As we say in sunny Salamanca, Estoy en crisis. What do I wear to my 30th high school reunion the evening of October 2nd, one week from Saturday?
Can I be frank with you, friends? For the last month or so I've been on the fence about the whole thing and was leaning toward not going at all. Then I recently started getting these emails from the reunion committee asking me whether I was going or not and I had to decide for real.
To go or not to go? Well, like a typical forty-eight-year-old high schooler, I succumbed to peer pressure. I mailed the check and I'm going.
Now I'm facing the dilemma of what to wear.
Readers, while I have a varied wardrobe and a wide array of bespoke shirts made from used bedding, I hate most of my dressy clothes. I don't wear suits very often and the last two I purchased about four years ago were from H&M (the clothing store, not the fabric dive).
I don't think either cost more than about $80 and they look it.
The only other dressy thing I have, now that I demolished a perfectly good gray wool suit in anticipation of making Michael's, is a Burberry blue blazer (seen up top and below) I picked up at the flea market a few years ago. It's nice quality but I don't know...I don't like the way I look in it. BOring! (and boxy)
Here's the same outfit without the tie:
Then there's the groovy option. I could wear my flowered pants with the darker of the two H&M suit jackets...
That's with my treadled Western shirt -- nuh uh. Here it is with a white shirt:
I wore the lighter of the two suits for the family portrait last weekend. It's linen, though, which doesn't work for October.
Of course, a few of you have suggested I just send Cathy. Please don't dare me to do so. Don't you think this outfit is perfect for cocktails at the Waldorf?
I'm not sure how to proceed and I need your wise international guidance -- even you Canadians.
Should I whip up a suit jacket in the next week and a half and consider that practice toward making Michael's suit? I will not buy RTW.
What do you think, Trendies?
Oh and friends, please be discrete; while I don't think any of my former classmates read my blog -- they're all boring -- I do suspect that a wife or two with loose lips and a late-model Janome may pop in from time to time. Let's not say anything that's going to get me in trouble. Instead of 30th reunion at the Waldorf, say dreaded event you-know-where.
Will you help me? Can you help me?
Posts
Okay, I'm saying NO to the suit and YES to the western shirt. Be you. Be loud. Be proud.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you squizzle in a little on my photo, this is what I wore to my 20th reunion just two weeks ago and I had a blast ... no regrets at all for going ...
ReplyDeleteAnd wouldn't it be nice for cousin Cathy to pop in and catch up with everyone half way through the night???
ReplyDeleteI'd say whip up your own suit, but if you run out of time go for the cool pants and the RTW jacket. Not that I know anything about HS reunions... We've only had one so far and I missed it.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is not the Peter we know and love --it's boring and predictable. I vote for the flowered pants you made.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started reading, I was already thinking coat and the new western shirt! And there you were in it! That gets my vote... the pants, well, um, not really my thing, but I love a mix of funky and conservative~
ReplyDeleteCathy looks fantastic, and is clearly ready to leave. How will you break it to her if you decide to leave her at home?
ReplyDeleteI may have to sedate her.
ReplyDeleteDon't attempt to whip up a suit jacket in time, beLieve me - been there done that. The jacket won't turn out well because of the time restraint (that is if it even turns out on time at all) and the stress will take all of the fun out of it - add to that it'll be your first which will mean not as smooth sailing as would be needed in such a situation to turn out something worth all the effort. In my opinion if you altered the Burberry blazer - shortened the sleeves so as to see some shirt cuff and took the waist in a bit to give a less boxy look - that would work better with the flower trousers than either of your existing two jackets. - My two cents (all the way from the Netherlands ;))
ReplyDeleteI like the flowered pants, white shirt and the darker jacket. I agree with tanitisis and think you should try to whip up a jacket (maybe a more interesting color), since you will need the practice anyway, and keep the H&M as reserve. And yes, that first picture is so NOT you. Don't do it, Peter!
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with you about the blue blazer/gray pants outfit. Not you. I'd go with the wild pants and blazer look. Have you thought of going to some of your favorite fabric stores to see if something wonderful inspires you to take the blazer-making plunge? Sigh, I wish Cathy could go. It's seems like an ideal venue for her delightful attire and sparkling personality. Just remember everyone else is feeling the same way, and they probably are having far more difficulty choosing something . . . not all of us have kept our youthful physique and good looks.
