Being fashionable without wearing high fashion?

[fade to black2]

the title of this thread got me thinkin...i don't even know why i wear high fashion. i see so many looks on the street and this board that look more well composed and expensive than what i put together but with more affordable pieces, and i can't remember the last time i wore an outfit that cost less than $500. I don't know what it is...because at the same time, i DEFINITELY do not relate to the likes of Sagaji, Hedior who wear high fashion for the sake of beasting it out. Most high fashion these days i see in stores is an utter let down, in terms of craftsmanship and design. The stuff i end up buying tends to be mostly basics and wearable pieces, but a few pieces that i think are well made, will last me longer than something i'd get for a quick fashion fix at H&M and i don't need to fuss too much about mixing and matching are the reasons why i buy expensive pieces that wouldn't really raise an eyebrow, i guess.

I think what Marc Jacobs said about his own clothes once summed up my attittude about the whole thing really well: ideally clothes you wear should be so that you can wear to blend into the environment; it's quality and what not, but hopefully the clothes become you so people notice you instead of the clothes first. The clothes are an afterthought, most people don't even notice the clothes i wear anywhere i go. if i remembered that right....

[jake snake]

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[evisu 2000]

I think what Marc Jacobs said about his own clothes once summed up my attittude about the whole thing really well: ideally clothes you wear should be so that you can wear to blend into the environment; it's quality and what not, but hopefully the clothes become you so people notice you instead of the clothes first. The clothes are an afterthought, most people don't even notice the clothes i wear anywhere i go. if i remembered that right....

thom browne said something similar. i'll try and dig it up but i agree.

[jake snake]

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[MAC SMALLS]

This is pretty much what I'm doing right now. Back in middle school and in HS when I didn't really have to worry about paying bills and crap I would wear all Ralph Lauren and other brand name gear in addition to limited edition Jordans and Nikes. I sold a good portion of my sneaker "collection" (over 100+) over time and I honestly don't even wear most of what I do still have. You can find me in some simple chucks or pumas with jeans and a simple sweater or tee...wear a pam or the tag on my wrist and call it a day...

[wodnerduck]

I think that part of having style and being fashionable is not needing high-fashion or expensive clothes to be stylish. Often people use crutches like H&M to be fashionable, but the truely stylish people are the ones who can find stuff for their specific style anywhere. That's just make take.

[lacquered]

I think that part of having style and being fashionable is not needing high-fashion or expensive clothes to be stylish. Often people use crutches like H&M to be fashionable, but the truely stylish people are the ones who can find stuff for their specific style anywhere. That's just make take.

dunno why, but johnny depp comes to mind after reading what you said.

[Konfucius]

i DEFINITELY do not relate to the likes of Sagaji, Hedior who wear high fashion for the sake of beasting it out.

that's what happens when you're from mainland china (i'm only guessing they are).. they (yeah i'm generalizing) feel the need to "raise" themselves to western standards.

I'm chinese by the way..

[Guest Sagaji]

the title of this thread got me thinkin...i don't even know why i wear high fashion. i see so many looks on the street and this board that look more well composed and expensive than what i put together but with more affordable pieces, and i can't remember the last time i wore an outfit that cost less than $500. I don't know what it is...because at the same time, i DEFINITELY do not relate to the likes of Sagaji, Hedior who wear high fashion for the sake of beasting it out. Most high fashion these days i see in stores is an utter let down, in terms of craftsmanship and design. The stuff i end up buying tends to be mostly basics and wearable pieces, but a few pieces that i think are well made, will last me longer than something i'd get for a quick fashion fix at H&M and i don't need to fuss too much about mixing and matching are the reasons why i buy expensive pieces that wouldn't really raise an eyebrow, i guess.

I think what Marc Jacobs said about his own clothes once summed up my attittude about the whole thing really well: ideally clothes you wear should be so that you can wear to blend into the environment; it's quality and what not, but hopefully the clothes become you so people notice you instead of the clothes first. The clothes are an afterthought, most people don't even notice the clothes i wear anywhere i go. if i remembered that right....

haha, why u always put me on the thread...

