What is "Folk Chic"?
I am in a collegiate choir, and we have been informed to wear “folk chic” clothing for a recording session next week. I do not have the slightest idea what this is, and all we have been provided with is a link to a google search for “folk chic male”, and told to stray away from flannel and jeans.
Answering the recommending inclusions in the read me are as follows:
Budget: If the clothing item is something I can wear more than the one time (like a pair of khakis) I am willing to not include it in the budget, but I would prefer to stay under $100 for the stuff I am only going to wear once.
Location: I live in a small sized city, and have access to all your name-brand department stores (Macy’s, Dillard’s, JC Penny, the like), as well as a fair few thrift stores.
In-person or online is fine, though time may affect online.
Recording is next week, so there isn’t too much time to wait for deliveries or sales.
Second hand is fine.
I typically wear large clothing, occasionally a medium fits better. My jeans are 32-32s.
I do not have reference pictures.
19 Replies
I would ask whoever is running this thing for reference pictures
or I guess ask the other ppl in the choir what they're planning on wearing
I do not have the slightest idea what this is, and all we have been provided with is a link to a google search for “folk chic male”, and told to stray away from flannel and jeans.was there anything appealing visually in this google search?
This popped up when I searched for "folk chic male" so yes
That was my first choice too
There's definitely stuff that is unappealing, but nothing that really sticks with me. Perhaps it would be easier if you knew the "vibe" of the song they want us to be matching?
I know that's not exactly a perfect way to build an outfit.
It is based upon this poem. I think when they want "folk chic" they are asking us to dress like we are the one who lives by the lake in this poem.
Something with some real earthy colors I think?
that makes sense
probably things like linen or cotton shirts, wool or corduroy or cotton chinos (or double linen), maybe a sweater on top
Based on this reference point, I would look up the costuming from Banshees of Inisherin as inspiration
You might want to look for big collar vintage shirts (corduroy, textured cotton like zeo said), cord waistcoats or blazers, wool trousers, chunky vintage knitwear
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here.
I’ll drop into the department stores tomorrow to pick up stuff matching these fabric types and the Banshees of Inisherin style.
And I’ll rush order what I can’t off Amazon
Thank you to everyone for all this help in untangling the mystery of “folk chic”.
I also want to say--based on how unhelpful your conductor was with this dress code and reference pictures, if you don't end up doing what they had in mind that is not your fault.
Definitely hit up the thrifts if you have time as well! I see this sort of stuff pretty often!
Don’t blame the condoctor. One of the grad students was supposed to send us examples of folk chic, and was the one to email us only links to google searches
Oh yeah that sounds about right
How do you think I managed? Think I might need to go look for a different blazer. Not the right material.
But it was probably the closest thing that fit me at the thrifts
I'd say very well done! I think it definitely fits the bill from the dress code
If I had any talent for sewing I’d try and swap out the buttons for some brass ones on the waistcoat
But I’m not that skilled or brave enough to try it anyway
It’ll definitely serve your need. Perhaps after the event you can take it to a tailor and have the buttons swapped out.