Soxfan05 Posted October 30, 2006 #1 Share Posted October 30, 2006 Hi Ladies, I'm busily weeding through my sons' extensive wardrobe. We purchased suits and sports jackets last year and what one of the twins outgrew, the other can wear. What do you think of these looks: Blue and white seersucker blazer with khaki or linen pants, plain colored t and cream or tan bucks. (casual night?) Dark sports coat with dress pants (navy, black or gray), black polo shirt and black shoes. (semi formal night or is the polo too casual?) Dark blue/gray chalk stripe(?) suit with a medium blue gray shirt, a print tie and black shoes. (Colin formal 1) Dark gray,blue and black jacket (the look is really subtle and classic - I got it at Talbots for a steal but not sure if you'd call it a plaid or houndstooth) with black pants, medium blue gray shirt and tie and black shoes. (Paxton formal 1) Black suit (very hip and urban- the jacket is long with 4 buttons) with gold stripes with a white dress shirt and tartan tie. (is the tartan tie too traditional with this look?) (Colin formal 2) Black and beige/gold houndstooth jacket with black pants, white dress shirt and tartan tie. (Paxton formal 2) I don't want to overpack but they like to dress up and even mentioned that they would be fine with wearing a sports jacket out to dinner at here in Boston. :eek: This from kids who used to balk at wearing a collared shirt and shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RI-Sailor Posted November 3, 2006 #2 Share Posted November 3, 2006 I'm more of a classic/conservative person, so others may well disagree with me, but: 1. I don't care for polo shirts with suit jackets or sport coats. (I think I've become used to seeing jackets with t-shirts, so they actually don't bother me as they did when the look first came out.) 2. I'm not one for mixing prints so I wouldn't put a tartan tie with a houndstooth jacket (unless it was very, very subtle). Of what you've listed I like Colin Formal #1 and Paxton Formal #1 best. The others are things that I think I'd have to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RI-Sailor Posted November 3, 2006 #3 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Arrggg...the double post gremlin has struck again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Jerome Wild Posted November 3, 2006 #4 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Hi Ladies,I'm busily weeding through my sons' extensive wardrobe. We purchased suits and sports jackets last year and what one of the twins outgrew, the other can wear. What do you think of these looks: Just a quick down and dirty answer here, but a few questions... What cruise line? How old are the sons? I think in general the fact that they have all of these and are making an effort are all to be applauded, so I already give a big thumbs up. Other than that, it's just nit picky general things (since you asked for opinions)... Blue and white seersucker blazer with khaki or linen pants, plain colored t and cream or tan bucks. (casual night?) The fact is that this is already way over for casual (in a great way!), so it's going to be better than 99% of the rest. And, if the are young and hip, then with this a t-shirt with a really cool/nice graphic (not words or sayings) is really great right now... Dark sports coat with dress pants (navy, black or gray), black polo shirt and black shoes. (semi formal night or is the polo too casual?) Depending on the cruise it could be okay, but to be "safe" and sure there are two options... (all of this is what's cool for the past few years)... One, layer a shirt or sweater over the polo shirt, so that the polo sticks out from underneath, or Two, I'd actually take the medium blue grey shirts and use them here... Oh PS, rugby shirts are also a cool option under suit/sport coat jackets right now for casual dress up... Dark blue/gray chalk stripe(?) suit with a medium blue gray shirt, a print tie and black shoes. (Colin formal 1) This is slightly "tricky" as I can't see it, but... "Technically" this is not formal, and especially with a print tie on top of the chalk stripe suit makes it even more casual... Actually two options again... Solid tie, preferably black with ideally a white dress shirt. Takes it up a notch to more formal... Or even better, Tuxedo shirt (type of collar, I'd do regular) and a black bow tie. It will totally pop this up a level to "hip, not quite, but oh so close to actually formal". This would actually be Grammy Awards or TV awards funky formal. Dark gray,blue and black jacket (the look is really subtle and classic - I got it at Talbots for a steal but not sure if you'd call it a plaid or houndstooth) with black pants, medium blue gray shirt and tie and black shoes. (Paxton formal 1) Sounds really cool, but again, I'd go with the exact advice from above... Black suit (very hip and urban- the jacket is long with 4 buttons) with gold stripes with a white dress shirt and tartan tie. (is the tartan tie too traditional with this look?) (Colin formal 2) If it's a thinner tie, or tie it in a thinner knot (Four in Hand off the top of my head) it needs to be thin to go with the suit. But again, it brings it down a formal notch. And I think I know the kind of "long urban" suit you are talking about... I'm not sure if the tartan tie