[Guest Sagaji]

that's what happens when you're from mainland china (i'm only guessing they are).. they (yeah i'm generalizing) feel the need to "raise" themselves to western standards.

I'm chinese by the way..

sorry i am not...

style is what makes you unique

[Loop]

Military surplus has probably been the best place for me to buy stuff since my switch to the dark side.

I'm a big guy compared to most people on this forum (165-170lbs, 5'9") and growing as fast as possible (weight training ), so slim cuts are far from necessary for me.

I think that is an important point to consider though. Most miltary and workwear is cut on the large side (and with generally shorters arms so your hands are free) so it will fit you better than the average fashionista (that's not meant to be a dig at you, just saying).

That said, I do agree with what you're saying.

style over fashion any day

"Style never goes out of fashion." Sorry, I just can't believe no one's quoted that yet..

I think what Marc Jacobs said about his own clothes once summed up my attittude about the whole thing really well: ideally clothes you wear should be so that you can wear to blend into the environment; it's quality and what not, but hopefully the clothes become you so people notice you instead of the clothes first. The clothes are an afterthought, most people don't even notice the clothes i wear anywhere i go. if i remembered that right....

Ande Whall started a thread based on a similar idea; "Interesting Words By Bob Evans."

[chronoaug]

I only buy expensive clothes if i can't find a cheaper alternative. Most of the time i'm forced to spend a bit more (especially jeans) because the fit and look of cheaper stuff just isn't there. I can get by with AA hoodies and tees for awhile, but sometimes it's worth paying a bit more for something that fits you perfectly, and fits your entire look (if the construction is passable of course). I'm not working hard or anything so my shit doesn't fall apart that much, and i still wear stuff with minor damage to it.

Keri is right. Real work people don't care. The only reason they'll buy red wing boots are because of the commercials and they sell them everywhere. Real hard working men will buy walmart jeans, random boots, random plaid shirts from thrift store or walmart, and that's about it. None of this "hard working super quality brand" shit. Most people don't care or want to know about fashion. The only reason they buy levis or red wing is because it's pretty much the only name in fashion they know. There are a bunch of commercials and they aren't expensive. My dad blows through jeans, boots and shirts. He doesn't worry about getting expensive longer lasting stuff. Just keep buying whatever. Plus, fit is not important whatsoever to them so who cares what they buy or even if it's a size or 2 off.

That said, this thread while having a good idea, is way too pretentious at least from the creator. It seems that the creator doesn't really look much at high fashion because of the lack of money to buy them (me too, i'm broke), and puts down everything expensive as overrated and expensive fake shit. While obviously there are overpriced pieces of shit you can buy, high end fashion if chosen correctly as people such as minya, LA Guy, to name moderators for different forums, can look really nice and still maintain quality and a certain fit and aesthetic you cannot find with something cheaper. There are people guilty of high end beasting here, i use la guy because his concern with quality in clothes is more so than with anyone elses i've seen. The key to high end fashion is to make the clothes that fit and look perfectly, seem cheaper. CMF does a good job at that by throwing in a $60 tshirt, $300 jeans and a james perse shirt recently and making it seem like a thrift find. You have to find stuff to fit your style and not let the clothes become your style. If that makes sense. While price doesn't equal quality or taste, it certainly does not infer the opposite. The cheaper alternative isn't always the best one, is all i'm trying to say.

Too bad finding a size small/medium in milsurp or thrift finds is rather difficult. All the double XLs i can handle though.

