DAY 4: Peter's NEW LOOK revealed!

Ta da!

Peter now has a look he can call his own!

First, a reminder of how it all began.  Peter wrote this post only last week and it caused quite a stir in the blogosphere.  Obviously this was a cry for help, and as a fashion professional and family member -- his identical cousin, no less -- I immediately intervened.

But back to Peter's new look:

Peter is a "summer" and looks best in colors that have gray undertones.  Black is a little harsh on him unless paired with softer grays or pinks.

Remarkably, most of what comprises Peter's new look he owned already.  Here's what I dug out of his wardrobe once we'd decided on a palette:

Crimson knit short sleeve shirt

Dark gray waffle weave long-sleeve tee

Jeans (sewn by Peter)

Gray vintage leather jacket

Black leather jacket

Blue gingham short sleeve shirt (sewn by Peter) 

Off-white Indian print scarf

Pink Indian print scarf

Plaid gray, blue and rust wool scarf

Gray zipper cardigan

Flowered warp print suit (sewn by Peter)
Medium gray linen H&M suit 

Crimson tank top

White linen pants

White Converse High tops

Pendleton wool Vans

Black wing tip shoes

Black leather belt

Rope sandals (www.gurkeesandals.com)

Crimson wool beret

Rayon scarf (from leftover wrap dress fabric)

Sheet shirt (sewn by Peter)

Black Nike swimsuit

Blue square cut swimsuit

Here's what we added (all from the Salvation Army unless otherwise noted).  With the exception of the sunglasses, nothing cost more than $6.99:

Gray nylon polyfill vest

Black and gray striped merino wool cardigan

Gray, red, and white Argyle plaid vest

Pale gray ski cap with red and black stripe

Liver-red wool pullover sweater

Black felt fedora

Gray fedora

Denim-blue heavy wool shirt

Geek glasses (from Reminiscence)

Oversize Gertie glasses (from Reminiscence)

Gunmetal gray sunglasses (from Rite Aid Pharmacy!)

 

That's it.

We found the gray fedora after we already had the black one and we both prefer the gray: it's softer.

We had a lot of back and forth over eyeglasses.   Good quality vintage style frames are expensive ($200+).  The frames you'll see in his photo shoot are essentially props.  Since he doesn't wear glasses, Peter is reluctant to wear frames with clear glass; that's his choice.  The sunglasses are real and will be worn, however.  

People with a look accessorize carefully.  Scarves, hats, shoes and eyecatching patterns make an otherwise ordinary outfit look unique.  Fit, especially for a short person, is critical.  We went for some interesting shapes and patterns that wouldn't overpower him.

Consider the photos in the album below like a fashion show: some outfits are more dramatic and merely show what is possible.  We tried to stay away from the overly costume-y, but that's very much in the eye of the beholder.

I invite you to view our entire photoshoot here.


I think you'll agree that most of Peter's new look is entirely wearable.  We included some summer outfits, including swimsuits -- de riguer for any spring fashion show.

Peter's lifestyle is casual, hence there are no formal clothes in this album, though it does include two suits, one of which Peter made himself.  (A white shirt and tie could dress up either one.)  He walks a lot so there is no style-over-comfort footwear.

I'd define Peter's look as urban preppy with a twist of nerd, a splash of jock, and a peacock chaser.

One of the best aspects of the look concept is that it gives Peter direction for new sewing projects: he's not just picking colors willy-nilly.  Most of us work better when we have some structure to steer our creativity.  Otherwise we're often overwhelmed by limitless possibilities.

So, which outfit is your favorite?  Any combination we've missed that you'd like to see?

I'd love to hear your feedback!

In closing, I'd like to thank my cousin Peter for the opportunity to re-make his wardrobe, re-style him, and imho give him a look worthy of the creator of Male Pattern Boldness.  I know this is going to open doors for me professionally, too!

Tootles, all, and don't forget to get your Cousin Cathy's Makeover Challenge entries in by midnight tonight.  Peter will be back tomorrow. 

Love ya!

Cathy