ReplyDeleteOK, Peter -- my two cents: be comfortable, be yourself, but be one step up from what you usually wear. On the one hand, that night is not the night to share everything (you'll never see any of these folks again); on the other hand, you want to feel that you are dressed for the occasion. The venue really requires something spiffy and formal-esque. No flowered pants. This is not the yacht club in 1985.
ReplyDeleteOf the choices offered....I vote for the western shirt, floral pants, and the HM jacket. The white shirt is...just too...uh....white and dull with the same two other pieces. As much as I love (adore) quality tailored jackets, the Burberry outfit seems to drain all the life right out of the Peter I know and love from the blog.
ReplyDeleteNow, if it were me, and we know it is not, I would choose a simple quality black sweater and trousers with nice stylish flats and pearl earrings and be done with it.
As for Cathy, if you don't get her a ticket and take her, I suspect she is the sort who just might pop in sometime during the evening to check in on everyone. As vivacious as she is, she certainly knows virtually everyone already anyway! I am sure it is time to catch up with them all!
"Oh and friends, please be discrete ..."
ReplyDeleteIt's "discreet" here, Peter. Damn it, I'm going to smack you!
From the invitation, I recall you went H & M (the school, not the chain or the fabric store). I'm also from New York, a bit older than you (although incredibly youthful looking [joke/nonjoke] and I went to a high school that has an even snottier reputation than yours (although most of the people were decent and I got a fine education).
This is an evening event at the Waldorf. Therefore, you have to dress somewhat formally. If you're unwilling/unable to buy a new suit, I suggest the first ensemble with a brighter, more interesting tie. You're a vintage store maven, could you find an Hermès tie? They really are beautiful ties.
Wear nice shoes and socks.
You're going to be seeing people from HIGH SCHOOL. Unless you're going to be surrounded by a gaggle of your very best friends, you should dress in a way that makes you feel absolutely comfortable, but also appropriate.
Full Disclosure: I've never attended any of my high school, college, or graduate school reunions and probably never will.
But that's a story for a discrete post.
Correction:
ReplyDeleteI'm also from New York, a bit older than you (although incredibly youthful looking [joke/nonjoke])
Also:
Eat beforehand. I've been to a couple of dinners at the Waldorf and the food was mediocre.
I see other typos, but can't let myself worry about them.
ReplyDeleteIf the event were in the summer and on the beach the flowered pants would be interesting. They give a kind of urban preppy vibe.
I assure you that if you whip up a jacket, the first guy you meet at the reception is going to be a millionaire hedge funder in a $4,000 Savile Row suit.
ReplyDeleteBesides, you have talent, but you have enough respect and knowledge of garment-making to know that it can take 30 years to get really good at tailoring.
Amazing that you let the Canadians weigh in also. I say go with the flowered pants, western shirt and jacket. Instant conversation starter.
ReplyDeleteOf course here in the Great White North we would wear a parka and snowmobile pants.
Just looking at the pictures, my favorite is the second jacket and gray pants without the tie. It looks nice but not too serious.
ReplyDeleteIf a tie is required, you definitely need a brighter, more interesting one.
I think a solid colored shirt (but don't ask me what color) might be nice too.
The flowered pants look too casual to me, and they clash with the low-key jacket.
I like the Netherlands Anonymous's suggestion to alter the blazer to update it.
Disclaimer: I'm fashion-impaired and I've never been to any of my HS reunions. My 30th is coming up and they want to make it a "prom". I think I'll be skipping that one too.
Cathy would be a hit, I'm sure! that gets my first vote. But if she's busy, I think your thrifted bedsheet shirts are to die for, and I'd make an outfit work with one of those.
ReplyDeleteIf you HAVE to be boring and wear that first jacket, at least make your own tie. much quicker project, and you still be totally snazzy.