[cheapmuthafukr]

^^well... i did only pay 15$ fir the james perse shirt:D

[swisloc]

While obviously there are overpriced pieces of shit you can buy, high end fashion if chosen correctly as people such as minya, LA Guy, to name moderators for different forums, can look really nice and still maintain quality and a certain fit and aesthetic you cannot find with something cheaper. There are people guilty of high end beasting here, i use la guy because his concern with quality in clothes is more so than with anyone elses i've seen. The key to high end fashion is to make the clothes that fit and look perfectly, seem cheaper. CMF does a good job at that by throwing in a $60 tshirt, $300 jeans and a james perse shirt recently and making it seem like a thrift find. You have to find stuff to fit your style and not let the clothes become your style. If that makes sense. While price doesn't equal quality or taste, it certainly does not infer the opposite. The cheaper alternative isn't always the best one, is all i'm trying to say.

agreed. anyone who DOESN'T think high end clothes can be worth the price and look the part should check out a few of the "shoe porn" and suit threads on StyleForum... and what some of those guys are spending make WAYWT look like pocket change.

[chronoaug]

^^well... i did only pay 15$ fir the james perse shirt:D

I assumed as much, and that's why i hate you and will one day drive over the jville, discover your secret stores and then lay seige to them.

[wEstSidE]

the shit people buy at styleforum is on a hole nother level (HNL) from you guys. you claim you like fit and all that but you're all RTW. they get bespoke/mtm suits, C&J benchgrades, kiton, brioni, all that not to mention random bespoke shirts and shoes.

I never see you guys talking about the lasts on a pair of chuck taylors, jack purcells, or whatever is cool with wannabes right now. i find it funny because converses are like the antithesis of a good shoe but all of you guys love it.

[minya]

the shit people buy at styleforum is on a hole nother level (HNL) from you guys. you claim you like fit and all that but you're all RTW. they get bespoke/mtm suits, C&J benchgrades, kiton, brioni, all that not to mention random bespoke shirts and shoes.

I never see you guys talking about the lasts on a pair of chuck taylors, jack purcells, or whatever is cool with wannabes right now. i find it funny because converses are like the antithesis of a good shoe but all of you guys love it.

I'm not sure if this is just a bad joke, an attempt at a troll, or if you're honestly serious, but it's one of the dumbest things I've read on this forum either way.

I don't even know where to begin.

[mickawes]

Superfuture is oriented more towards the streetwear side of life, not business wear. If everyone on superfuture were about 10 years older and had high paying jobs, maybe we could afford their things and actually have a use for them too.

Back on track... I got into the whole dry denim "scene" because I felt similar to jake the snake. Even today, alot of what stops me from buying clothes I think are cool are construction. Im a student on a super limited budget so I cant piss around with my money.

As for the whole emotional aspect that jake the snakes experiencing, it was something that hit me when I first fell for dry denim. Then, once the 'honeymoon' was over, the 'marriage' started and I realized that sometimes I just want something different. And then Im back at square one.

I guess I do have a fear of commitment...

[fade to black2]

Superfuture is oriented more towards the streetwear side of life, not business wear. If everyone on superfuture were about 10 years older and had high paying jobs, maybe we could afford their things and actually have a use for them too.

I don't necessarily see suits as strictly business wear...i think it would be cool if more people started wearing them just for the hell of it, and not necessarily to their job. That said, of course it can't be the same suit one would wear to work...to go out for drinks, or just to hang out around town it should be a suit with more flair. I appreciate the craftsmanship behind bespoke, and while I don't relate to streetwear as much as a lot of this board, I still think Superfuture strikes a better balance between street and more 'fashion' oriented looks. I went on styleforum once and it was so sharply divided between people who were dressing like conservative adults and those who liked streetwear/casual, it made me think: why can't someone stand with one foot in each side? I think that's a lot more interesting.

[jake snake]

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[fade to black2]

that's not quite what i was getting at when i meant putting one foot in each side...i don't meant pairing the formal with the casual like that. I agree it's played out, although I don't mind the blazer and jeans look if done in the right pitch. What I meant was, it would be cool to see people have more varied interests so we can have more different discussions instead of being one-sided to either philosophy...instead of strictly bein into streetwear casual or just tailored suits, it's good to have a wide ranging vocabulary and be equally into both. I like C Diem, Yohji and tailored suits, but I can also dig the street looks worn by some on these fashion forums like Milspex and Jun.

