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Non-traditional Black Tie Outfit

The Connection Between Classic Men’s Dress and Creative Outfits

liveworkwear, June 2, 2024

https://twitter.com/dieworkwear/status/1792783305781494041

IMO, it’s misguided to separate traditional men’s dress from more daring looks. The reason why some of the more daring looks work is because the person understands classic men’s dress. I will show some examples. https://t.co/w4tjj3wUgM

This is Kamau at The Armoury. He knows everything there is to know about classic tailoring, which is why he’s able to put together these looks so successfully. Single-breasted, peak lapel, black velvet jacket is classically formal (like cocktail attire)

IG kamauhosten

But he’s made it into his own thing by pairing it with a turtleneck, puppytooth trousers, black velvet Belgian loafers, and chunky 70s eyewear. The result is this super sexy version of classic tailoring. It’s classic, but tweaked correctly.

Again, a few more looks that are tweaked in the right ways. Purple velvet with horsebit loafers (channeling 70s); mesh shirts with casual tailoring (understanding of formality); neckerchief instead of tie with a casual shirt. Not haphazard, but informed. Last 2 are super classic

Here’s @Barima_ON, whom I met 15 years ago on a menswear forum. He knows how to use color and patterns creatively because he knows dress history and classic tailoring. Here, he’s channeling the London Peacock Revolution. Others who wear such wild colors are often less successful

No one is more creative with dress than @modsiwW. The dude knows so much about men’s dress history that he went back to the BCE period. If you go to his Instagram (wisdm), you can see how he plays with proportions, silhouettes, drape, etc.

https://t.co/89dPPJL4OV

Take a look at these outfits and soak them in. Notice the use of waist coverings, bow ties, peak lapels and shawl collars, fabrics, shirt collars, studs, shoes, etc. This is pretty classic stuff, right? Even King Charles and Reagan are here.

When a non-traditional outfit works, it’s often in conversation with the past. It’s not just random things thrown together. In my opinion, Porter’s creative take on black tie is more successful than Peterson’s.

You can argue all you want about whether men should be able to wear a dress. But this is more connected to the past than Peterson combining a dinner jacket with a long tie, business shirt, and navy suit pants (wtf!?).

Creative outfits often build on the past. Two are connected

In summary … https://t.co/jL77D3HhnG

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