Charlotte Style (Murphy: wedding, theatre, luxury)

[anifani821]

What is the typical Charlotte style these days?

I used to know what it was but the demographics here have changed so much - I am no longer sure.

So what do you all consider to be Charlotte's "style?"

For example - style of 70-80-90s:

Used to be very preppy for casual daytime wear

This has always been a suit/tie sort of town. We raised our sons to start wearing suits at a young age (to church and to dine out, etc).

Also - what its the Charlotte car these days? Used to be any Mercedes Benz (and in some circles, BMW) and Toyota Camry was also very popular.

Guys - tell me about your shoes. For summer, it was always Topsiders, lol.

My hubby wears Borns for comfort and Johnston Murphy and Cole Hahns - w/ tassels (used to be a Charlotte staple - not sure now).

Khaki pants for men and women (women - seems to be khaki capris in summer now)

Just wondered what you all would define as Charlotte's style. Or have we lost a sense of style?

[bs13690]

I can only speak for myself but the dressiest thing I wear is a polo shirt and khakis and a pair of brown shoes. They are not exactly dress shoes but not loafers either, just enough to qualify as business casual. I only wear a suit for a wedding or a funeral.

[Jessica1979]

my husband works for Wachovia and he never wears a suit except for a funeral. Most days he wears a polo and khakis or a polo and jeans.

I think most people have their own styles. With so many people moving to Charlotte from all over the place I think we're more of a melting pot of fashions now. I am one of the only women in my office who wears dresses but always flowy cute fun dresses, not like business suits. I just think they're comfortable.

[smclarke4]

It's so funny that you mention the shoes with the tassles. When I first moved here I was amazed that all the men wore the same kind of belt (braided leather) and the same shoes. I used to call it the Charlotte man look without knowing that this was an actual term. My husband has always worn the same type of lace up shoe as long as I have known him and all of a sudden he looked clunky for want of a better word. I have to say though he has never bought the belt of shoes! My friends used to tell me he looked like a British rock star (they didn't mention which one). Charlotte woman - well now that for me is a very conservative look and I think Charlotte women are getting a little more bohemiam now. I love to see women with individual styles for dress and although I have to dress a little "charlotte woman" myself for work I never dress like that for social. I even go to mass in jeans and teeshirt.

[anifani821]

These are great replies! Keep them coming!

Yes, there used to be a Charlotte Man look and a Charlotte Woman look, lol. Even in other parts of the state, folks would know you were from Charlotte by what you wore, your hair, car, glasses, sunglasses, handbag, etc.

Used to be button down shirts for men, and especially nice if they were monogrammed. Monogram on cuff was very popular. In fact, it was so popular that the service was regularly offered in many shops.

For women - Lily Pulitzer prints for summer, with flats in bright colors to match a color in the fabric.

Madras (jackets or pants - for Guys) - always in style, especially for Friday nite buffet at the Country Club. Linen jackets . . . very nice for church, theatre or dinner out.

Women - gosh - all sorts of details. I would need to just take some photos . . . scarves have always been popular as that finishing touch, either around the neck or tied on to handbag. In summer, leather and straw handbags. Today, that would be translated to something like a Dolce & Gabbana like this:

Dolce & Gabbana Beach Bag | Luxury Leather and Straw Tote Purse » Bags, Handbags & Purses

or this Cole Haan:

Cole Haan Straw and Leather Clutch - Evening & Clutches - ThisNext

Also, any type of "novelty" handbag - something w/ embroidery, applique, etc.

For women - summer - Golf clothes are always fine, but linen was the big thing. What I think of as "Safari" jackets and pants . . . long skirts in white or khaki and bright accessories.

Oh, I could go on and on. But maybe that gives you some idea. I see other women still "follow the rules" of what used to be the "dress code" here . . . but less and less. I assumed that it is b/c no one really sees enough of it any more to find it cute and want to dress that way.

[sophialee]

I pretty much have two styles: One look says...is she homeless? The other says....is she going to the Opera? Or is she IN the opera?

LOL.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by sophialee

I pretty much have two styles: One look says...is she homeless? The other says....is she going to the Opera? Or is she IN the opera?

LOL.

Oh, God. You may have not been born in the South, but anyone into "costuming" - vintage clothing, evening wear, anything dramatic - has the soul of a Southern Femme Fatale, LOL!!!!!

[Shamwow!]

For business casual, comfortable slacks, nice long sleeve or short sleeve and some Ecco shoes.

For hanging out, I wear outdoor "earthy" or beach oriented clothing; like stuff from REI. I enjoying wearing New Balance or Keen shoes. Foot comfort is a priority as I have feet issues.

If I'm going to an upscale event, I usually wear a blazer. Definitely dress shoes but no tassles! For me the southern preppy ship has sailed...

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Shamwow!

For business casual, comfortable slacks, nice long sleeve or short sleeve and some Ecco shoes.

For hanging out, I wear outdoor "earthy" or beach oriented clothing; like stuff from REI. I enjoying wearing New Balance or Keen shoes. Foot comfort is a priority as I have feet issues.

If I'm going to an upscale event, I usually wear a blazer. Definitely dress shoes but no tassles! For me the southern preppy ship has sailed...

I love that beachy look.

I have found myself in cruise wear in the summer, since I can actually use it when we do cruise, lol! I really really like linen, just cause it seems so old school and elegant.

[sophialee]

Originally Posted by anifani821

Oh, God. You may have not been born in the South, but anyone into "costuming" - vintage clothing, evening wear, anything dramatic - has the soul of a Southern Femme Fatale, LOL!!!!!

Lol Ani, my Moms nickname for me is Scarlett (I tend to have a dramatic streak. lol) so you may be right!!

In my defense...the homeless look is usually only seen before noon at Harris Teeter.

My favorite everyday look is actually jeans (or capris if it's hot), a 1950s blouse or beaded cardigan over a wifebeater paired w/ one of my beloved Chanel 2.55's and matching Chanel slides or ballet flats.

I like to pair vintage and classics with an unexpected twist like ripped up jeans or a metal studded belt. Lol