[walleye]

My response to this thread topic:

If I find a certain piece of "expensive designer clothing" that looks good, I'll buy it only if I like it so much and if it's worth that X amount of dollars or whatever currency. But, I'll look into other cheaper priced brands that have the same design and quality as the expensive one first before I buy the expensive designer one.

As for the thread topic, you can be fashionable if you can make your clothing, accesories, or whatever you wear work together, with or without wearing "high fashion." It's like those people who think throwing a bunch of special effects using expensive hardware and software in an art piece will make it look cool just because they think it'll give them a better edge in presentation but the overall composition looks like crap. And then you get other works that are simple in looks yet the composition flows together and is near perfect.

Having access to high fashion clothing doesn't mean you're automatically fashionable or stylish but it does give you access to more styles of a certain type of clothing, color, fit, and design to fit with whatever you want.

Then again, sometimes simplicity is hard to do and good quality is hard to come by at a reasonable price.

[fade to black2]

i don't need high fashion to look good...shit i look good in an old beat up ralph lauren polo and american eagle cargo shorts. i just prefer high end garments for the quality, that's all.

[panikEpenguin]

selegna, jooles, keri, and kidicarus made good comments about this thread. sorry so late to comment.

the whole self-congratulatory, "i'm keepin' it real (authentic in the op's case)" attitude has been done before. it's not like the non-sufu population really gives an ass about the whole idea. i've been working construction/contracting since high school and what the working class for the most part wear (inherently being the authentic articles) are cheapo shit, ie. old navy sale items and factory outlet bulk purchases (lee's for $5 and the like). although boots are one of the few things that shouldn't be cheap. on that note, i laughed when beat up boots at fred segals were mentioned.

jake snake, are you striving to look authentic? you're a freakin' gym body. my dad and bros are built because they fucking work. yes, in they're cheapo jeans and and layers of discount thermals and coats. step outside sunny; cheap immigrant workers chillin' outside home depot don't complain about working in beat to fuck new balances and old oversized starters jackets.

cheapmf's style regimen of thrifting and choice articles of high fashion could have solved all your queries of how to go about being fashionable without anal raping your wallet.

[travisio]

I strongly believe this as well - I've always summed it up as, "you should wear the clothing, not have it wear you." I think someone else said it first but owell

i think shaggy said that on the nick cannon show. not scooby doo shaggy, the jamaican guy who made "it wasn't me".

[panikEpenguin]

"authentic" is the thing that bothers me. your original post had you flying high and mighty about your limited tolerance towards the unauthentic. and you DO want clothes that are pricey now?

your post, aside from the question, does seem more appropriate for a diary.

you shouldn't get so stuck on authenticity, just get what you like.

[chronoaug]

All of this could be solved by wearing/buying what you like. Make sure it's not a piece of shit that'll fall apart, but just get what you like and fits your personal style. Don't create one by being "authentic" and buying what you feel are the best workman clothes. Some expensive items are worth it, some aren't. Some cheap items at thrift stores, or milsurp stores are good finds, some are poor fitting/designed functional things not meant to look good. Developing your own sense of style would've solved the problem before this thread existed.

Fade2Black: For an example of a person who perfectly strattles that line you're talking about, look no further than styleforum's GetSmart. Seriously, the man's style is fucking on point and he is an active member of the men's clothing and the streetwear forum. He talks dry denim and bespoke with the best of them. He also has a business venture designing and constructing suits. The slogan is basically "for those who don't have to wear suits, but want to". Thick as Thieves (his company) seems to be trying to bridge that gap. Check out his waywt posts on styleforum for a great example.

[Thorns]

What did Oscar Wilde say about fashion? An art form so hideous we have to completely change it every 6 months?

Always go for quality and get it tailored to fit. The articles of clothing in my closet that I haven't adjusted are few and far between.

[wEstSidE]

i'm waiting for the internet toughguy part.

until then i'll assume that you're one of those fat fetish people and someone is actively feeding you.

[mickawes]

I knew this guy who took all the creatin powders and protien shakes and all that, but didnt work out. He got so fat, and always stank of farts!

Just thought Id share that with you...