Men's blazer question

[bik]

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[Janit]

Robert M wrote:
John,

I read your posts and understand them. The issue is you asked about a jacket to have on hand for formal occasions.
Robert

No. That is not what he asked. It is your interpretation of what he asked. You left out the word "more" and that makes all the difference.

[Robert M]

Janit,

Correct. If you want to get technical, semi-formal is a suit, not a blazer with slacks or khakis which is considered casual. At least that's what several sources on the web suggested. So, I was mistaken.







To John, my apologies if I came across as insulting. Definitely not my intent. I was just trying to offer an honest answer based on what I know of attire. I also apologize for offering what turned out incorrect information since semi-formal (which I interpret as more formal) is technically a suit.

I was under the mistaken impression a suit was considered formal and a tux the next level of formal aka black-tie. By looking more into your question, I learned something and for that, I thank you. Never anything wrong with learning something, especially when it comes to attire.

Considering I'm a jeans and t-shirt or mock turtleneck kind of guy and do my best to avoid clothing that is dressier than that, I'm happy to know I've got the proper attire for the vast majority of occasions and now know when to wear it.

Robert

[OWC Jamie]

He didn't ask for semi-formal either.
WTF.

[Robert M]

Bill-B,

How would you describe "more formal" then? Look at the links in my last post. If anything, he's asked for a variation of business or dress casual, not formal. The moment formal comes into play, apparently suits are considered the minimum.

Robert

[Janit]

Robert M wrote:
Bill-B,

How would you describe "more formal" then? Look at the links in my last post. If anything, he's asked for a variation of business or dress casual, not formal. The moment formal comes into play, apparently suits are considered the minimum.

Robert

A lot of this is about language, of course. Were I asking the original question, I would have used the term "dressier" (as you did in your last post) rather than "more formal."

Which leads me to another question about the limitations of language -- is "dressier" a term that is commonly used by men?

[john-o]

Robert, I very much appreciate your apology, and accept it gladly. I agree that learning something new is a huge part of why I come here, and have learned an amazing amount, about countless things, in the many years I've been coming here (since way back in the DealMac days, in fact).

I also agree that I should've chosen my words more carefully in my original post, especially if had I known the direction the discussion would take!

I didn't think it would still be online, but here's a funny aside. I was actually quoted in a New York Times Men's Fashion article in March of 1990 on a version of this topic. I'm the guy who thinks we should follow the model of the avian world, where the males of the species tend to be the showiest (or should I say "dressiest" Janit?). Pretty funny, eh? That article, more than 25 years old now, pretty clearly describes the point I was trying to make above. And of course, many men would still vociferously disagree with that approach! I can heartily respect that, so long as my opinion is respected as well, even if it's considered "wrong".

Anyway, I'm glad we could reign in the vitriol, and get back to an interesting & civil discussion.

If/when I find that jacket I'm searching for, I'll try and remember to post a photo.

[Robert M]

John,

Take a look at Lands End:


I suspect many of these will do the trick. They're good for slacks, khakis, jeans. You'll be covered unless the occasion requires a suit or tux.

This one seems like an especially good deal:



The blazer I have is from lands end and purchased when it was on super sale. Definitely not the smartluxe. It's along the lines of this one:



Robert

[john-o]

Thanks Robert! I looked at that one earlier, and bookmarked it. It does seem like a really good deal.

[Robert M]

John,

Definitely a solid deal especially for someone who rarely wears "dressier" clothing. I've used my blazer a handful of times and my suits even less. Still, a blazer and suit that fit well should be in the closet. If someone's weight and body shape doesn't change often, buy something in a classic style and it'll be good for years upon years. Just my opinion based on experience and what my wife says looks good on me.

Robert