Groovy version all the way! You just don't look like yourself with the traditional shirt and pants. My 30th is this week and I decided, after much hemming and hawing, not to go. I mean, the people I want to be in touch with I still am in touch with, right? I'm just not ready to revisit HS awkwardness.
ReplyDeleteGlad someone else bitch slapped you about "discrete" so I don't have to. (Not that I would have, though, after you commented somewhat disparagingly on those of us with grammar fixations.)
ReplyDeleteMy reaction to the first ensemble? Not bad, but I hate the tie. I was thinking, "He needs something with more flair, more personality." Really couldn't stand it sans tie, though. Neither dressed up, nor casual, just...blah...sorry.
The Western shirt/jacket/flowered pants - awesome. You look completely at ease in it, it is completely YOU. The white shirt, though, makes it look schizophrenic - business up top, party down below. Hmmmm...perhaps not the best description, but I think you get my meaning.
BTW - what about shoes? I need to see shoes.
As far as it being at the Waldorf, I wouldn't really factor that into the decision so much. It's a fancy venue, BFD. You're going there for a high school reunion, not to meet the Queen.
I'm with Toby, no flowered pants at the Waldorf. I vote western shirt with the dark jacket and some dark solid pants. Funky tie.
ReplyDeleteMy class is coming up on our 35th, and it will probably be like the 30th--we take over a local pub (owned by a classmate) for appetizers and a cash bar. Casual dress, low cost, and focus on catching up with folks. I'm the organizer, so I get to choose ;-)
So shoot me:
ReplyDeletediscrete means completely separate or (in math) finite.
discreet means good at keeping secrets.
To the question at hand:
I'm not fond of any of the suit jackets. It's NYC, but doesn't that include eclectic? The pants may be a little loud, but isn't the western style shirt of high quality?
Or you could actually buy some fabric (and maybe even pay more than $2/yd) and make a new bespoke shirt? It is a special occasion, you could spring for 2 yards or even 3 at $5?
Beth
I was going to put in my 2 cents on this: "This is an evening event at the Waldorf. Therefore, you have to dress somewhat formally." but then I saw this: "It's a fancy venue, BFD."
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the only photo where you're looking pretty dang happy. And as long as you'd feel that happy at the actual D.E.Y-K-W.
You're fabulous, don't hide it behind a boring suit!
ReplyDeleteI've always been fond of the German Film Director outfit from your New Look folder. If you think that's a bit to much then could you buy a really great piece of silk and whip up a beautiful shirt? (I know you could do it in like 3 hours so don't say you can't.) Then alter one of those jackets to be more fitted. Send Cathy out to find a great tie,she did such a good job on your wardrobe and I'm sure she would feel left out (and maybe a little resentful) if you don't include her.
I'd say Cathy in the Burda dress :-).
ReplyDeleteReally the question is why are you going? Is the point competing with the same jerks you used to hate, only on their own turf? I think not.. The best attitude I think would be to show that you're happy now, and have a full life, by your own standards.
To me, the point of going would be to see whether some of your ex-co-sufferers have developed into grown-ups you might like to know now. The best way to do that is to dress in a way that reflects your real personality, now that you aren't bound by teenage conventionalities. If you want to go as your real self, then it sounds like a suit would be the most inappropriate possible choice. Without going the Cathy route, I'd at least wear a bedsheet shirt..
Peter, another fashion-disoriented Canadian here....
ReplyDeleteI think the jacket and pants are ok. It's the shirt and tie I don't like. I think you have the time to whip up a new, colourful (notice the authentic Canadian spelling) shirt that will catch the eye. Sorry, but I don't see it being a cowboy/western shirt - I think it would look tacky. I'd love a flashy colour like pink or leaf green - anything but a sedate white/washed-out blue/ecru. And a new tie to tie it all together (couldn't resist the pun).
If you wear the western shirt, I think you need a string tie. Surely you could find something like that at a thrift store. And maybe cowboy boots? If you were a gazillionare from a Texas cattle ranch, you'd wear something like that, right?
ReplyDeletethe western shirt is a stunner. why not? with some lovely slim pants. peter, please don't go pleated pants, oh please.
