style' like it used to be called & shed some of the baggage that it's picked up since the coining of the 'T' word in 2004?

I have my doubts on days like these...

Still, for me, it's worth striving for.

The hardest thing for the style is to overcome it's marginalised status and to get it back to being what it once was - Just another wardrobe option.

It's a less refined/sophisticated look than classic English & classic Italian maybe... But that's a part of it's charm (for those who find the style charming).

Bass ain't Vass & never will be... But can the old Ivy style be lifted out of the dusty Tradgedy of it's new found grave & be a living style once more?

I wonder...

Larry.

(Brother Terry made me write this.)

 

[GreyFlannelMan]

I used to love Trad/Ivy League clothes. They were my staple growing up and through university and law school. Then I discovered clothes that actually fit and look good. To be fair, I still love my J. Press flannel suit and wear it from time to time, but I much prefer the classic "Old England" look.

(I thought that perhaps your uncle Russell Street made you write this)

 

[Larry Lean]

There's no fooling you!

I'm at the mercy of so many...

The Ivy thing is just a different aesthetic.
Classic in it's own way, but I agree it's not that Old England look.

I think it could use some better PR...

Ivy CAN fit & (providing you like it) look good too.

But nobody knows this... 'Cos all you ever mainly hear from on the subject is Trads & Trolls (Sounds like a musical!)

la.

 

[Get Smart]

the classic Ivy look is one of the best historical examples of a defined style that you can't go wrong with. Even the hip musicians of their day emulated the 50s ivy style, in essence taking the style from its upper class/higher education leanings and co-opting it to be a foundation for a working class style

for me, the typical sack suit doesnt look good on me, I like some shape to my jackets but I can see a close fitting sack with about 2" allowance through the body being a good fit and actually looking good. I've never seen such a slim sack before, so it's just something I can picture in my head.

But the other tenents of casual ivy (penny loafers, varsity sweaters, OCBDs, harringtons, etc) still look good today if you apply a modern twist and not dress it like a Trad costume. (bowties and crab pants anyone?)

 

[abc123]

I have a few very well fitting, waist suppressed sacks. They actually are just as fitted as my darted ones. A lack of darts doesnt mean the thing has to fit like a garbage bag, and I think a clean front looks far more elegant than a darted one.

As mentioned, you just can't go wrong with a pair of khakis, a buttondown and a pair of loafers. When it comes to business wear, I prefer English styled shirts (and about 50% of suits/sportcoats), but I lean towards the IL style in most of my dress.

Of course, I have crab pants and lots of bowties

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by Larry Lean

'Cos all you ever mainly hear from on the subject is Trads & Trolls (Sounds like a musical!)

Is that something you would know a good deal about?

 

[Larry Lean]

Originally Posted by AlanC

Is that something you would know a good deal about?

Hard to find any other subject that I do know anything about...
I've decided to specialise you see.

I've always wondered... What does the 'C' stand for?
Is it a secret?
Not rude, though, I'm sure.

la.

 

[borace]

I agree with most of the comments here, I think well cut ivy league has great style.

When worn in the correct way.....ie slim fitting, it is a very cool look.

It is a pity that some people on another board have done their best to turn it into a clown's costume.

 

[AlanC]

LL, have you tired of Harris and A. Squire and wish to turn to me now?

 

[vaclava krishna]

Mr Bodner told me once, that people of New England like to boil their clothes, to remove the flavor.

 

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by vaclava krishna

Mr Bodner told me once, that people of New England like to boil their clothes, to remove the flavor.

Now that's funny.

 

[Larry Lean]

Originally Posted by AlanC

LL, have you tired of Harris and A. Squire and wish to turn to me now?

Where did this come from?

All men are my brothers. Pax.

 

[Larry Lean]

... Ummmmm....
You're not trolling are you Al.?
(I'm certain not).
Let's not de-rail this excellent thread...

 

[borace]

Originally Posted by vaclava krishna

Mr Bodner told me once, that people of New England like to boil their clothes, to remove the flavor.

If you boil up the tripple tweed you could even make Trad soup.............

 

[vaclava krishna]

Originally Posted by borace

If you boil up the tripple tweed you could even make Trad soup.............


Do you mean, tweed chowder?