Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Texas Tuxedo

Aka Canadian tuxedo, the head-to-toe, denim-on-denim ensemble has been both a fashion faux pas and a fashion trend.

Traditionally, a Texas tuxedo comprised a pair of clean, pressed, new looking denim jeans, a Western shirt with pearl snaps, a bolo tie, a large belt buckle, shiny cowboy boots and a Stetson hat. Though I own all those things (yes I really do), I'm not going anyplace formal in an area heavily populated by ranches and cowboys. I'm merely trying on the shirt (to start my denim/chambray shirt reviews) and jeans (recently received) and finished off with shoes remembered by Alexis' top 10 shoe post.

The shirt is the very same that DaniBP has reviewed so beautifully. It's of Japanese 100% cotton denim with the Jean Shop signature orange selvedge (I have a weakness for selvedge). The denim is raw and untreated and the shirt arrives stiff and crinkly. As Dani, I'm also wearing an XS. The shoulders are slightly wide on me. The sleeves are long, reaching the first knuckles of my hands and why I have them folded up. It could be sold out from J.Crew but you can get it from the original source.

Here's what's unexpected: I'll be reviewing about a dozen different chambray and denim shirts ranging in size from XS to XXS to 0 to 00 petite. You'd think this an XS would be on the larger side but I think this one actually fits best. Maybe it's because of the arm holes that are cut high and close. Maybe it's because of the texture of the denim that feels like unbroken new jeans, not soft at all but crisp like sun-dried sheets that I find earthy. There's enough structure to the shirt to keep it from feeling oversized and slightly sloppy as most denim or chambray shirts. As much as it can be, I think it the most formal or dressed-up among them. I love the shirt.

The jeans, also from Jean Shop, we'll talk about on another post. You can see they are sausage casings for my legs. They're supposed to loosen up after wearing but I haven't broken them in yet.

Word has it some of Hollywood's trendiest have stepped out in the once taboo Texas tuxedo (it was reported by MTV Style a year ago, but hey, you know how I stay on top of these things!).
Prince Harry was spotted in the coordinated outfit one morning.
Even Jenna has done it.

What do you think ... is this a fashion do or don't or is it so over?

21 comments:

  1. I love those jeans! They could easily be dressed up or down. I also like the logo that identifies the name of the jean on the back and the stitching. Very Pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I will do a full review on the jeans, I had the most amazing (positive) experience with the Jean Shop. I like the leather label too but will give a caution to anybody trying the jeans to watch what you're actually grabbing if hitching up the jeans, you don't want to tear the label.

      Delete
    2. I love it on you with the shoes. I applaud your boldness!

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the link to my review! It looks amazing on you. Isn't it different because of the structure? I love mine too and it is like an instant polished feeling I get when I wear it. Weird for a jean shirt.
    I really like it with the Jean Shop jeans. I want to know more about them. I think they look great together because of the similar wash and the orange stitching consistent on both pieces.
    You wear the Canadian/Texas tuxedo way better than Harry OR Jenna!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And thank *you* Dani, for letting me refer to your post. I do like the structure and know exactly what you mean about feeling polished and the odd awareness of that feeling while knowing you are wearing a casual shirt. I loved your ideas and will wear the shirt with a skirt very soon.

      Thank you for your nice comments, I was trying on the shirt and jeans but didn't have an occasion so only wore the Canadian/Texas tux to get the photo.

      I will soon post more about the jeans!

      Delete
  3. i like your outfit,i think the dark denim looks beautiful.
    it is not easy to pull off that denim head-to-toe look,but i think jenna has done it right,because the proportions and denim colors work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've always preferred dark denim but not sure I'd actually wear the shirt with the jeans if I was going someplace. With her height, Jenna can pull off many looks I can only dream of. I rather like Harry's look, it is definitely weekend comfortable. ;)

      Delete
  4. The pairing works with colorful heels. The shirt has a very flattering cut. I have worn the Canadian tuxedo during the Calgary Stampede and that's the only time it's apropos around here, unless you actually are a rancher.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought the dark outfit needed some color to punch it up a bit. This shirt is definitely more fitted looking even if the others I tried are described as shrunken or sized as 00 petite.

      Ooo, I'd love to go to the Calgary Stampede and now I know the dress code!

      Delete
  5. I love your outfit. I tried the shirt and found it to run small, but I did size up on the PS recommendation and it fit fine. It wasn't perfect for me, but seeing it again on you - love it. The jeans are great looking-I hope they break in to your liking. I've never personally worn a Texas tuxedo-but you make it look so chic I might have to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Jean Shop things do seem to run small, good thing for me since the XS is as small as the shirt comes. Oh thank you for your nice comments and thoughts. I read a funny article about one person's experience breaking in the jeans, we'll have to see how mine goes ... ;)

      Delete
  6. Oh my Godness, you look great!! Love the yellow pumps!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks so much, Andrea! Aren't those yellow shoes so pretty?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Replies
    1. They're some of my favorites and I have a couple other colors! ;)

      Delete
  9. Not for me, but the jeans with those pumps look great! LOL at sausage casings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Rose! The jeans are skinny jeans indeed. ;)

      Delete
  10. I adore head to toe denim looks. I just got this shirt. This style runs slim.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The shirt does fit slender compared to others, doesn't it? I don't try for the all-denim outfit but there are times when I'm wearing jeans and reach for my favorite denim shirt without thinking about it ...

      Delete
  11. Texas tuxedos rock!!! Though maybe it's because I'm biased since I live in Texas...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I'll bet you've rocked a few Texas tuxedos! ;)

      Delete

Talk to me ... make my day! :)