ReplyDeleteMay I just echo the sentiment on the "no pleated pants"? While you have a smokin' hot bod, the pleated pants look either too small, or my untrained eye has completely gotten used to the current "flat front" trend. Ixnay on the eatsplay.
ReplyDeleteWhy even dress up at all - especially when your former classmates are all boring, they all are going to wear suits! I opt for your "normal" individual clothes, or at worst the groovy outfit shown on the pictures!
ReplyDeleteSomething else to consider: is Michael going with you, and if so, what is he wearing?
ReplyDeleteI'm living in Canada, but I'm not a Canadian. Can I still give my 2 cents? Why sew something you won't wear again for a million years because it isn't you? You won't enjoy yourself if you are not dressed like yourself. So wear what makes you feel like Peter.
ReplyDeleteCommenting for the first time, although lurking since the beginning! (We met at the New York PR get-together during President's Day weekend earlier this year.) I too am a born-n-bred New Yorker, and went to a specialized public high school that cranks out thousands of overachievers, so my reunions can be a real drag at times. I totally got the judgmental raised eyebrow from my classmate because of my inferior job (she's a married OB-GYN who wants to specialize in fertility treatments, and I'm an unmarried secretary), but hey, that's what open bar is for. I've come to the conclusion that there is a performative element to reunions ("being" the successful doctor/lawyer/investment banker with the perfect spouse), and it's a lot of fun to play that up. Be you not being you. Does that make sense? My vote is for the Burberry blazer, either the light blue shirt, or a more colorful one, dark trousers, colorful tie (or bow tie!), nice dark socks with an eccentric pattern, and nice shoes. How about a fun handkerchief or a flower in the front pocket? Or maybe a cigar? Bonus points if you can grow a mustache in time. You may actually have a good time and re-connect with some fellow quirky souls who are equally ambivalent about reunion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Toby and with Anonymous. No flowered pants for this occasion at the Waldorf. I like the first look but also think you need a shirt and/or tie with some color in it and nice shoes and socks. Forget making a new jacket, unless you want it to look like a hot mess at this stage. It's too late to start a jacket now? As far as the pants go, if you have or want to buy some nice flat front pants great. But, if you don't want to spend the money, the pleated ones are OK too.
ReplyDeleteI assume Michael will be going with you? Is anything you have sewn for him appropriate for this occasion?
The two of you will be a smashing/scintillating pair. ;-)
Jewel, you've already have the best attire, that gorgeous smile and wicked humor. Goes a long way. What would you normally wear to a nice affair? Whatever that is, don that. Your trim physique looks good in everything.
ReplyDeleteHello Peter. This is my first comment here. I've been a latent lurker for a while (love the way you write) but your call for international opinion has prompted me to mail. (I'm a Brit living in Canada). I'm going for the flowery trousers all the way!
ReplyDeleteI would dress you a bit more French: well fitted dark denims, shirt worn open at the neck, corderoy jacket in a sandy colour, boat shoes - would suit you :-) Isn't too formal or too fancy.
ReplyDeleteCanuck here to offer my humble bacon-flavoured opinion: vest and bow tie.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of the other comments so I don't know if this has been suggested yet. Hell, I don't even know why the image of a vest and bow tie was the first thing to pop into my head. Call it divine inspiration.
Voila, some visuals for you:
http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/197713-Collegiate+Chic+en+Route-brown-jcrew-vest-blue-american-apparel-tie-brown-aldo-shoes-blue-american-
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/thecornerchair/Murphy%20Wedding/Blog60.jpg
Peter, I heart the groovy look, western shirt and all (white shirt seems too plain or contrast-y with that ensemble). It looks the most you and you look fantastic in it. Either way, I vote for what you feel good in, even if it's a sweater or button down shirt with pants.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of Andrea a lot. Can't go wrong with that. And as you are an experienced thrift shopper, I'm convinced you can find something like she suggested in Salvation army or so.
ReplyDeleteGo groovy, Peter! I vote for the flowered pants with dark blazer.
ReplyDeleteI too am voting for the flowered trousers with a blazer and whatever shirt you fancy. It doesn't matter the venue or the expectations. You didn't fit in in high school -- do you expect to now? Go as your fabulous self!
