Boys Can Be Well-Dressed and Comfortable for Wedding
Dear Fashion Police: Our sons, ages 11 and 13, have been invited to a cousin’s wedding next month. What should they wear? It’s an afternoon wedding with a reception following. Because the date is so close to school, I would like the clothes to do double duty. They do not dress up at all, so I want them to be comfortable. The clothes also need to be affordable.
--WHAT’S A MOM TO DO?
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Dear What: Comfortable and affordable we understand, especially when it comes to boys that age. And we think it’s great that they’re being included in this happy celebration. However, we also think this is a good time to impress upon these future pillars of society that dressing appropriately for important occasions must sometimes supersede comfort. It shows respect and good manners, desirable qualities in young men. If the wedding is dressy and in a house of worship, the boys should dress more formally. That doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive new suits, but they should wear tailored shirts with jackets and nice slacks. If the wedding is fairly casual and in an outdoor setting, they can skip the jackets.
We don’t want these young people to feel encased in itchy, rough clothing; otherwise, you’ll have two cranky guys on your hands. So look for natural fibers such as cotton, linen and lightweight wool. Make sure the clothes fit well and don’t pull, pinch or bind. If the shirt and other washable items are new, wash them (according to instructions) first to remove any sizing. This will soften them up.
Although the boys are still growing, choose items they like and will wear throughout the school year for special occasions. The worst scenario is to spend money on clothes that will be worn only once. As for cutting costs, shop sales and outlet stores, devising a plan of action before you venture out. Be sure to schedule some fun, such as lunch out, or a half-hour in a video arcade. That will give you some needed down time too.
From the Fashion Police Blotter: We’ve spent a lot of time lately watching men’s behinds. No, it’s not what you think. Honest. We’re astounded at the number of men--many of whom are well-dressed and nicely groomed--who have an enormous wallet crammed into their back pocket. This creates an odd and extremely unflattering bulge, of which men seem completely unaware. With an oft-worn pair of pants, the straining of the wallet also forms an outline on the pocket, an indelible impression that is plainly visible even when the wallet isn’t there.
Although women are often criticized for their whoppin’ big handbags, we seldom hear anything negative about these lopsided rear-end protuberances. Sure, there was that “Seinfeld” episode about George’s swollen wallet, but that’s about it. And we can’t help but wonder about the comfort factor.
What’s in those wallets, anyway, a 3-inch-wad of receipts? Is there a reason they must be hauled around every single day? It’s time to purge, fellows, time to downsize, time to think “minimalism.” Let’s trade those super-sized accessories for slimmed-down versions that can either be worn in the front pocket or, if you must, in the back, where they’ll be less noticeable. Let’s all work together to make the world a less bulky place.
Workout Clothes Redux: A couple of weeks ago we listed some resources for large-size workout wear for “Stretching to Find What I Want,” who needed “cute and comfortable” clothes for her exercise classes. Since then some helpful readers have added two more to the list: Athleta, which carries a wide variety of leggings, shorts, capris, sports bras, tops and jackets, many in sizes 1X-3X (the company also carries some items in extra-small for you teeny-tinies out there). In bottoms alone, styles range from flare-leg cropped pants to capris, drawstring shorts and boot-cut leggings. Visit https://www.athleta.com, or call (888) 322-5515. The Just My Size catalog also offers tops, shorts, leggings and bras in plus sizes. Visit the Web site at https://www.justmysize.com, or call (800) 261-5902.
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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.
