Men's Clothing Forums banner
1 - 20 of 29 Posts

Youngster

· Registered
Joined
·
655 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
It's starting to get springy here in the golden state, and today I'm wearing a blue OCBD with jeans. Now, as I was walking out the door, I caught a look at myself in the mirror, and noticed that I look a little bit like "state-pen." Now, this is about as close to a tough guy look as I ever get, but I kinda like looking like the trad version of Springsteen. On the other hand, I really don't want to be mistaken for a escaped convict.
So, do you guys just avoid the blue on blue, or do have some tricks of accessorizing that would make it look less like I was carrying a shiv.

ps- I carry the traddest shiv- US made from a government issue spoon handle. :devil::icon_smile_big:
 
I've worn this lok a bunch of times. I like it and have never once thought it looked convict-y.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rosarito
As long as you stick to an OCBD for the blue shirt, I think you'd be fine.

I think I'd go with one of the other classic OCBD choices though as I don't like being monochromatic.

Pennies (or more casual mocs) would likewise diminish convict associations (pair 'em with white athletic socks or no socks at all, and you've got quite a classic look going).
 
I wear this look often. However, I usually roll-up my shirt sleeves up to my elbows, pants slightly rolled also, top button unbuttoned, and a pair of boat shoes or loafers. (this look definitely diminishes any thoughts about the "State Pen" look.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rosarito
You should always have enough variance in the color of the blue jeans
and your blue shirt.
For instance, light wash jeans look good with blue polos, oxfords, sweaters.
Dark blue jeans and blue do indeed look far too similar, and thus should be avoided.
 
It's starting to get springy here in the golden state, and today I'm wearing a blue OCBD with jeans. Now, as I was walking out the door, I caught a look at myself in the mirror, and noticed that I look a little bit like "state-pen." Now, this is about as close to a tough guy look as I ever get, but I kinda like looking like the trad version of Springsteen. On the other hand, I really don't want to be mistaken for a escaped convict.
So, do you guys just avoid the blue on blue, or do have some tricks of accessorizing that would make it look less like I was carrying a shiv.

ps- I carry the traddest shiv- US made from a government issue spoon handle. :devil::icon_smile_big:
With any really simple outfit it's all about the details. I wear that look all the time, but always roll up the sleeves, undo the collar buttons and wear great shoes and belt.
 
It's starting to get springy here in the golden state, and today I'm wearing a blue OCBD with jeans. Now, as I was walking out the door, I caught a look at myself in the mirror, and noticed that I look a little bit like "state-pen." Now, this is about as close to a tough guy look as I ever get, but I kinda like looking like the trad version of Springsteen. On the other hand, I really don't want to be mistaken for a escaped convict.
So, do you guys just avoid the blue on blue, or do have some tricks of accessorizing that would make it look less like I was carrying a shiv.

ps- I carry the traddest shiv- US made from a government issue spoon handle. :devil::icon_smile_big:
Blue on blue is very monochromatic...IMHO, other colored/mutil-colored pattern shirt options should be matched with blue jeans. Springsteen is overrated...no offense to those who like him. If anything, I think it would be a tradlier version of "Cool Hand Luke".
 
I wear that combo frequently with a darker shade of blue jeans for contrast with the light blue ocbd. It's pretty basic, so the belt, shoes, and watch strap (if you wear one) should be right. It's a nice chance to deploy the grosgrain, if you go for that. I like suede shoes with that combo as well.

Re: Springsteen, I too thought he was overrated, but the "Nebraska" and "The Wild, The Innocent..." albums made me start to get it more.
 
I often find myself about to do the same thing, and avoid it.

As always, though, it depends on the context. Going to the park with my kid? Wear jeans and a blue OCBD. Going out for a casual drink with a mixed group? Keep the jeans, replace the blue shirt. Going to the office? Lose the jeans, get some khakis or dress pants.
 
I wear this look often. However, I usually roll-up my shirt sleeves up to my elbows, pants slightly rolled also, top button unbuttoned, and a pair of boat shoes or loafers. (this look definitely diminishes any thoughts about the "State Pen" look.)
You are talking about the top button on your shirt and not your pants, right? :)

Andy B.
 
Now, as I was walking out the door, I caught a look at myself in the mirror, and noticed that I look a little bit like "state-pen." Now, this is about as close to a tough guy look as I ever get, but I kinda like looking like the trad version of Springsteen. On the other hand, I really don't want to be mistaken for a escaped convict.
So, do you guys just avoid the blue on blue, or do have some tricks of accessorizing that would make it look less like I was carrying a shiv.
I always associated this look with a blue chambray shirt and jeans a la Cool Hand Luke. And he happened to be a convict.
 
If you wore a blue chambray shirt with jeans, workboots, and a thick leather belt, I could definitely see the convict vibe coming through. However, a blue ocbd with a nice collar roll paired with a colorful ribbon or surcingle belt and sockless penny loafers, blucher mocs or camp mocs is solidly trad.
 
If you wore a blue chambray shirt with jeans, workboots, and a thick leather belt, I could definitely see the convict vibe coming through.
One year at Deer Camp, by chance, I ended up with nothing to wear but a pair of tan Dickies work pants and a tan work shirt. My nickname that whole week was "Prison Guard".
 
This is a go-to combination of mine, more because of convenience and coerced cohesion than stylistic preference. It's casual and harmless. Blue on blue helps me blend in while providing a neutral canvas for more interesting accessories- belts, watchbands, and shoes. Keep the jeans dark. Try Pennys, Tassels, Boat Shoes, or maybe even a brown shell cordovan WTB named "Darlton"; sans socks if you're feeling up for it.
 
Concern regarding the combination of a chambray shirt and blue jeans making one look like a prison inmate is about as ridiculous as the assumption that wearing a navy blazer and grey trousers, leaves one looking like a security guard. The finishing touches, in both examples, make all the difference in the world!
 
I often worry about looking like a convict when I wear an orange jumpsuit.

I think the blue on blue should be OK as long as you don't wear white sneakers.
 
1 - 20 of 29 Posts