would really work... You could go for it really funky if the other guy wears the tartan tie (I'm guessing that they "match" or are "complimentary" folded or rolled (if it can be, depends on the tie) as a pocket square... Black and beige/gold houndstooth jacket with black pants, white dress shirt and tartan tie. (Paxton formal 2) This is definitely too much pattern for "formal", but is cool for a musician-y funky formal. I'd really for more conservative non-patterned with a tie on this in order to up the formal a notch. (Like one guy is solid suit, patterned tie, other guy is patterned jacket, solid tie). Again, in order to really "formal-ize" these both, I'd more go with a tuxedo shirt and bow-tie... also depending on the guys, all of these for someone hip and young can be accessorized with a cool non conservative belt. It will only show in "flashes" under the jackets (and when they take off their jackets later). Or actually have them both wear the tartan ties as belts (tuck in or tie the knot, so that it's not "hanging", although that could be for later in the disco) and have them both wear the conservative solid ties... I don't want to overpack but they like to dress up and even mentioned that they would be fine with wearing a sports jacket out to dinner at here in Boston. :eek: This from kids who used to balk at wearing a collared shirt and shoes. I think this is all great, and if they want to wear it, then overpack. Also, there are a lot of options for mixing and matching here, so think about maybe paring some items down if you want for packing... Just throwing ideas out there, they have to do what works for them... There's a lot of ideas, that some will work, and some may not, so they'd just have to "try" and see... I'll also incude a few pics of some hip, non-traditional but "formal" looks... CJW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Jerome Wild Posted November 3, 2006 #5 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Other pics, frilled tuxedo shirts are really great right now... Thrift shops have some great one's from the 70s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Jerome Wild Posted November 3, 2006 #6 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Last one for now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soxfan05 Posted November 3, 2006 Author #7 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Just a quick down and dirty answer here, but a few questions...What cruise line? How old are the sons? I think in general the fact that they have all of these and are making an effort are all to be applauded, so I already give a big thumbs up. Other than that, it's just nit picky general things (since you asked for opinions)... The fact is that this is already way over for casual (in a great way!), so it's going to be better than 99% of the rest. And, if the are young and hip, then with this a t-shirt with a really cool/nice graphic (not words or sayings) is really great right now... Depending on the cruise it could be okay, but to be "safe" and sure there are two options... (all of this is what's cool for the past few years)... One, layer a shirt or sweater over the polo shirt, so that the polo sticks out from underneath, or Two, I'd actually take the medium blue grey shirts and use them here... Oh PS, rugby shirts are also a cool option under suit/sport coat jackets right now for casual dress up... This is slightly "tricky" as I can't see it, but... "Technically" this is not formal, and especially with a print tie on top of the chalk stripe suit makes it even more casual... Actually two options again... Solid tie, preferably black with ideally a white dress shirt. Takes it up a notch to more formal... Or even better, Tuxedo shirt (type of collar, I'd do regular) and a black bow tie. It will totally pop this up a level to "hip, not quite, but oh so close to actually formal". This would actually be Grammy Awards or TV awards funky formal. Sounds really cool, but again, I'd go with the exact advice from above... If it's a thinner tie, or tie it in a thinner knot (Four in Hand off the top of my head) it needs to be thin to go with the suit. But again, it brings it down a formal notch. And I think I know the kind of "long urban" suit you are talking about... I'm not sure if the tartan tie would really work... You could go for it really funky if the other guy wears the tartan tie (I'm guessing that they "match" or are "complimentary" folded or rolled (if it can be, depends on the tie) as a pocket square... This is definitely too much pattern for "formal", but is cool for a musician-y funky formal. I'd really for more conservative non-patterned with a tie on this in order to up the formal a notch. (Like one guy is solid suit, patterned tie, other guy is patterned jacket, solid tie). Again, in order to really "formal-ize" these both, I'd more go with a tuxedo shirt and bow-tie... also depending on the guys, all of these for someone hip and young can be accessorized with a cool non conservative belt. It will only show in "flashes" under the jackets (and when they take off their jackets later). Or actually have them both wear the tartan ties as belts (tuck in or tie the knot, so that it's not "hanging", although that could be for later in the disco) and have them both wear the conservative