Thursday
Dec032009
LOOK | An Unlikely Pairing
Posted on 
December 3, 2009 by Ryan Willms
December 3, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
While each of these items have probably already been seen on this blog, there is always a new way to mix things together and think about how to pair them. I wouldn't usually think of wearing a bow tie with field pants and ring boots, but I feel like the casual BD shirt in white is perfect for the style of bow tie, yet 'ties' in very well with the cargo pants. The heavy cardigan tops things off with a heavy layer and a dark enough tone to make the rest of the look feel ready for a fall day. I don't think this is a look for everyone, but I think it can be pulled off and it could at least be worth trying at home. Getting dressed is supposed to be a fun event, or at least I like to think it is. Stepping outside of the norm, or at least your own norm is a good idea once in awhile. There are often little things we might not have thought we'd be happily wearing today, but we are, and it's because we gave them a try and it worked – it lead to something else. So be it a bow tie or a pair of ring boots or an unlikely combination, it's all about the calculated risk and fun of it.
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The Items
Inverallan for Inventory Cardigan
Alexander Olch for Inventory Bow Tie
Woolrich Woolen Mills Upland Shirt
Woolrich Woolen Mills Field Pants
Quoddy Ring Boots
Wm J Mills Tote Bag
Reader Comments (10)
I was able to try those Quoddy ring boots on at Gravity Pope last week. I want them even more now.
Arrow Moc also does crepe soles for their ring boots, but you have to call in to order it with that option. Some Japanese retailers have the Arrow ring boots with the crepe soles as well.
The Mills bag is a nice touch. I have the natural canvas, but I am getting the black for Christmas. They also have an Olive green that I saw in a store, but you have to call them to get it. It is not on-line yet.
Everythings spot on to me except the bowtie. I'm still not sold on younger men wearing bowtie's in less formal settings yet but I'm slowly adapting my thinking.
I concur with damien. also, Ryan i would love for you to display question on your blog asking what guys and girls alike think of tote bags on guys. personally ive never loved the look of guys with tote bags and believe it is a very feminine "trend" that will come and go. those are just my thoughts and i do not judge ones background based on the clothes one wears but i would just like to hear what some other men and women have to say about it.
Nice look, I'd rock this any day, sans the bow tie.
I don't have a prob with the bow tie at all and I don't think its limited to "older guys".
But you have to have the right swag to rock it or you look like "that guy".
I would def look like "that guy" if I wore it!
Brendan: re Totes.
To me there is nothing feminine about a heavy canvas tote bag, WJ Mills and Filson totes are as manly as it comes and are very functional.
When I see a guy thats wearing a messenger bag, slung across his chest, thats screams fem to me, just my .02.
^ Agreed. The bow tie isn't for everyone out there, but it's something I would personally add to the mix to keep it a little bit different.
Totes are surely not just a trend, sorry to say Brendan. I've been carrying a tote for about 3 years straight now and I really don't see that changing any time soon. I think they look great and they are quite functional.
Agreed with J about the messenger bag too.
Love the look. Rock that bowtie, son!
well i definitely respect everyones opinion and style, especially those who read and blog on this site. i guess the tote just isn't my thing but i will try and look at it in different ways when i see it on the street.
If you don't like the tote shown, try something along the same lines like a larger "tote" but bigger than "handbag" size or a simple and color matched duffel. It does drive me crazy when I see a grown man with a backpack. At some point you just have to accept your not in school anymore. The "forever freshman" look is a turnoff. I agree with the messenger bag comments as well.