Stylish, elegant, tasteful or bland?

[Scot]

Where does the top button (& button hole) on a 3 rolled to 2.5 (or, worse, 2) come into the simplicity equation? Somewhat akin to the ticket pocket I think.

[alden]

When you have really mastered simplicity, you probably have been through everything else before

Very nicely said.

Rendering complex dressing statements in an easy, succinct and seemingly effortless manner is one of the true tests of style.

Michael Alden

[Costi]

Degas or Utamaro?



Renoir or Hokusai?



Delacroix or Utamaro?



Brueghel or Hokusai?

[Costi]

Some more Brueghel maximalism...



And some minimalist but meaningful Ikebana:






(there should be only ONE of these, but I have a hard time choosing...)

Take your pick!

[Costi]

Where does the top button (& button hole) on a 3 rolled to 2.5 (or, worse, 2) come into the simplicity equation? Somewhat akin to the ticket pocket I think.

It is a "zero" factor: when done well (so as to look like the lapels naturally unrolled with time and wear through the top button(hole) and towards the middle button, rather than as an afterthought on a straight 2B coat), it may enhance the charm of the coat; but it certainly doesn't generate Style where there isn't any...

[Gruto]

Take your pick!

Why not have both

[Costi]

Why not have both

[ccox]

I doubt that I can add much to the conversation that hasn't already been written, but I will point out that Cary Grant dressed as he did to draw all attention to that tanned and handsome mug of his. There was no color or pattern to distract from the column that lead directly to his face.

[Costi]

I doubt that I can add much to the conversation that hasn't already been written

Ccox, you have just written down the essential truth of this whole thread.
However, some of us may want to use dress to distract the eye from what Nature gave us But even in that case, I am not sure this is the best attitude