solid ties... I think this is all great, and if they want to wear it, then overpack. Also, there are a lot of options for mixing and matching here, so think about maybe paring some items down if you want for packing... Just throwing ideas out there, they have to do what works for them... There's a lot of ideas, that some will work, and some may not, so they'd just have to "try" and see... I'll also incude a few pics of some hip, non-traditional but "formal" looks... CJW Wow, lots of great information! First, to answer your questions. They are both 11 (twins- identical no less- Paxton is a bit bigger- that lasts for about 6 months and then Colin catches up) Paxton is definitely starting into puberty as he is starting to look like a linebacker with wide shoulders and back. It's getting harder to dress him. Colin is like a little rack. Everything looks great on him. The cruise line is Royal Caribbean. We're doing a 7 day the first week of December. LOVE lots of your ideas. I think I'm married to those darn tartan ties as it reminds me of the days I could dress them in Eaton suits and they couldn't say a word. We're definitely conservative and some of your pics are over the top for us but I will work to get out of my comfort zone and let the boys get creative. I may leave the tartan ties home as they do look more casual. They are going on a trip to a theater at school and ties are part of the dress code so they will be perfect for a daytime trip to the theater. I did pick up some really nice linen pants for Paxton. I also have some great Tommy Bahama type shirts to go with them. That will go in the mix too. I also bought traditional navy ties with a heraldic type pattern (that's what they called it on Ralph Lauren). They look great with the blue shirts. On the layered look, I keep thinking of Rob Lowe's character in St. Elmo's fire with the open dress shirt, tie that was loose and his rolled sleeve jacket. We have a terrific discount store in a small city not too far from here. Really edgy urban stuff so I will take the boys there and look for ties etc. I did see solid color silk ties. Hubby had suggested that Colin wear a gold/mustard colored shirt and black tie with the black and gold suit. Too much? Still thinking white? I like the tuxedo shirt idea too though.... hmmmm information overload. Thanks for your ideas and I'm open to more shopping so fire away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soxfan05 Posted November 3, 2006 Author #8 Share Posted November 3, 2006 I'm more of a classic/conservative person, so others may well disagree with me, but: 1. I don't care for polo shirts with suit jackets or sport coats. (I think I've become used to seeing jackets with t-shirts, so they actually don't bother me as they did when the look first came out.) 2. I'm not one for mixing prints so I wouldn't put a tartan tie with a houndstooth jacket (unless it was very, very subtle). Of what you've listed I like Colin Formal #1 and Paxton Formal #1 best. The others are things that I think I'd have to see. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I would say I'm in the "classic conservative" group too. Do you think it's being New Englanders? LOL The patterns on the jackets are very subtle so the ties do work but I do have to say, after reading Curt's post and looking at them, they are very casual ties. They may stay home! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Jerome Wild Posted November 3, 2006 #9 Share Posted November 3, 2006 Just a quick response... At 11 years old, I just think it's great that they are making this much effort at all... So, it's all good as far as I'm concerned... But then also a kind of general guide is that: The "dressiness" of the shirt and tie actually has the ability to take a suit or jacket up or down on the "formalness" scale... It's almost more like the jacket is the "frame" for the shirt and tie, which is the "painting" accentuating the face... So all of these can dress up or down according to the shirts and ties (or no ties) underneath... I hope that makes sense, but you sound like you (and the boys) are doing good so far... CJW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RI-Sailor Posted November 4, 2006 #10 Share Posted November 4, 2006 Thank you so much for your suggestions. I would say I'm in the "classic conservative" group too. Do you think it's being New Englanders? LOL The patterns on the jackets are very subtle so the ties do work but I do have to say, after reading Curt's post and looking at them, they are very casual ties. They may stay home! Yes, I think it may be part of being a NE/RI native plus both sides of my family are "mainly English" (with a lot of other things thrown in). I think Curt is right - the tartan ties are bringing down the "formal-ness" of the suits, but then I'm personally fine with the under-20 crowd being a bit less formal than the adults. I think my brothers have only worn a tux 3 times in their entire lives (and the older one was a in 1970's brown tux with a blue ruffled shirt and navy bow tie :eek: when he was 6 - amazing that color combination is back "in" now!). It's hard to keep growing kids in clothing! Good luck and enjoy your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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