A Drop of Individuality in a Sea of Blue

by Boaz Manger

It's Friday afternoon, and browsing through a folder with pictures, I am reminded of last weekend. You see, last weekend was the annual meeting of Dutch chapter of The European Youth Parliament (lovingly abbreviated "EYP"). Besides the introduction of the new board and several brainstorming sessions, the weekend was mainly focussed on team-building and strengthening the National Committee through all sorts of frivolities in the Dutch woods.

Naturally, anything even remotely related to outdoor team-building comes with its own shirt. In this case the EYP-NL hoodie, in mid-blue. And while I love mine for the associations it holds (isn't that the point to begin with?), we did end up looking like a slightly muddy sea of mid-blue cotton-blends with a good dose of denim.

Admittedly, they looked much better on some than on others, with the ladies holding up especially well under the unavoidable "oversized" look. (The one I'm wearing in the picture is a size "S".) And admittedly, there was some comfort in the uniformity of the weekends attire. Albeit cleverly disguised, it was a uniform, after all.

Uniforms are most commonly associated with the military and certain schooling-systems. They provide a sense of unity, recognisability, and ensure a certain minimum in dressing standards. They're a way of showing who we are, collectively. From a distance, the group looks like a whole.

Take a closer look, and human nature shines through. Those used to regularly wearing a uniform are quick to find ways to adapt them to their personality. Be it school, public service or military, the variations are plentiful. It's the way we wear what we're limited to, and the small accessories we use that show our personal style in settings like these. In my case, EYP jumper with dark burgundy polo-shirt, and a neckerchief with a greenish-gray ground, tan and white figures and small red details.
As in life, the people are in the details.

My advise:
Next time you see a group of people in uniform: try to find their personalities. Their little touches can be inspiring! And next time you're in one yourself: well, I'll leave that one to you.. 

School Uniforms in Gossip Girl.
My favourite touch? Chuck Bass' belt, on the far right.

Winter's come early

Green Tweed, paired with Silk, via Permanent Style

Winter's come to town early this year, and as I sit yet with only the light of a desk lamp and two candles, the white roofs outside remind me that it's time to reorganise the wardrobe. As with food, music and moods, closets also change with the seasons.

With the temperature dropping, naturally comes the need for warmer clothing. Fabrics get thicker, and layers more plentiful. Winter's the time for creativity with accessories, especially for men, who are usually rather restricted in this field. Silks make up for the roughness of flannel and tweed. Neckerchiefs and Ascots add a subtle bit of classiness and warmth to outfits not sporting a neck-tie, and can even go far in adding some class to an otherwise very urban or casual outfit. The occasional cardigan, waistcoat, even hoodie or whatnot, gives opportunity for an added pop of colour.

On the outer layers, cashmere, silk and merino-wool keep the neck and chest warm in forms of scarves, draped in many styles and ways. They close the gaps on tweed jackets and warm overcoats. Sometimes leather jackets if the temperatures don't drop too low.

Layering for winter, via Loro Piana

With winter also come the vast differences between inside and outside temperatures, making layering a must. Of course the outer layer comes off when entering an indoor premises, but even then having options is usually more than welcome (especially considering the differences between indoors-environments). Now is the time for jerseys, cardigans, matching or odd waistcoats, multiple layers of shirtings, and more. Creativity is the key-word, as the options are almost limitless, as long as one keeps in might the setting one might be in. For the most formal occasions, keep in mind not all layers need to be visible of course.

As winter rears its frosty head, fabrics, habits and colours in wardrobes change. Like it or not, the seasons are a fact, and I'd rather work with what I can't fight. Tomorrow I'll be looking to purchase a good new pair of shoes for the season.