ReplyDeleteWhy do you have pleated pants in your closet?!?! You are thin and do not have to wear pleats. Please dispose of those ASAP. ASAP!!!
ReplyDeleteI actually like the Burberry jacket. Why don't you sew a nice pair or FLAT FRONT plants to go with that? And then splurge on a new pair of Euro-looking leather loafers to top off the look.
Peter,
ReplyDeleteFirst, re the "discreet" comment, I thought we went over that three weeks ago! :-)
But sulk not, even New York Times reporters need instruction. Right after reading your blog I came across this note in a NYT writing standards blog:
"More Mix-Ups
After my latest selection, alert readers quickly noted more examples of problems that spell-check can’t solve for us:
•••
Diamond studs wink in her ears and a pink gold Rolex gleams on her wrist — but these are discrete compared with the rhinestone studded hipster jeans she flaunted in New York only a handful of years ago.
This word means 'separate and distinct.' We meant 'discreet.'"
http://topics.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/number-trouble/
Here's a mnemonic:
The form that means "separate" has a "t" that separates the two "e"s.
The form that means "appropriate," "prudent," etc., keeps its ees together, like a prim person keeping his or her knees together.
---
If you can afford it, I'd go out and get a nice charcoal gray suit with unpleated pants. You'll have it the rest of your life, and you will find reasons to wear it. Wear a nice shirt and a really nice tie that has some interest. Don't forget a handsome leather belt. Again, wear nice shoes and socks. How about colorful cashmere socks that pick up the colors in the tie?
Who knows, maybe you'll even get some business referrals. I know that's not your purpose in going, but you might as well make the most of it.
What? No one mentioned the harem pants? Go and have a great time in comfortable flattering clothes (you look pretty good in everything). Just please post pictures!
ReplyDeleteI vote for the harem pants...and then those of us who live near-by could all come stand out-side as your harem!!! Flashbulbs clicking, asking for your autograph...that would get them talking!!
ReplyDeleteHonesty I don't love any of those looks on you. I go to all my HSR's and would have loved it if one of the fellows showed up in something unpredictable. I hate predictable and love to make people talk. Life is too short to be boring and predictable.
I know you will figure something wonderful out to wear.
Okay I just said predictable one too many times.
ReplyDeleteOh flowered pants all the way. I like them with the first lavender shirt. That looks like you, much better than the navy blazer. 48? Wow you'll look better than most of the guys there. From what I've seen of high school reunions the guys tend to let themselves go more than the women. Go have a good time. You can gloat later.
ReplyDeleteOh, and throw out the pleated pants. They do not fit! BFD that it's at the Warldorf and that you went to a very snobby hs, wear whatever makes you happy though Cathy would be a bit much.
ReplyDeleteCan you stand one more Canadian, eh? I think you need a more definite look. So, suggestions: first get Michael to pin out the extra fabric on the navy jacket between shoulders and mark where the sleeves hit the top of your wristbone to see if they need shortened and taper the waist if you have time. Replace the buttons with something shinier. Get a nice black belt with the same colour buckle. Add black shoes and socks. Buy/make/borrow/whatever a shirt that's just slightly over the line for what the Waldorf will allow and add tie, eg., red with red/navy tie; red&navy print with bow tie; bright white with silky vest and bowtie or just a cravat, just something that's DEFINITE, not bland. Add a floppy pocket hankie. That's if you want to go slightly artsy. For artsier, keep the flowery pants, add red shirt and denim jacket with black boots and huge flower on your lapel. Or, go incognito as in the first pic, but still fix the blazer. Just the thought of going to a reunion fills me with terror. I always thought I'd go in costume if my school ever had one.
ReplyDeleteHeather (who can't figure out the comment options)
Sassy Lassies Vintage Life:
ReplyDeleteThe fact that everyone is 30 years older introduces more than enough unpredictability. If you're going to enter the Twilight Zone, you should look nice.
Catherine:
Exactly.
This is an easy one, go with the crazy pants and the blazer. I'm looking forward to hearing how people react when you tell them you made the pants yourself.
ReplyDeleteOMG, my head is spinning.
