Anyone that visits this site on a fairly regular basis knows that I am a major advocate of workwear style. Like many people growing up in the Midwest, but living in New York City, I have a nostalgic connection to the fabrics and brands of blue collar America. That said, being a “marketing professional” (read: yuppie), do I really want to walk out of the house dressed head-to-toe in a laborers outfit? Not so much. The union ironworkers that are building the skyscraper around the corner from my apartment might conscript me into making a trip to the deli (with a box) to get everyone on the job site egg sandwiches.
Workwear items are meant to be mixed and matched, creating a more modern look. Pictured below are classic and utilitarian items that pair well with more fashion forward brands like Robert Geller, Obedient Sons, Rag & Bone, Steven Alan, Nicholas K and many others. On its own, this look might work for a Saturday shopping excursion or a trip to the flea market but not for a meeting or a date, unless she is really into the rugged type.
The Working Man
Workers Flannel Shirt – By Special Order
New York State Thruway Tee Shirt
Filson Oil Finish Cover Cloth Foul Weather Coat – $275
Field Notes Notepad (3 pack) – $9.95
More That Autumn Look can be seen here.
From this angle the bandana looks like a decorative pillow. Now it makes sense…
Yes, the Filson coat is a winner. As an owner, allow me to mention that it has wonderful moleskin-lined pockets and an unusually heavy and industrial-feeling zipper … it’s all good.
Where in the world to the Japanese manage to find “Made in USA” Levis?
I’m loving these postings. The whole art direction of this photo is perfect. I can smell the toasty, crisp autumnal air, all the way at the beach! {That thermos is great.}
Wouldn’t the virtually identical work shirt from Engineered Garments be a more attainable example, or am I missing the point?
The point of these looks are for “inspiration.” I’m obviously not calling these items in and shooting them in a photo studio. So I am forced to adjust the items selected by the quality of images I can find on the internets. The Japanese seem to love to shoot items flat (not on a model) and with a white background — which works perfectly for this feature. So the Workers shirt won out. That’s not to say the EG shirt wouldn’t work just as well. I just didn’t find a good enough image, plus when I saw the workers shirt I really liked it.
ACL
As someone who actually grew up on a farm in the Midwest, i find this whole “nostalgic connection to the fabrics and brands of blue collar America” laughable. I’ve since lived in both Chicago and NYC for 15 years now, and i know exactly ONE other person grew up on a farm or whose father had an actual blue collar job. The rest of you just carry on playing dress up at Freeman’s in your Engineered Garments, Filson and Red Wings at Freemans- i’ll meet you there after i’m done walking the beans…
What makes you think you are more authentic than anyone else on this site? Because you USED to live on a farm? I USED to live in a working class town in Cleveland, Ohio. So what! I know exactly one person from my town who left, me. Who gives a shit! We are talking about clothes here.
ACL
Well put, Michael.
Michael is right. It’s clothing, not a pissing contest. That said, my father is a blue collar worker. He hates that the quality in a lot of workwear/gear has gone out the window, but likes the fact that I’m interested in a lot of the stuff he’s been using day in/day out for most of his adult life.
Well when the economy finishes collapsing and the apocalypse (finally!!!) arrives, at least the yuppies will be wearing durable duds and boots to climb out of the concrete ruins of new york. That, I guess, will be the ultimate experience of authenticity.
I too enjoy workwear. Levis USA now have their Engineered Garments collection up and the 1947 501 Jeans are made in the US.
Like the waxed cotton coat. I have moved on from Barbour to John Partridge brand, with its moleskin lining, and will never look back!
I’m one of your devoted female fans ACL and would love a post for women someday. I think womenswear that would be comparable to the menswear items you post are the off-duty clothes worn by Katherine Hepburn and Greta Garbo–which largely consist of pantsuits and mid-calf length skirts made with traditional menswear fabrics and footwear such as loafers or brogues with a bit of a higher heel.
I discovered the beauty and cost-effectiveness of buying menswear inspired clothing a couple of years ago–what a difference it has made! I now own a simplified wardrobe of high quality, durable clothes and most importantly it has allowed me to drop out of the fashion roller coaster–which for the most part seems oriented towards making women feel so insecure. Not to say that dressing this way comes cheaply–buying the backbone basics–camel hair coat, aquascutum trench, cashmere navy blazer, grey wool voile suits, black wool gabardine sheath dress etc. cost me a small fortune but that was eight years ago and I still use each piece constantly, adding a few new shirts and sweaters here and there.
Pardon the long rant but I’ve been lurking for a while and wanted to let you know about your female fan base! Congrats on a wonderful site.
dunderdon has some nice swedish touches on workwear…
what’s the difference between the 505 and 501 style of levis?
J.Scott – the difference is that the 501 has a button fly and the 505 has a zipper.
Deeda, that sounds like it would be a great blog in my own right – I know my wife would love it!
er… in its own right!
I love that NYS Thruway t shirt. Any suggestions as to where I could find it or one like it?
Love the look, but I’d replace the thermos with the Stanley Flask. Cold weather really demands bourbon.
Growing up in Iowa, living in Chicago, and working across the country in business, I truly love the reemergence of the classic American wear this fall. I’m not worried about what other people wear, or if they grew up in a blue collar family. I did, and I wear everything from Burberry, Diesel, Ralph Lauren, to Vans, Filson, L.L. Bean, and carry a J.W. Hulme bag from Minnesota. I don’t need someone to tell me that because I’m from Iowa I can’t wear my Patek Philippe watch and that because my father wears ten year old Levi’s to work, that I can’t wear my Burberry trench. I’d expect the same thing to be applicable for a guy that grew up in Manhattan when he rocks a pair of Redwings. In fact, I like it…
I grew up in New York and spent a lot of time on the Thruway. I love, love the Tee Shirt you posted but can’t find it on the Internet. Can you tell me where I might purchase one?
Thank you
That tee shirt is from Japan. Hynm’s to be exact, but I don’t see it for sale any longer.
http://www.hynms.jp/ec/list/brandName=NEW%20YORK%20STATE%20THRUWAY
Sorry