Since receiving a ‘save the date’ notice last year, DH and I have been excitedly anticipating a trip to the UK to attend a family wedding in May. Like most weddings, it is ‘a big deal’. In 2021 the last senior members from DH’s side of the family died. DH is the eldest male relative of the line, and the bride is the only daughter, of the only daughter (there were 6 boys). It is a second marriage of two mature people, recently retired from successful careers. There will be a mix of family and friends for a celebration that will stretch over the weekend. In response to my dress code query, the bride wrote: ‘Smart day clothes. Suit for blokes, tie, etc….’ and that what is worn to the early afternoon wedding will be appropriate for the reception party afterwards at a garden and dinner under a marquee, with music and dancing ending in carriage rides at midnight!
Off to the closet for an outfit creation session for DH - only to discover that not unlike what was discussed in
April’s thread on women’s changing bodies …. DH (at 65) had experienced the same! 15 yo classic wool trousers he had ‘grown’ out of, then shrunk back to fit into, no longer
really fit due to a loss of volume in the rear and legs. The suit jacket was voluminous about the waist and hips, and what suited his colouring (dark, cool brown hair) in his 50’s did not suit his current silver and white. I don’t know how we missed this in the last wardrobe review, but it was glaringly obvious he had nothing suitable to wear (excepting good dress shoes, a handsome dress belt, and a dozen beautiful ties!)
With two months to go, we had opportunity to shop - but started right away by scouring the men’s stores in our community and nearest towns. We got sizing sorted, and some idea of good colours, but pickings were slim for a 42T, 36 waist! Furthermore, DH was set on the idea of separates vs a suit - and like what was discussed in Jenni’s thread on value …. He was adverse to spending $$$ on an outfit with limited ‘wear’ opportunities. A challenging brief!
The venue for our success was an upscale Toronto shopping mall anchored by Nordstroms, Holt Renfrew, and The Bay - with a half dozen men’s stores. We visited them all! Nordstroms had some gorgeous items (is there anything more lovely than wool/silk blends, with a little linen or cashmere thrown in for good measure?) and sales! The Bay had the size range, but the quality was off. The smaller men’s stores were too safe with boring solids without the textural interest DH wanted, or lacked the size range. Hugo Boss, usually a good match for DH’s body and sartorial inclinations - was a bust.
After several hours (and 20+ try-ons) we took a break to refuel and strategize. DH agreed to consider a higher price point, and we headed off to Harry Rosen’s to throw ourselves on the mercy of one of their SA’s. Harry Rosen’s has never failed us in the years they kitted DH for work, and they didn’t fail us this time! We found one jacket - one (size, pattern) like it in the store - that fit DH off the rack like it had been tailor made for him! He loved it, so we just needed co-ordinating trousers -hemmed and tailored a smidge for a neat fit over the bum.
The tab was significant, but DH started listing off opportunities (besides the upcoming wedding) when he will wear the suit, or mix and match the jacket or pants. Importantly, he looks his very best - without compromise - and has all the ‘good feels’ of knowing it.
It was very hard focused shopping and we were exhausted afterwards! So many ups and downs that it was a little emotionally distressing! Comparable to the time, energy, and financial investment of finding a great bra, bathing suit, winter coat or other HEWI or bucket list fashion item. It gives me an appreciation for the work Angie and other style consultants perform on the regular.
Do you have a story (about success) around shopping for a big ticket, emotionally charged fashion item to share?
