Campus Fashion: Then And Now, Part I

This was how campus gentlemen dressed in 1941.
SourOwlFootball41-001This is how they dress now:

http://www.collegefashion.net/
http://www.collegefashion.net/

You set yourself up for this, Andy; you didn’t just fall out of your dorm bed into this outfit. I give you that it’s creative: a buffalo shirt, a Nirvana-throwback cardigan, striped “statement” socks, moccasins…But it’s certainly no herringbone topcoat.

And what about this male?

http://en.rocketnews24.com/
http://en.rocketnews24.com/

Aside from the “supermodel, work” stride, these pieces might work separately. I can see that he spent some time putting this together, matching wrist bracelet to ankle bracelet. It is casual, but it’s forced; the scrunched-up sleeves are affected. Perhaps it’s clean and current, but it’s just no match for a corduroy trouser.

In fact, pretty much any trouser looks better than an overdone jean.

http://www.askmen.com/
http://www.askmen.com/

Horseshoe pockets? Good luck with that.

20 thoughts on “Campus Fashion: Then And Now, Part I”

  1. I think the key word is Gentleman. Both looks are affected and both require time and effort. One strives for style and sophistication the other for… Have not the foggiest idea. That being said I like your new theme. Bright, crisp and oh so stylish. Also really like the color. Oh, about the jeans. Did that kid actually buy them that way?

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    1. I’m afraid he did buy them that way. They come ripped and bleached and frayed now. Oy. And yes, you are right–they are both affected. That’s true.

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      1. Mea Culpa. I mis- used that word. I wanted to say that both styles were intentionally created for effect. The first I approve of, the second. Not so much. Now what one word would convey that sentiment. Without ambiguity? Hey you’re the English Major. I need some help here. Oh what are your thoughts on French cuffs and cuff links? Or two toned Men’s shoes?

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      2. I meant what you meant–effort on both parts, just different outcomes. I like two-toned men’s shoes, if I’m thinking of the correct image. And well, my husband hasn’t worn cufflinks since our wedding, so I don’t suppose I have anything to base an opinion on there…You know me–I’m just glad if folks don’t wear pajamas in public. A lady at the roller rink was wearing tight salmon-colored yoga pants yesterday!

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      3. OY! They weren’t Lululemon were they? Now that could be interesting. Wait a minute. What would a women of such substance as yourself be at a roller rink?

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      4. Taking my son so he can enjoy his childhood while I sat there, invisible on the sidelines, feeling ancient. 😦 And I CANNOT believe you know of Lululemon. I didn’t even know what that was!

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  2. Hey! Where’d the pond and ducks go? Ha! The new format looks good Kerbey Very readable. You’ve matched the colors of my avatar very nicely, thank you. I am honored. 😀 I’m not sure whether I’d wear a pair of jeans with horseshoes stitched on the ass. I’d be too afraid that would be tempting fate,especially around horses.

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  4. much prefer the 1940s version. I hope Andy isn’t a friend of yours, but he seems a good candidate for What Not To Wear. (I say this as I wear a decent enough pair of striped shorts and a v-neck t in a color that looks good with the shorts. Nice right? But it’s all topped off with a burgundy zippered hoodie from a favorite campground. Fashion police I am not, but still like a more dressed up look.) Have yet to catch on to the fancy-butt jeans. Why call attention to my rear? Doesn’t sound wise.

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    1. Exactly! Why call attention to it? I have some jean capris that have those button pockets on the back like that, and they are a nightmare to get stuff in and out of. Plus, they always flip up and need ironing. I need a low maintenance bum region in my jeans please. Nothing star-spangled or sequined. The sequins pop off in a New York Minute. And don’t get me started on the daisy dukes that the teen girls wore to the roller rink yesterday, muffin-topping all over them. It was a sad day…BTW, if Andy had been my friend, I would have stopped that ensemble. Friends don’t let friends statement sock in mocassins.

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  5. When you’re in college you’re supposed to throw on jeans every day with whichever T-shirt is on top of the pile. Always. Every year of every decade, 60s to now. Because you can.

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