ReplyDeleteI am not bringing Michael -- I HATE when spouses come to high school reunions. IMO they are mere props to hide behind. But now I don't know; he's a very good prop.
Keep it coming, I will review this all tonight with my posse.
WTF - pleats?!? I like the Burberry jacket and the westeren shirt but ditch those pleated things (I don't think I've ever seen you more depressed looking).
ReplyDeletePersonally I do like the flowered pants but you'll be the center of attention and that takes a ton of energy for a whole evening. The cut is great so what about the pants in a different fabric?
There'll probably be a lot of pudgy men in ill-fitting suits so just be yourself turned up a notch.
P.S. - I din't realize my 30 was coming up soon (thanks...)
woot, what a mashup of comments...and lots of good points! Overall, I'm on the side of "be yourself and be comfortable"--though I think the fact that it's at the Waldorf will inspire others to dress up.
ReplyDeletePlease please PLEASE wear the flowered pants! And don't you have a jacket that matches them, too? It's YOU and anyway, you were in the NYTimes in it - you're FAMOUS.
ReplyDeleteI'd have not gone! I am a wimp! I think you look like a fab person to know, so wouldn't care what you wore! (sorry P, no help!!)
ReplyDeleteWell if you aren't going to let Cathy go for you, you have to wear the flowery pants. I mean the top photo looks so stuffy, so unlike you Peter. You should most definitely go. Not like I'm good at giving sage advice since I haven't been to the two that have been held since I graduated. But you should go. Show your classmates and some of the people you grew up with what a very cool person you are. And that you know how to make your own fabulous clothing. Do it. And make sure you wear the flower pants. They're some of my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI'm commenting as a Canadian, because I'm in Nova Scotia at the moment. Trucker caps are very popular here, but I think it's not a good look for the Waldorf. Anything except harem pants should be fine.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry... I'm in Australia and not sure regarding the Waldorf. My only experience of this is in the movie Pretty Woman (it was that hotel wasn't it???) I was a travel agent so I know it's flashy but so are those flowered pants. Didn't you make a jacket with those pants and wear it somewhere once before?
ReplyDeleteSo my two cents worth (even tho we don't have two cent pieces anymore) is Flowered suit if you still have it... or flowered pants, western shirt (white is so blah) and the dark jacket. You will be comfortable and you will be surprised how bad people look when you go.
All heads will turn ... make a statement... be proud... how many people would have made their own outfits let alone a bloke ('man' in Ozzie speak!) The people who are different, who stand out, who are successful (not in a financial sense), who say they are happy with who they are will be there in flowered pants and jacket. Show them who you are and hand out your cards with your blog on it!!!
I have been to a 25 year reunion at a public school and most were fat (ok, nothing wrong with a bit of roundness, but we are talking obese), old, wrinkled and wayyyyyyyyy tooooooo muuuuuuch make up!
Enjoy... be yourself... you are fabulous!
I, too, am voting for the floral pants and western shirt. Please don't wear the suit and tie. If you have the jacket, then please wear it with the pants. It's still a suit, technically speaking. Like everyone has said, be yourself, be proud of your work. You wouldn't wear a stuffy suit to a social occasion, I'm sure, so don't wear one to this reunion. I'm facing a 30 year reunion shortly, so I'll be coming to you for advice! Hope it goes well.
ReplyDeleteI like the floral pants - they are YOU. I think after 20, 30...however many years, you need to represent your personality, not whatever anyone's expectations are. As for myself, I just acquired a lovely piece of "Arizona Sunsat" silk from the silkbaron.com to make a dress for my 20th HSR in Nov. It's a little loud, but so am I so I think it'll be perfect. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBe you!
Canadian here. Hi. It all depends on what your intended purpose in going is. Do you want to stand out as the amazing person that all your blog followers know you to be? Or is it to see all your classmates and snicker to yourself how fat and awful they all look? Or is it to catch up with old friends and to feel good about yourself afterwards. Tailor (nice pun eh?) your clothes to your goal. Outrageous or bland or conservative. I personally would go conservative, but then, I am Canadian.
