The 8 Steps To Success

As we today conclude our whistle stop tour of the dapper gent’s wardrobe, let us review what we have learned – the whys and wherefores, the pros and pitfalls, when less is more, when more is more, when more is less…

1. “Vintage” is a very generic term.

Technically curtains and shell suits are now vintage.  We recommend that you go aim to replicate an era which is not quite so flammable.

2. Chat up your mum or granny’s pals.

Ladies of a certain age love sewing. And they love talking about the “olden days”. Proposition one.  You may also benefit from baked goods during fittings and get referred to a lot as “young man” – great for every 20/30 something’s ego.

3. Get inspired!

Take heed of vintage poster-boys including silver screen legends and musicians. By all means experiment with their facial furniture and hair-dos to see if they put a skip in your step.

4. Have patience.

To carry off this look will require a certain amount of trawling of charity shops, ebay, websites and retro emporiums, after all, you’re relying on finding something you authentic that you like in the size you need!

5. Suits you, sir.

Remember that badly fitting gear will never make you look ridey and that just because something looks good on the hanger/someone else, it may make you look like a grade A twit.  We’re aiming for good fit.  Things can be made smaller or shorter but never bigger, or longer with the help of a reliable dressmaker. We’re aiming for quality – “second hand” does not mean “fit for the bin-man”.

6. A woman’s touch.

If in doubt take your wife/sister/girlfriend/girl-friend/mummy to the shops with you or perhaps hold a little fashion show for them in the lounge, featuring all your latest Ebay finds and providing some light martini-based refreshments.  They won’t let you leave the house looking like a tit – unless you’re really annoying and regularly say things like “Is that what you’re wearing?” ten minutes before they are due to leave the house.

7. Don’t be a snob.

Certain vintagistas will disagree with me on this but I think it’s really important.  You will not always be able to find every single piece of the outfit you so desperately require in a vintage store and you may have to resort to (deh deh DEH!) the high street.

Supplement your vintage finds with fresh white tshirts a la James Dean (avoids the pitfalls of inherited pit stains) and sharp well-fitting shirts, their colours unfaded by time and their collars un-sullied by years of sweaty necks. Many high street shops currently stock amongst their seasonal trends Mad Men influenced tailoring, Quadrophenia-inspired mod pieces and quiff-tastic rockabilly replicas, all cut for the modern silhouette.  Try the eras on for size and see what you like. If this makes me a traitor to the vintage cause do feel free to send me your complaints which I will file under party-pooper.

8. Make it work for you.

A head-to-toe period outfit lovingly put together, researched and tailored will not always be appropriate for every day situations or for every man’s shape.  It’s a great idea to start off, particularly if you are a little shy or new to old-fashioned style, with well-fitting vintage items you can work into your existing wardrobe – a really great period coat, a well-cut suit, a pair of swing trousers (with braces if you don’t have love handles) or a cute tank top (if you don’t have a beer gut), for example. Anyone who pulls you up on your ingenious amalgamation of eras is most likely an arse.  Do it your way.

So Kevin, if you’re still about our Facebook, and other men who were too shy to ask, we hope this helps you on your road to getting dolled up!

Signing off,

/Gok