The Trouser Dandy

In which a middle-aged gentleman deals with issues relating to his wardrobe.

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Tote Amaze

Whilst in the Science Museum shop, I could not resist the siren song of this tote bag.

“Bleep Bloop,” it sang. “Bleep Bloop.”

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Foraging

I have a hat! It may not be The Hat, but it does the trick (i.e. fits). It was a bargain price from Maison Primarque.

The style is “Forage Cap” apparently. I think it may also pass as “The Corbyn” for an authentic Islington Leftie look. Mrs. Trouser Dandy (courtesy title - we're not married) says it makes me look stern. Be warned.

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Get on Down, Get a Gown

I have a new gown! I am fancy.

Incidentally, on this week’s Great British Sewing Bee, they made dressing gowns. I did not make this one, but was inspired to replace the somewhat tatty one I bought about 20 years ago...

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Feeling Shirty

A year ago, I didn’t own any of these shirts... AND NOW I’M TYPING THIS POST WEARING ONE OF THEM! (For the record - lower left: Uniqlo, short sleeves)

I knew I had more shirts than I thought, so it was time for a review.

I’m trying to go full KonMari on them, but they don’t necessarily stand upright in the drawer (this makes sense if you’ve read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying book. If you haven’t, you should). Also, my folding technique is a bit variable. Also, I suppose I should make friends with the iron...

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Still on the search for The Hat. Tried on my nephew’s titfer. Terry Pratchett lives on!

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Rod Stewart Wears Kickers

Trouser Dandy Wears Kickers:

My goodness I love these boots.

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Checkout

Last weekend - create a post about tartan clothes, then go out to vintage shops and charity shops and discover a sudden affinity for plaid flannel shirts. I’m clearly a strong marketer...

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Check It Out

Not sure if tartan is the next big thing, but here are some options for the stylish gentleman looking forward to dazzling the crowds...

So, you’ve chosen a jacket. Now some trousers...

These will make you stand out in a crowd.

Actually, these will make you stand out in a crowd.

Dear god, my eyes! All I can see is plaid afterimages, wherever I look!

I give in. Go full tartan. Three-piece and matching tie. Wear this while hunting wild haggis.

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You know you’ve made it when the woman in the Dalston vintage shop shows great interest in your bag…

(Bought in a charity shop in Hendon)

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🎶 "Oh I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet..." 🎶

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Might be useful in a Dandy Highwayman situation...

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Let’s Talk About Socks, Baby

A friend and I are going through some kind of mid-life reinvention of self through the medium of socks. Both feeling dissatisfied with our monochrome choice of footwear, something had to be done.

I fired the first shot:

A variety pack of striped socks from Sainsbury’s got me started. Not the highest quality sock - note the bobbling appearing on their second wear - but not a plain black!

My friend moved next, heading to Uniqlo and their rainbow of sock delights:

To his shame, he went slightly risk-averse and came out with what he termed “old-man colours.”

I took up the baton and visited Uniqlo myself, pushing out of my comfort zone…

Behold the choices I made!

From left to right: 1. Okay, so the blue one is not too dangerous, horses will not be scared.

2. The grey one is actually more silvery in person (glam).

3. Mmmm…. Pumpkin… The red is Christmassy.

4. When I am an old man I shall wear purple sock.

5. PINK! So pink! This is the first one I wore, to dive straight in to the world of chromatic sockery. It felt good.

They are worthy of a more artistic angle…

My friend shall return to Uniqlo to try again. And as he says in a message to a mutual friend: “We are on a colour comfort zone mission. A mere stepping stone to patternsville.”

Patterned socks. Can you imagine!

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Time for a revival, I think.

ht/ Mrs Trouser Dandy (honourary title: we're not married) 

(via 30 1970s Men's Fashion Adverts That Cannot Be Unseen - Flashbak)

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Cardboard hat *check*. Binliner cloak *check*... #catwitchdevil #hallowinween

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Being Smart

I recently had occasion to dress up like someone who wears smart clothes.

I found a nice blue jacket at our local Oxfam, and also a smart subtle-striped shirt I was keen on. One problem: it needed cufflinks. This is not a problem I’ve ever had to confront, and I found it surprisingly difficult to find cufflinks at short notice. I was even prepared to buy new ones (dear god!), but obviously not go crazy with price. I failed to find any.

Until I visited our other local Oxfam...

Not terribly fancy, silver and grey, and I’m going to keep an eye out for something a bit more appropriately nerdy for future occasions. But they did the trick!

Peekaboo!

Professor Trouser Dandy is available for book signings. (He will sign other people’s books for a small fee)

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In case you were wondering the type of pyjamas a Trouser Dandy might wear...

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Inspirations

Remember: when in charity shops, look beyond the clothing sections for style ideas...