ReplyDeleteI never realized how easy we women have it for events like this; we just pull out our "little black dress" You look miserable in the suit. While the flowered pants are you, you might want to invest in a good, classic, well fitting suit. Then add your personality with a shirt, hankie, tie, etc. The suit would only be the background; your accessories would make it you.
ReplyDeleteI'm partial to the suit with tie. The flowered pants are rather 'flaming'. Just sayin' . . . LOL
ReplyDeletewhile the first outfit is not 'you', you are quite handsome in that outfit. I would put you in that coat and pants with a really nice vest, perhaps a lovely material, and no tie. Just my two cents.
ReplyDeletei think the suit is boring too! i wont challenge, but beg you send cathy! :P or at least bring her as a date ;)
ReplyDeletein all seriousness, i dig those pants too!
I live in Alaska (we are still in grungy Nirvana-esque clothes of the 90s) so take this with a grain of salt. I think you should go with no tie, fun shirt, blazer, and slacks that HAVE NO PLEATS!
ReplyDeletePeter, wear what makes your heart sing, and don't worry about it. The place will be filled to the brim with people taking themselves way too seriously. you are far too smart to buy into that!
ReplyDeleteIf Michael goes to your high school reunion, I'm going to have to do something cranky - I'm still annoyed with him for not attending OUR high school reunion - just sayin'. (-;
ReplyDeletePeter, you need to wear something that makes you feel happy and comfortable. I love your flowered suit jacket and was going to suggest you wear that with your white club collared shirt and a dark pair of trousers. You'd look smashing!
ReplyDeleteThe outfit you're modelling here definitely does not show the Peter we know and love. Go big or go home!
Sarah
One of Those Canadians ;P
Sorry, Peter. I really hate the dark suit and tie you're wearing. It's not you at all and makes you look like the principal in The Breakfast Club. Eeek!
ReplyDeleteCathy looks awesome with five-o-clock shadow.
ReplyDeleteJust sayin'...
Weighing in from Norway:
ReplyDeleteJust thinking about HS reunions make me break out in a panic and run for the hills. If you go at all, go as you! I like the flowered pants and I'd invest in a cashmere turtleneck (in your eye color) to go with it. Verrrry left bank groovy.
Noooo....burn the pleated trousers! The flowery trousers could be a teeny bit *too* wild for where you're going (but I love them), could you use that pattern to make yourself some slightly more understated ones? Definitely don't try to make a new jacket - way too much work for the time frame but maybe you could alter the fit of the one you have to make it less boxy? LOVE the western shirt btw!
ReplyDeleteI like the first photo - you really are good looking!!! However, that being said, you do need a tie that pops. Pants? Just ok - you can do better. Keep the jacket tho.
ReplyDeleteOf course you want to bring Michael! What, do you want to spend the entire evening coming out painstakingly to everyone? And do you want to blunder into a conversation with the inevitable Republican jerks? Michael will winnow out every bit of the audience you don't want to come near, especially when combined with the flower pants :-).
ReplyDeleteThere are eighty-freakin'-one comments here by noon! I didn't really like the outfit yesterday, but it wasn't the worst thing I've seen you wear. I wasn't going to get all Aunt Flo-Jo about pleated pants. Jesh people. Chill out.
ReplyDeleteThe blue blazer really isn't bad, but you just need a better tie with it!! And yeah, ick to the pleated pants. I'm having a hard time convincing my husband that pleated pants are OUT, especially when the pleats no longer lay flat, even though supposively, the pants still 'fit'.
ReplyDeletePlease rather send Cathy than do the shirt, tie and jacket costume. It isn't you and it shows. I would actually vote for the western shirt, a little cheeky, but with the right pant it will feel at home in a wide variety of settings. And ties should only be worn if they are the only way you are allowed to wear color or make a statement, as it is with my two lawyer cousins, who are only allowed black suits and have a wide variety of funny or crazy colored (very expensive) silk ties.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Another Canadian here, rent a suit for the evening..........................
ReplyDeleteFlowered trousers, navy blue or black shirt, red tie, and take the jacket off as soon as you can.
ReplyDeleteGaviota in Alicante
I really like your flowery pants with a white shirt and jacket the best! A nice splash of colour dressed up. :)
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